Partner/spouse coffee meet-up

This casual coffee chat is for the spouses and partners of PWS, those who don’t stutter themselves but love and live with people who do. As we encourage our loved ones who stutter on their personal journeys, this is a time to check-in with each other about our shared experience.

Tammy/Leiha

8:00 AM

Stuttering Sober: Daily Check-in for the Sober and Sober-Curious with Erin Williams

This will be a designated space and time in the morning for conference attendees in recovery to meet and share the unique experience of alcohol abuse and stuttering. It will also serve as a “safe space” for attendees struggling with managing the emphasis on drinking during after-hours events and the closing banquet.

Erin Williams

8:30 – 9:00 AM

Body mobility for relaxation and stress reduction

Adults, Young Adults

I am a licensed physical therapist and I would give a presentation regarding mobility and relaxation techniques for common trouble areas for people who stutter. I will give a PowerPoint presentation with background information including on the different parts of the nervous system and how it relates to conscious and unconscious tension in the body. That will be followed by an interactive session including stretching, breathing exercises, and other research-backed relaxation techniques.

Mordechai Fogel

9:00 – 10:15 AM

The Importance of Staying Connected to Community

Adults

This workshop is open to all ages but will have an emphasis on supporting Older Adults Who Stutter to remain connected to community. Older People Who Stutter need to maintain connection to their stuttering community just as much as anyone, and they need to feel confident in connecting to other communities that hold their interest where they live.
This workshop is to rekindle connection in the room but is also an opportunity to brainstorm how to get connected in our local communities so that we do not become isolated as we get a little older. We will make a list on a flipchart to send people home with ideas on how to connect to community.

Hannah Laday & Patrice Nolan

9:00 – 10:15 AM

The Postsecondary Educational Experiences of SLPs Who Stutter

SLPs (CEU offering)

A growing number of people who stutter are choosing to become speech-language pathologists (SLPs) to help empower others to communicate effectively and confidently. Unfortunately, stereotypes, misperceptions, and negative stigma toward stuttering can impact the educational experiences of students who stutter pursuing this career. Join us for an interactive discussion with four SLPs who stutter that work in various settings to learn about the challenges prospective SLPs who stutter may face, the importance of stuttering education and mentorship in academia, and ways professors, supervisors, and related professionals can support these students

Caitlin Franchini & others

9:00 – 10:15 AM

Kids: We Are Stamily

Kids

In this interactive workshop, kids will rotate through hands-on activities to explore the concept that they are part of a larger stuttering family (their “stamily”), reinforce the message that stuttering is okay, and share ideas for growing self-advocacy skills. Come join in on the fun and be part of the stamily!

Anne Williams & Evan Jordan

9:00 – 10:15 AM

What You Can Learn From Journaling Your Stuttering Journey

Adults, Young Adults

This session explores the benefits of journaling about one’s stuttering journey. Being mindful about your thoughts and feelings about stuttering is a big part of self-acceptance. How can you turn being mindful into actionable change that will help you adapt a more positive mindset? Journaling about your stuttering journey is a healthy habit that helps you tell your story and gives you the momentum and motivation to keep working at it. Talking points will include:
-admitting and embracing the negatives
-narrating the past
-journaling prompts
-measuring progress

Ariel Mahlmann

9:00 – 10:15 AM

Tweens/Teens/Parents: Meet the Teen Advisory Council

Kids, Teens, Parents

Join the Teen Advisory Council as they share their individual stories, the role of the TAC in the NSA and the impact their involvement in the NSA has had on them.

Teen Advisory Council

9:00 – 10:15 AM

Gene Discovery, Function and the Whole Body

Dr. Shelly Jo Kraft from Wayne State University and Dr. Dillon Pruett from Vanderbilt University will examine developmental stuttering from a holistic perspective. New genes recently discovered, underlying and shared biological mechanisms, and medical health profiling supports broadening the recognized clinical profile of stuttering.

Shelly Jo Kraft, PhD, CCC-SLP

9:00 – 10:15 AM

Teens: Just for Guys

Teens

This workshop will provide a sense of brotherhood amongst other teenage guys who stutter. Come to connect with one another and see what you have in common!

Russell Stevens

10:30 AM – 12:00 PM

Teens: Just for Girls

Teens

This workshop will provide a sense of sisterhood among many teen girls who stutter. Come to connect with one another and see what you have in common!

Morgan Mowery

10:30 AM – 12:00 PM

Kids/Tweens: Fun and Games with the NSA

Kids

Kids and tweens will come together on the first full day of the conference to have some fun and play some games! We’ll get to play some big group games and also break off into small groups to play different games together. Come join the fun!

Dana Koprowski

10:30 AM – 12:00 PM

Why Do We Hide? Exploring Covert Stuttering

Adults, Young Adults, SLPs (CEU offering)

This will be a panel discussion (Charley Adams, Tracey Wallace, and Colin Jared) with attendee participation. Charley will discuss why covert stuttering happens and the need for speech therapists to understand this phenomenon. Tracey and Colin will talk about their stories and related issues (e.g., the lived experience of covert stuttering, negative impacts of covert stuttering, steps to transition into embracing open stuttering, etc.). The panel will utilize approximately 30 minutes of the workshop, with the remainder being utilized for attendees to share their stories and question/answer session between panel and attendees.

Colin Jared & others

1:30 – 2:45 PM

Own Your Story! Healing the Wounds of Stuttering: Insights and Engagement Activities for Holistic Healing

Step into a journey of profound exploration as we unravel the hidden connections between trauma and stuttering in this captivating workshop. Delve into the depths of trauma’s impact on speech fluency and the enduring legacy it leaves within individuals who stutter. Led by a Psychologist and life-long stutterer, this workshop transcends traditional approaches by offering mindfulness and somatic approaches.Participants will gain practical strategies for holistic healing, empowering parents to support their children’s stuttering journey, and individuals who stutter to embark on a path of acceptance, liberation, with an aim to “Own Your Story.”

Eric Mendoza

1:30 – 2:45 PM

Empowering Communication Through Debate: How to Defend Your Hot Takes

Adults

In contrast to fluency-centered approaches, The Blank Center CARE Model™ empowers authenticity and spontaneity in communication. One method for strengthening your authentic voice is debate. Debating is a vital communication skill that is used on talk shows, in the political arena, and the comments section of your favorite social media. Debate participation is shown to increase communication competence, self-esteem, and critical thinking. During this workshop, participants will learn about effective communication, the dos and don’ts of winning an argument, and will get to participate in practice debates on fun and interesting topics.

Caitlin Franchini

1:30 – 2:45 PM

Passing Twice: LGBTQ+ People who Stutter

Young Adults, Adults

Passing Twice is a guided open discussion for LGBTQ+ people who stutter and their families, friends, and allies. Discussion topics will be open to anything relating to the intersections of these two communities, with a focus on the experiences of “coming out” and “passing” encountered by members of both the LGBTQ+ and stuttering communities.

Kory Tran & Ezra Horak

1:30 – 2:45 PM

Parents: Supporting Stuttering Can Be Your Superpower: A Tutorial

Parents

You know how brave your child who stutters is, as they exemplify communication skills and values that make you proud every day! Now, it is your turn, to become an even better communicator, both in discussing stuttering and listening to your child talk about stuttering. Because you are your child’s role model, becoming more comfortable in your stuttering discussions will only strengthen your parental-child relationship. This workshop will provide strategies for help with stuttering discussion while becoming an even more active listener. It is always a beautiful day to discuss stuttering and to show your stuttering support superpowers!

Emily Root

1:30 – 2:45 PM

Teens: College Applications & Admission as a PWS

Teens

This workshop will be primarily discussion-based, with presenter-provided questions to guide the discussion. I would focus on aspects of the college admission process I experienced and found more difficult to manage as a person who stutters, such as essay writing (primarily pertaining to writing about stuttering), college visits, determining which schools to apply to, and interviewing. The college admission process is already extremely challenging, but as a person who stutters it can be even more challenging. This workshop aims to provide a space for teens to learn more about the college admissions process and share their own experiences.

Adam Karr

1:30 – 2:45 PM

Using technology to assist in stuttering therapy

Adults, Young Adults, SLPs (CEU offering)

This workshop will present uses of Virtual Reality (VR) applications for use as a supplement to traditional stuttering therapies. VR applications have been developed for common situations that present difficulty for people who stutter, including ordering in a restaurant, speaking in public, and simulated work settings. Data from our lab indicates that VR technology can reduce stuttering and decrease anxiety. Decreases in anxiety were documented by decreases in heart rate and through qualitative analysis of interviews following two week trial periods. The VR technology in use allows clients to take the devices home for individual practice.

John Tetnowski & Athena Kirby

1:30 – 2:45 PM

Kids/Tweens: Stuttering Jeopardy

Kids

Come test your knowledge about stuttering by playing a game of Stuttering Jeopardy! Compete as a team to show what you know about stuttering facts, share your stories and experiences, and to win some awesome prizes.

Dan Haus

1:30 – 2:45 PM

Learning Rizziliance with a Stutter

We all want some rizz in our life. Learn from rizz experts Lydia and Cameron on how to incorporate some stuttering rizz into your daily life.

Lydia Webb & Cameron Joyce

1:30 – 2:45 PM

Teens & Their Parents: I Have an IEP and I’m Graduating from High School… What’s Next?

Parents, Teens

Many people are unaware that the IEP that you have in high school does not carry over to post secondary institutions (i.e., college, vocational programs). IDEA and its principles only apply to students until high school graduation or age 21, whichever comes first. There is no special education placement or IEP in college. However, while the IEP process only applies to students until high school graduation, other laws protect the rights of college students with disabilities and their accommodations. This workshop will take you through the steps to help access accommodations in postsecondary programs.

Jodi Reinstein

3:00 – 4:15 PM

Evidenced-Based Strategies for Successfully Navigating Job-Related Challenges

Adults, Young Adults, SLPs (CEU offering)

This workshop will present evidence-based practices for navigating job-related challenges. Results from a research study which gathered accounts from people who stutter and SLPs will be reviewed in order to reveal how job-related challenges can, and have been, successfully navigated. Learners will have the opportunity to discuss issues related to participation in the job market in a small-group workshop activity. This presentation will also provide information on how results of this study can be adopted by SLPs and researchers to empower people who stutter from early childhood to adulthood.

Cody Dew

3:00 – 4:15 PM

Language We Use: Do the Words we Use Impact Stuttering Stigma?

Adults, Young Adults, SLPs (CEU offering)

Is it a “bad” “speech impediment”, or a prominent stutter? Do we need our “fluency” “problem” “fixed”? Where did these words come from? In Language We Use: Do the Words We Use Impact Stuttering Stigma? will discuss how the words we use impact both internalized and societal perception. Continued conversation from the NSA Connects “The Language We Use”, join Mike Molino, CCC-SLP and PWS, and Ezra Horak, PWS, to discuss a new type of “word swap” for people who stutter.

Ezra Horak & Michael Molino

3:00 – 4:15 PM

Stuttering in Literature & Media: The Good & The Ugly

Adults, Young Adults

In this workshop the presenter will facilitate group discussion of how stuttering is portrayed in both media and literature. First, we will cover negative stereotypes in film such as ‘Waterboy’, and ‘A Fish Called Wanda’, discussing the societal consequences of these pieces and how they make us feel. Second, the presenter will introduce some pieces of media that drive a positive self-narrative of stuttering, including ‘Camp SAY’, and ‘Stutterer’. After, a brief explanation of both cinematherapy (Azios et al, 2021) and the presenter’s personal experiences engaging in it will conclude the meeting, aiming to add to attendees’ resource library.

Evan Jordan

3:00 – 4:15 PM

Stuttering, Shame, and Struggle: Oh My!: A Path of Healing

Adults

An almost-universal description of the inner experience of stuttering relates to feeling embarrassed about stuttering that feels out-of-control, whether weekly/daily/hourly or within a conversation. Even with speech therapy, feelings of “”not enoughness”” and thoughts of “”Why can’t I do this?”” may run amok.
During this interactive workshop, we explore the intersection of stuttering, the emotional and somatic experiences of shame and struggle, and look for sign markers on the roadways of resilience and healing.

Heather Najman

3:00 – 4:15 PM

Taking Up Space: Women Who Stutter

Adults

Women who stutter are a minority within a minority. Of the approximate 1% of people who stutter, only 1 in 5 are female. Women who stutter benefit greatly from interacting with other women who stutter. Talking openly about stuttering with other women provides support and connection and also reduces the isolation felt by many women who stutter. Join us in an interactive conversation where we will talk about confidence, self advocacy and taking up space instead of shying away from opportunities.

Pamela Mertz & others

3:00 – 4:15 PM

Kids/Tweens and their Parents: NSA Family Olympics

Parents, Kids

Calling all kids and tweens and their parents for the NSA Family Olympics! Get into the Olympic spirit as you participate in different activities and challenges with your family. Come join the fun and go for the gold!

Denise Deitchman & Kelly Kaczmarski 

3:00 – 4:15 PM

First Timers Open Mic

First Timers

People who stutter don’t often feel comfortable to speak up when they may be the only one who stutters. Here’s your chance to try it, to step up to a mic and say whatever you want in a safe, judgment free zone. You can introduce yourself and that’s it. You can tell us more, like why you decided to attend the conference. Or you can just listen and cheer your new friends on. Open mic sessions can often be the best part of the conference because people speak spontaneously and from the heart.

Andy Lynn 

3:00 – 4:15 PM

Teens Outing – Food trucks, Ice Cream Shoppe, etc.

Teens

Join the Teen Advisory Council and other teens as we adventure through food trucks, ice cream shops, and more! Meet in the lobby to head out with your fellow teens to explore!

4:30 – 7:00 PM

Partner/Spouse Happy Hour

5:00 – 6:00 PM

Stuttering in the Military. Yes, it’s possible!

Adults, Young Adults

Brief overview of the NSA’s Military Support Network, including how and why it was formed, available resources… Listen to experiences from a few of our Military Support Network advisors. Q&A session for adults and for teens who are considering military service, and parents too.

Mike Molino

5:00 – 6:00 PM

Sunrise yoga

Tammy/Leiha

7:00 – 7:45 AM

Partner/spouse coffee meet-up

This casual coffee chat is for the spouses and partners of PWS, those who don’t stutter themselves but love and live with people who do. As we encourage our loved ones who stutter on their personal journeys, this is a time to check-in with each other about our shared experience.

Tammy/Leiha

8:00 AM

Stuttering Sober: Daily Check-in for the Sober and Sober-Curious with Erin Williams

This will be a designated space and time in the morning for conference attendees in recovery to meet and share the unique experience of alcohol abuse and stuttering. It will also serve as a “safe space” for attendees struggling with managing the emphasis on drinking during after-hours events and the closing banquet.

Erin Williams

8:30 – 9:00 AM

First Timers Check In

First Timers

Join us for coffee and muffins for a quick informal check in to see how things are going so far. Ask questions you might have about the final two days and compare notes about what’s been the best experience so far. If you haven’t already, take a few minutes to exchange contact information with new friends and send Facebook friend requests!

Caitlin Franchini

8:30 AM

Cluttering Assessment, Therapy Considerations, and a Case Review

Adults, Young Adults, SLPs (CEU offering)

This workshop with begin with a historical review of our understanding of cluttering and modern interpretations such as the Least Common Denominator (LCD) Model. Current assessment and therapy considerations will also be explored. Finally, a recent adult case review will seek to illustrate the discussed concepts in clinical practice.

Matt Krause & Grace Kane

9:00 – 10:15 AM

No One is Perfect with Emily and Aidan

Adults, Young Adults

People Who Stutter experience a series of complex and dynamic emotions in their day-to-day lives. This can lead to finding safety and comfort in silence. As we grow to continue to choose safety over all others, how do we learn to advocate for ourselves? How do we develop skills to express our emotions? How do we build connections? How do we learn that silence isn’t always golden?

We’re going to say the quiet part out loud and have a discussion on Stuttering effects on Mental Health and Shame, furthermore how vulnerability can be a powerful tool in our society today and building connection.

Aidan Marshall-Cort & Emily Anderson

9:00 – 10:15 AM

Personal & Professional Compromises We Make As PWS

Adults, Young Adults

Finding a career path that allows you to breathe easier, both figuratively & literally, can be the definition of acceptance for many PWS. Join us for an open conversation about how we might choose our educational & career paths based on the fact that social interaction can be more socially and emotionally draining for a PWS due to the general public’s ignorance regarding our stutter, and that is okay. We would like to hear about how you ended up where you are, or the education/career path you are on, and how your stutter influenced that choice, if at all.

Katherine Tyler & Benjamin Pahl

9:00 – 10:15 AM

Kids/Tweens: Stuttering Snowball

Kids

The stuttering snowball activity is for kids and tweens to have fun talking about stuttering! First, we’ll write one interesting fact about ourselves on paper and ball it up and throw it, everyone picks one up and tries to guess who it is about. Next, we’ll write down one thing that’s hard about stuttering and ball it up and throw it, everyone picks one up and reads it out aloud to discuss. Last, we’ll write down one good thing about stuttering and ball it up and throw it, everyone picks one up and reads it out aloud to discuss. Come join us to have fun making stuttering snowballs!

Holly Nover & others

9:00 – 10:15 AM

Stuttering variability: what we know, what we don’t know, and what we can do about it

Adults, Young Adults, SLPs (CEU offering)

Stuttering varies. Everyone knows that, but interestingly we know little about it. In this presentation, an NIH- and NSF-funded researcher and board-certified stuttering specialist will talk about variability: what it is, why it happens, why affects it, and, importantly, what we can do about it. The presentation will include a discussion of ongoing studies aimed at improving our understanding of variability by (a) collecting the largest real-world samples of stuttered speech ever, (b) capturing perceptions of variability (influences and impacts), and (c) exploring ways of overcoming the challenges associated with stuttering variability.

J Scott Yaruss & others

9:00 – 10:15 AM

Your Right to Reasonable Accommodations

Young Adults

Federal law gives people who stutter the right to reasonable accommodations in the educational and workplace environments. Come learn about your rights from attorney and PWS Ben North, so you can better navigate entering the workforce as a young adult who stutters

Ben North

9:00 – 10:15 AM

Teens: Stuttering, School & Extracurriculars

Teens

Stuttering, School & Extracurriculars is a workshop crafted by teens for teens. We will discuss disclosing to classmates, teachers and teammates, as well as how to navigate difficult situations that may arise with our peers in a supportive space. This workshop aims to tell all people who stutter that stuttering should never hold you back from participating in school and in extracurricular activities!

Nico Linardon & others

9:00 – 10:15 AM

They Hear Our Voices – For Parents Who Stutter

Adults, Parents

Parents who stutter teach their children to listen. With that great opportunity comes fear, anxiety, pressure to be fluent and many more challenges and triumphs. Let’s talk about our fears in raising children who may or may not stutter. Children become so proud of their parents and are witnesses to our resiliency. This exposure to resiliency helps children develop self advocacy and empathy.

Dana Koprowski

9:00 – 10:15 AM

Parents: A Chance to Connect ~ Drop-In

Parents

Parents, need a moment to debrief from all you’ve experienced so far at the NSA? Feel free to come drop in to our parents room to have a chance to connect and debrief with other parents. This isn’t a formal workshop so come when you can!

Denise Deitchman & Kelly Kaczmarski

9:00 – 10:15 AM

Kids/Tweens: Scavenger Hunt

Kids

Hey kids, ready to have some fun and meet new friends?! Come join us as we explore and search for treasures around the hotel. Each group will be paired up with older teens and adults to help gather all the silly and exciting items during the scavenger hunt!

Helene Haus & Mark Haus

10:30 AM – 12:00 PM

Neither Here Nor There: Intersectionality and Stuttering

Adults, Young Adults

Intersectionality describes the interwoven nature of possessing multiple marginalized identities. Consequently, PWS/stutterers with these intersectional identities may have a difficult time feeling part of an in-group leading them to engage in masking behaviors across various environments to reduce discrimination, oppression, and stigmatization. Panelists will discuss their intersectional identities and their influence on masking as a survival mechanism, assimilation, and journey to reconciling with such experiences.

Derek Daniels & others

1:30 – 2:45 PM

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Stuttering

Adults, Young Adults

Probably no psychotherapy approach is better suited for stuttering than Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). It is grounded in the observation that often the harder we work at something the worse we make the problem, which can certainly happen with stuttering if approached from the wrong perspective. ACT is a research based approach to dealing with emotional challenges in a way that we remain authentic to ourselves and live our best lives. This interactive workshop will examine practical ways to embrace acceptance, and strategies for helping us to live our lives in accordance with our dreams and values.

John Wade

1:30 – 2:45 PM

Kids: Sing Along Dance Party

Kids

I will share my background as a PWS who has participated in performing arts for my entire life, and how it has helped me grow my confidence offstage. My sister and I will sing along to karaoke tracks with the kids. We’ll dance, have fun, and encourage each other to come out of our shells and join the sing along dance party! This was a hit at last year’s conference and we can’t wait to sing and dance with you again!

Nicolas Linardon & Cece Linardon

1:30 – 2:45 PM

How We Listen

Adults, Young Adults

How well do we listen? As people who stutter, we tend to focus most on one thing: how we sound when we speak. But what would happen if we changed that? Speaking is just one component of communication as a whole. Whether or not we realize it, how we speak impacts how we listen, and vice versa. This workshop will examine the relationship between speaking, listening and communication as a whole. Upon examining these relationships, we will explore the power of listening and discover what type of listeners we are, in particularly, as people who stutter. When we understand these more, we’ll be able to grow in our communication skills as a whole.

Chyncia Smith

1:30 – 2:45 PM

Speaking on the Spot

Adults, Young Adults

Does the thought of being asked a question in front of a crowd make you want to run? Do your palms get sweaty when you are put on the spot to speak? Come to our workshop and learn about Table Topics, a Toastmasters tradition where speakers get to practice organizing their thoughts quickly and deliver a short speech in response to a question or topic. Questions/topics may be thought-provoking, deep, silly, or totally random. We’ll provide tips on how to be more comfortable speaking on the spot, in front of a crowd with your unique voice.

Kory Tran & David Alpuche

1:30 – 2:45 PM

Unlocking the Secret World of Men Who Stutter

Adults, Young Adults

We are BACK! This workshop addresses the challenges faced by men who stutter in their personal and professional lives. Topics include societal expectations, perceptions of weakness, and building relationships. The workshop also provides a space for men to connect and share experiences. The goal is to better understand the unique issues men who stutter face and support them in their lives. Persons who identify as a man and/or non-binary are welcome to attend.

Andrew Bowers & Tim Flynn

1:30 – 2:45 PM

Parents: What We Wish Our Parents Knew

Parents

In this workshop, four teens who stutter will be expressing and sharing what they wish parents knew about stuttering and how to best help them.

Morgan Mowery & others

1:30 – 2:45 PM

Tweens/Teens: Speaking Truth: Sharing Stories in the Face of Bullying

Kids, Teens

“Speaking Truth” is a safe space for individuals who stutter to share their experiences with bullying. Through storytelling and discussion, participants explore the emotional impact, coping strategies, and advocacy tools to empower themselves and others. Join me for an inclusive conversation including resilience, empathy, and understanding. Let your story be told.

Linus Simner

1:30 – 2:45 PM

Stuttering and Humor

Adults

Do you have 10 minutes? I need to have a 5 minute conversation. This workshop will provide an opportunity for participants to explore humor and stuttering. Is stuttering funny? Or are the situations that stuttering sometimes places us in funny? Is there a difference? The presenter will share his own philosophy towards humor and how it has helped the emotional toll of stuttering when he was younger. Participants will watch short clips and break into smaller groups to discuss whether or not the clip is funny. Time will be allotted for discussion and for participants to share their own humorous stories related to stuttering.

Timothy Flynn

3:00 – 4:15 PM

Siri, L-L-Listen to Me!: Increasing accessibility of voice-activated technology for the stuttering community

Adults, Young Adults, SLPs (CEU offering)

Voice-activated artificial intelligence (voice AI) is increasingly ubiquitous in social, work, and healthcare contexts. Concerningly, voice AI is inaccessible to the stuttering community, a marginalized group that is already known to be vulnerable to disparities in quality of life and occupational outcomes. We will present results from ongoing empirical studies, with co-investigators with expertise in the areas of speech-language pathology, AI, organizational psychology, and lived experience of stuttering. This research is funded by the National Science Foundation Convergence Accelerator program.

Jia Bin & Scott Yaruss

3:00 – 4:15 PM

Younger and Older Adults Bridging the Generational Gap

Adults, Young Adults

A multigenerational panel will discuss the challenges and experiences of younger and older adults in overcoming barriers and living successfully with stuttering.

Eldon Solomon & others

3:00 – 4:15 PM

Stuttering While Black 2.0 – Pushing to Purpose

Adults

Chris McLeod returns to tell his story of an existence unique to some, but relatable to all. Being Black and a stutterer made him believe there would be limits on his life. From growing up as a child in a proud West Indian family to encounters with the police as a young adult, come and hear how God proved his fears wrong, and how confronting his stutter after years of avoidance and denial led him on a path of acceptance and spiritual self-discovery that has opened doors to bring larger conversations of Black men’s mental health into traditionally-forbidden spaces like the Black Church. Come and listen. Come and share. Come and be inspired.

Chris McLeod

3:00 – 4:15 PM

Kids/Tweens who Stutter: This Is What My Stutter Looks Like

Kids

Kids and tweens who stutter will get to put their creativity to the test, creating a piece of art that resembles their stuttering! Everyone’s stutter is unique and so are you. This is a chance to express yourself through art and show everyone what stuttering looks like to you!

Evan “E” Draine

3:00 – 4:15 PM

Kids/Tweens ~ Siblings: Unleash Your Inner Artist

Kids

Whether it’s being the sibling of someone who stutters or something else, we all have something special to share with the world. Get ready to let your creativity flow in this workshop for siblings of kids and teens who stutter! Participants will get to complete different art pieces to take home to remember their experience at the conference. Come ready to unleash your inner artist!

Joan Ross & Courtney Abadiotakis

3:00 – 4:15 PM

Parents: Just for Moms

Parents

There’s a saying that a mother is only as happy as her unhappiest child, and for most of us that could not be truer. We want our children to be happy, confident, accepted and appreciated for who they are, but when our child is struggling, for any reason, we feel it deeply. In this workshop we will discuss the unique relationship and bond moms share with their kids and lean on each other for inspiration and support. We will also discuss the importance of self-care, so we are our best selves when our kids need us most.

Denise Deitchman & Kelly Kaczmarski

3:00 – 4:15 PM

Parents: Just for Dads

Parents

Join us in a roundtable discussion with dads of children who stutter. The dads may also have a stutter themselves or have a spouse or other relative who stutters. This is an opportunity to talk with other father’s, male spouses, uncles, etc. who really understand the experience of raising a child who stutters. We will talk about the challenges and triumphs and everything in between.

Cha Holmes & Mike Gioscia

3:00 – 4:15 PM

Teens Social Hour

Teens

Join the Teen Advisory Council and enjoy spending quality time with other teens!

Teen Advisory Council

3:00 – 4:15 PM

Covert Open Mic

People who stutter often don’t feel comfortable to speak up when they may be the only one in a room who stutters. People who stutter covertly, who actively try to hide stuttering, may find it even more difficult. Here’s your chance to try it, to step up to a mic and say whatever you want in a safe, judgment free zone. You can introduce yourself and that’s it. You can tell us more, like why you decided to attend this conference. Or you can just listen and cheer others on. Open mic sessions can often be the best part of the conference because people speak spontaneously and from the heart.

Rachel McCullough

3:00 – 4:15 PM

Parents Happy Hour

Parents

After your busy day of workshops, come join your fellow parents to relax and unwind at our parents happy hour in the hotel lobby bar!

4:30 – 6:00 PM

Teens Outing – Food Trucks, Mini Golf, Ropes Course, etc

Teens

Join the Teen Advisory Council and other teens as we adventure through food trucks, mini golf, ropes courses, and more! Meet in the lobby to head out with your fellow teens to explore!

4:30 – 7:00 PM

Sunrise yoga

Tammy/Leiha

7:00 – 7:45 AM

Partner/spouse coffee meet-up

This casual coffee chat is for the spouses and partners of PWS, those who don’t stutter themselves but love and live with people who do. As we encourage our loved ones who stutter on their personal journeys, this is a time to check-in with each other about our shared experience.

Tammy/Leiha

8:00 AM

Stuttering Sober: Daily Check-in for the Sober and Sober-Curious with Erin Williams

This will be a designated space and time in the morning for conference attendees in recovery to meet and share the unique experience of alcohol abuse and stuttering. It will also serve as a “safe space” for attendees struggling with managing the emphasis on drinking during after-hours events and the closing banquet.

Erin Williams

8:30 – 9:00 AM

The Look – Overcoming Shame and Guilt

Adults, Young Adults, SLPs (CEU offering)

Every person who stutters knows “the look!” When we experience an unexpected or random moment of stuttering in a variety of social situations, we often instantaneously perceive a concerned look of judgement from our listener. Whether the look is a broad facial grimace from an insensitive grocery checker or a subtle raise of an eyebrow from a supportive parent or family member, “the look” cuts like a knife! As people who stutter, our immediate gut reaction to “the look” is most often intense feelings of shame and guilt. In this workshop, we will explore a new way of experiencing the look for both the speaker and the listener.

Ted Levatter

9:00 – 10:15 AM

Empowering SLPs: Building Cultural Proficiency for Inclusive Patient Care

Adults, SLPs (CEU offering)

Join this interactive workshop and journey towards culturally proficient patient care. You will gain interactive learning and practical application as you engage with fellow SLPs through a reflective, dialogic, and action-oriented process and discover how to apply the Tools of Cultural Proficiency to your mindset, practices, and behaviors. Equip yourself with tools to deliver inclusive, patient-centered care regardless of cultural differences and support your patients’ access to reach their full potential. Explore the transformative power of the Tools of Cultural Proficiency and how they can enhance your role as a Speech-Language Pathologist.

Jaime Welborn

9:00 – 10:15 AM

Finding the Right SLP

Adults, Parents, SLPs (CEU offering)

What does finding the right SLP look like? Is it a Coach, Mentor, or Clinician? Join Mike and Russell as they discuss their journey and help you navigate this often difficult process: including tips on what to look for, some red flags to avoid, and questions to ask along the way.

Russell Stevens & Michael Molino

9:00 – 10:15 AM

Kids/Tweens: Creative Corner

Kids

Join TAC Members, Hayley and Jolie, in their creative corner! We’ll make paper crowns with positive affirmations like “It’s OK to Stutter” and “Stutter Bravely.” We’ll also decorate bandannas and make bracelets. While you create, join us for an open conversation, where we will accept and embrace each other’s voices. Kids and tweens will leave this workshop empowered, feeling heard, and with some cute crafts!

Hayley Stuckey & Jolie Deitchman

9:00 – 10:15 AM

How To Find Your Person: Foundations for Romantic Relationships as a PWS

Adults, Young Adults

As you encounter couples in your daily life, you may wonder… how did they meet? How long have they been together? Was it love at first sight?This panel of four couples (one PWS + their fluent partner) will answer those questions and more during this workshop. This moderated session will feature the diverse perspectives of couples that will share relationship insight including how they navigate situations as a couple when one partner stutters and the other does not.

Carl Coffey & others

9:00 – 10:15 AM

Stuttering at Work

Young Adults

Job interviews (and work generally) can be stressful, but they can be a little less stressful if you know how to strategically handle your stuttering.

Tatum Machnica & Cameron Joyce

9:00 – 10:15 AM

Parents: A Chance to Connect ~ Drop-In

Parents

Parents, need a moment to debrief from all you’ve experienced so far at the NSA? Feel free to come drop in to our parents room to have a chance to connect and debrief with other parents. This isn’t a formal workshop so come when you can!

Denise Deitchman & Kelly Kaczmarski

9:00 – 10:15 AM

Teens: After the Conference

Teens

The workshop begins with Clint sharing about his life and his stuttering journey. Teens will have a chance to share how the NSA has impacted their lives. We’ll explore the true magic of the NSA and how imperative it is that we keep it going and stay connected after we leave and rejoin the real world. We’ll discuss the many unique opportunities to stay connected like Teen Talks and through NSA Chapters.

Clint Holmes

10:30 – 11:45 AM

Kids/Tweens who Stutter: This is ME!

Kids

At this workshop, kids will BE BRAVE and have an opportunity to write letters to their families, friends and teachers, letting them know how they want to be treated as a person who stutters. Kids will be provided with the tools and courage they need to educate others about stuttering. Kids should leave this workshop feeling empowered and ready to tackle any stuttering situation at home, in the classroom and on the playground.

Joan Ross & Courtney Abadiotakis

10:30 – 11:45 AM

Kids/Tweens ~ Siblings: Message in a Bottle

Kids

As a sibling, it can be hard to watch your brother or sister have hard days with stuttering. In this workshop, we are going to write words of encouragement to our siblings, and keep them in a bottle, so when your brother or sister has a hard day, they can reach in and get some encouragement from you!

Emily Webb

10:30 – 11:45 AM

Closing Mic – The Floor is Yours

Young Adults

Come together with the Young Adults one last time to reflect on what the past few days have meant to us and think about where we can go from here! We will also discuss how to stay connected throughout the year!

YA Committee

1:30 – 2:45 PM

The Power and Importance of Counseling and Connecting With Our Clients

Adults, Young Adults, SLPs (CEU offering)

Speech-language pathology has long valued the importance of counseling as a foundation to connect with clients who stutter, their families and/or caregivers. Furthermore, a critical skill within counseling that SLPs need to have to be an effective service provider is the ability to effectively and actively listen. Clinicians must be able to listen and communicate effectively while respecting the needs, values, and cultural background of their clients, family members, and caregivers. Along with clinical examples, this experiential session will provide attendees with an opportunity to share their experiences and learn from each other.

James Panico & Derek Daniels

1:30 – 2:45 PM

BIPOC 3.0

Adults

The NSA understands the importance of supporting its members who exist at the intersection of underrepresented and marginalized identities. During this workshop, we will highlight organization-wide changes that have been made over the past year to represent and support diverse communities within the stuttering community. You will have an opportunity to connect with others through small and large group discussions of selected topics. An open forum will also be facilitated for attendees to share their thoughts and ideas for the upcoming year. We look forward to seeing new and familiar faces!

Ashleigh Givens & others

1:30 – 2:45 PM

Kids: Closing

Kids

Did you have a great time at the conference this year? What was your favorite memory? We will answer these questions and more during this workshop. We will have fun playing games together and let our friends know what we loved most about this amazing conference. Let’s have one more party together, just us kids!

Emily Webb

1:30 – 2:45 PM

Tweens: Closing

Kids

Let’s get together for one last workshop filled with fun and friends! Join us as we share what we’ve learned about ourselves, what we’ve enjoyed most at conference this year and what the last few days have meant to us all. This is always a favorite, so you won’t want to miss it.

Dan Haus

1:30 – 2:45 PM

Parents: Closing Roundtable

Parents

As conference comes to a close, join us as we gather one last time to share our experiences, what we’ve learned, what’s inspired us and how we plan to keep moving forward on this stuttering adventure with our kids who stutter.

Holly Nover

1:30 – 2:45 PM

Teens: Closing

Teens

Come together with the teens of the NSA to reflect on what the past few days have meant to us and think about where we can go from here! You don’t want to miss this!

Teen Advisory Council

1:30 – 2:45 PM

First Timers Closing Mic

First Timers

Here’s one more time to take a chance and feel the thrill of saying what you want into a microphone knowing that you can take as long as you want. Tell us how the conference went and maybe, just maybe, tell us that you’ll be back again next year. Then you can help others have this same opportunity.

Jonah Otis

1:30 – 2:45 PM