< Back Previous John Moore Presenter John Moore is a marketing strategist, business book author, and keynote speaker. He volunteers his time as a board member for Adaptive Pickleball and leads the National Stuttering Association Adult Chapter in Greenville, South Carolina. Next

Learn how Adriana Flowers,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Corona Corps Care Adriana Flowers Briefly describe your daily job duties. I work within the University of Oregon Health Services with an organization called Corona Corps. My duties are to call students and the community around the University who have tested positive for COVID-19 or who are contacts of such. As a Care Team Member, I provide people with resources and support in order to navigate this pandemic. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. Definitely making phone calls to people. It goes without saying that making and receiving calls is very challenging as a person who stutters. To deliver the news to someone, maybe for the first time, that they have COVID-19 or that they were in contact with someone who tested positive is never easy to do. This is even harder when you cannot interact with the person face-to-face and see their body language and how they’re feeling. Especially if the person is overwhelmed and anxious, you can feel it and that can make me more anxious and prone to more stuttering. Did you self-disclose your stuttering during the job hiring process? If so, how did you do it and how do you currently disclose your stuttering to unsuspecting co-workers, clients and or customers? Yes, I was interviewed over Zoom and I disclosed my stutter to all my prospective co-workers and supervisors. It felt like a relief and it was nice that people knew and understood that part of me. Currently, I have only disclosed to some co-workers if I have a bad stuttering day where I cannot control it as much or if I am about to make a call for the first time and feel nervous. I haven’t disclosed to people that I call because it is a very small interaction and they are already receiving other information and I don’t want to overwhelm them with stuff. I also haven’t had any issues yet with actual calls. What is your proudest moment at your current company? The first call I received was unexpected and I handled it well. I was kind of nervous because I was not expecting an incoming call, but the way it was handled was great. I also handled a confusing call in a professional way despite it not being on the script and despite my stutter. What are your long-term career aspirations? For now, I plan on graduating with a B.A. in Global Studies and a Minor in French and pursue my graduate studies. Then, move to Washington D.C. and work as a Foreign Service Officer (a.k.a. diplomat), and specialize in International Development and work for development agencies like the U.S. Agency for International Development. What’s your best advice for people who stutter just entering the workplace and for those in a career striving to achieve greater success? Don’t let your stutter stop you from landing your dream job or getting that job you want. You’re much more capable of performing your duties than you think you are. Your stutter doesn’t define you and it doesn’t define your performance at work. Going out of your comfort zone is definitely something you should try. I don’t regret choosing this job because I know it can push me out of my comfort zone and give me valuable experience.

Meet Amanda Elias, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Amanda Elias Regional Chapter Coordinator - Mid Atlantic Region DC, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia Amanda Elias is from West Monroe, Louisiana. She is a Speech-Language Pathologist and Instructor at the University of Louisiana Monroe (ULM). She received her undergraduate degree from Louisiana State University, master’s degree from Louisiana Tech University, and PhD through the University of Louisiana Monroe’s Marriage and Family Therapy Program with a concentration in Systemic Studies. She has been a Chapter Leader for the Monroe, LA Chapter of the National Stuttering Association since March of 2019. She also holds the Ally of Stuttering Seal through Spero Stuttering, Inc.

< Back Previous Will Nading Presenter Will Nading, 44, has spoken with a stutter for as long as he can remember. In his mid- to late 20s, his attitude towards his speech began to shift from frustration and shame to acceptance. Will first met another person who stuttered at his first National Stuttering Association Chapter meeting in Birmingham, AL, at 28 years old. He has since moved to Greenville, South Carolina, where he lives with his wife and two daughters. Professionally, Will is a Licensed Professional Engineer who designs drinking water and sewer infrastructure projects for water and sewer utilities all around the country. Next

< Back Taylor Worsham – From Acceptance to Fierce Advocacy When Taylor Worsham found the NSA in 2023, she was looking for connection and community. What she found was so much more—an organization that welcomed and accepted her with open arms and encouraged her to use her voice. Today, Taylor is a part-time NSA team member, helping lead our copywriting and community engagement efforts. But before her role on staff, she began as a volunteer, quietly creating graphics and social content—amplifying the voices of others while learning to embrace her own. “I grew up thinking I was a victim of my stutter. However, accepting myself for who I am has helped me in every way imaginable. Don’t get me wrong; I still have days where I think, "Man, life would be so much easier if I were just fluent," but I realize that God made this way for a reason and I truly believe it makes me a better person. I can't imagine it NOT being a part of me.” Taylor shares that speech therapy, for her, always came with an expectation of fluency. No one ever asked what she wanted. It wasn’t until she found the NSA that she learned stuttering acceptance was even an option. “Before the NSA, I honestly had no idea that acceptance was even an option. As a child, I went to speech therapy for years and was taught that stuttering was bad. This community is so brave and so vulnerable. It’s inspiring. I no longer despise or wish to change this part of myself. It's just a different way of speaking.” One of Taylor’s proudest moments came on International Stuttering Awareness Day 2024, when she sent a heartfelt message to her entire company—disclosing her stutter, offering helpful tips, and pointing to resources for learning more. The response was full of encouragement and support. “It was a big moment for me. As someone who tried extremely hard their whole life to pretend that their stutter didn't exist, I'm proud of the leaps and bounds I have made on my stuttering journey this far.” Her message to new NSA members is full of warmth: ”This community is so welcoming and accepting. I know it can be daunting outside looking in, but there is something different for everyone. If you can't make it to an Annual Conference, join in on virtual events. There's an entire community here waiting to welcome you with open arms.” Get to know Taylor: Favorite ice cream: Vanilla Beach over mountains or desert Comfort rewatch: The Golden Girls Current jam: “Slow Burn” by Kacey Musgraves Pet: 1 cat Fun fact: Taylor’s favorite Bible verse is Jeremiah 29:11. Dream vacation: Italy to honor her Italian roots Taylor’s story is one of resilience, reflection, and rising into your voice. Thank you, Taylor, for your voice! Previous Next

< Back Previous Ralph McRae Jr. Presenter Ralph McRae Jr. is a US Army Vietnam veteran and seasoned entrepreneur, he built and retired from several successful businesses and now enjoys an adventurous life flying planes and helicopters, while cherishing time with his wife, Anna, of 23 years. He is a person who stutters and this is his first NSA conference. Next

Learn how Joe Bergren,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Marketing Director Joe Bergren Briefly describe your daily job duties. I’m a content producer for ET Digital, primarily writing news and feature video packages that publish on ET’s many platforms. These include ETOnline.com, ET Live, YouTube and more. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. This might be a common response here, but certainly instances where I’ve needed to request assistance. In my case, it would be steps in the production process that require vocal performance. Since I happen to work with a wonderful team of true professionals who have been nothing but supportive, the actual ‘challenging’ aspect here is only the self-imposed anxiety that can happen when asking for accommodations. Did you self-disclose your stuttering during the job hiring process? If so, how did you do it and how do you currently disclose your stuttering to unsuspecting co-workers, clients and or customers? I did not. Many people knew me before I moved into my current position and were aware I’m a person who stutters. In other situations, I’ve had to assess the best strategy for both disclosing to individual co-workers, as well as groups of people. Each context has its own set of variables that influence my approach. Overall, I usually try to capitalize on organic moments where an opportunity has presented itself for me to segue into disclosing my stutter. This includes during very casual, even mundane conversations, and more formal discussions. Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. I usually take a few moments to consider my fluency options (so to speak) for what I need to say during a meeting or discussion. In one way or another, it’s something I’ve instinctively done going all the way back to group assignments in middle school. An unintended (albeit very welcome) side effect is that you end up listening very intently to what each person is saying. You have to. One reason simply being that jumping off what someone is talking about is a bonafide speaking shortcut. And in order to utilize those moments, I give my full attention to anyone who has the floor. The macro benefit here is, of course, showing my peers that I believe what they’re saying is important and has value. Because it does, and for me — in more ways than one. Overall, this could be simplified to the more cliche notion that people who stutter become great listeners. Which is true. Part of the joy of being in this community is witnessing the many ways stuttering has us leveling up in these spaces. What is your proudest moment at your current company? In an abstract sense, it would be having started in a position where “entry level” could not have been a more accurate description. From the perspective in my current role, it’s incredibly fulfilling to see how I’m able to apply what I’ve learned to the new experiences that greet me everyday. What are your long-term career aspirations? Continuing to produce stories in the online media landscape and identifying what storytelling structures connect with audiences the most. I am working toward multiple trajectories, all of them focused on connecting people with themes and subjects I’m passionate about. This will hopefully include long-form content, digital and real-world mediums, blue sky brainstorming, diverse collaborations, and helping people tell THEIR unique stories. What’s your best advice for people who stutter just entering the workplace and for those in a career striving to achieve greater success? Recognize moments where you can open up about being a person who stutters to co-workers, peers, clients, etc. Invite those moments, even. Roll out the red carpet for them.* Speaking only for myself here, it’s been easy to forget how much it’s influenced who I am, where I’m at and what lies ahead for me. Sharing that with other people isn’t just about disclosing for professional or practical reasons. In the past, I’ve realized how leaving out such a significant part of one’s life creates an incomplete picture of yourself for everyone to see. The journey with that ongoing a-ha moment has fundamentally made my professional life better and, dare I say it, more fun. Lastly, don’t be afraid of any presumed challenges and awkward situations that you’re going to encounter. Not to say there won’t be obstacles and maybe even countless awkward moments on account of being a person who stutters. After all, it’s our lot in life. But the endurance we gain from them absolutely cannot be matched. *(why yes I do work in entertainment news why do you ask.)

< Back Previous Eldon Solomon Presenter Eldon Solomon is a CEO and a lifelong person who stutters, but he identifies first as a husband of 38 years and a proud grandfather. Eldon has led veteran outreach and mental health clinics, guiding people from “just surviving” to truly thriving. After attending his first Annual Conference in 2023, he felt a call to lend his heart and professional experience to the stuttering community. Eldon helps people who stutter navigate their own “Survival Hijack,” the moments when fear takes the wheel. Based in Indiana, Eldon is proof that it is never too late to build new bridges and support meaningful change. Next

Meet Vicki Benson Schutter, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Vicki Benson Schutter Seasoned Voices Committee Vicki Benson Schutter has been an active member of the NSP/NSA since the Houston chapter was founded in 1985. She is a former NSA Board Member and has also been a Houston chapter leader. Vicki lives with her husband Steve and their kitty Ginger. She is retired and enjoying the quiet life after 34 years of work at Rice University. Her hobbies include taking care of Steve, subservience to her cat, wine tasting, and watching Jeopardy with Steve (which sometimes includes yelling at the TV).

< Back Previous Hayden Downs Presenter Hayden Dows is a recent graduate of Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, where he received his Master's Degree in Speech-Language Pathology and prior to that, a Bachelor of Science in Communicative Sciences & Disorders from Baylor University in Waco, Texas. As a person who stutters (PWS), Hayden has experienced his own struggles and feels he has valuable advice and experiences to share to help make another PWS’s college journey a little easier. Next

< Back Previous Hayley Stuckey Presenter Hayley Stuckey is a Pre-Business student at Brigham Young University. She is in her third term on the Teen Advisory Council and is one of the Co-Presidents of Sisters Who Stutter. Charlotte will be her fourth Annual Conference and she’s excited to see friends and meet new ones. In August, Hayley is leaving on an 18-month mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Next

Join the Wayne - Adult stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Wayne ADULT CHAPTER IN-PERSON MEETINGS NORTHEAST REGION Official NSA Chapter - New Jersey State Welcome to the NSA Wayne Chapter! The National Stuttering Association’s® motto: If You Stutter, You’re Not Alone®, is what our NSA Chapters are all about! Chapter meetings are open to people who stutter, family members of people who stutter, speech-language pathologists (SLPs), and anyone that wants to learn more about stuttering. Feel free to reach out to the Chapter Leader(s) to find out more about our chapter. We hope you will join us! How do you typically meet? In-Person Meetings What age group can attend? Adult What languages are spoken? English How much does it cost? Free Meetings Here is information on the location and schedule of our meetings. Reach out to the Chapter Leader(s) for more information! Where? Wayne Public Library - 461 Valley Rd, Wayne, NJ 07470 Preakness Room (In back by Reference Desk) When? Meetings are held on 1st Thursday of each month from 6:30 to 7:30PM EST. **Our January 2026 meeting will be held on the 2nd Thursday, January 8th! See you then!** Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Matthew Reis Chapter Leader Get in touch! mreis221@gmail.com 862-226-3867 - Questions? We know that attending your first NSA Chapter meeting might be a little intimidating so we’ve tried to answer some of your questions! We know once you get there, you’ll be greeted by Chapter Leaders who have been in your shoes before and are happy to welcome you! What are NSA Local Chapters? Local chapters are the heartbeat of the NSA — powerful spaces where you can meet others, share experiences, and feel supported. Whether you’re an adult who stutters or part of a family navigating stuttering together, we have a chapter for you. Learn more about NSA Chapters and find a meeting close to home! Read more about NSA Chapters and plan to attend a meeting near you! What does a local NSA chapter do? How can I find a local NSA chapter? What happens at an NSA meeting? Who attends an NSA Chapter? Do you need to RSVP before joining an NSA chapter meeting? Do you offer virtual chapter meetings? Don’t see an answer to your question? How do I start a local NSA chapter? How do I start a local NSA chapter? Testimonials Read more about the power of chapters and support groups from NSA members themselves! "When I attended my first conference in 2019. I was welcomed into this "stamily" with open arms and haven't left the bear hug since!" Lexi Hewitt Exton, PA Chapter "Other people who stutter are the best sources of support, love, and encouragement on your journey. Don't be afraid to reach out, no matter what stage you're at." Gina Waggott Author, Entrepreneur "This community has helped me rediscover myself as a confident and capable person who stutters." John Ontiveros Lorem, CA Chapter