Ana Hernandez, M.S. CCC-SLP is the founder of Adult Stuttering, a practice focused on adults who stutter. She noticed a gap in quality care for adults and now advocates for improving their quality of life, not fluency. Ana created Green Social, is a SPERO Ally, and collaborates with SuperPenguin and other stuttering organizations. She also hosts her own stuttering-focused webinar. Outside of work, Ana enjoys pilates, classic literature, and exploring restaurants in Chicago.

Nick Caruso, M.S., CCC-SLP is a speech-language pathologist at the Chmela Communication Center, where he works with clients who stutter or have other speech and language needs. Nick is also a Camp Shout Out Facilitator and co-director of its Community Connections virtual program. He has presented at conferences in the U.S. and abroad and remains grateful for the guidance of his mentors in his professional journey.

Dr. Saundra Russell-Smith is a district-office educator in Naperville, Illinois, and a lifelong learner and teacher. She attended her first NSA conference in 2018 and has become an ambassador for people who stutter. She holds degrees in Psychology, Elementary Education, and Educational Leadership, along with a Superintendent's Endorsement. Dr. Russell-Smith lives in Chicago with her husband Mashuan, and their daughter Victoria, who will be attending Ball State University.

Sara Marie Wheeler is proud to be a person who stutters and is passionate about educating others. She is pursuing a master’s degree in communication sciences and disorders at Elmhurst University to become a speech-language pathologist, with a focus on neurodiverse-affirming care. In her free time, Sara enjoys watching TV, reading, taking road trips to Georgia, and talking to her dogs as if they were human.

Ross Christensen, M.A., CCC-SLP is a speech-language pathologist and a person who stutters. He has been involved in the NSA as a chapter leader in the Chicago and Phoenix areas. Ross’s approach to stuttering emphasizes embracing one’s voice and fostering supportive environments. In his work, he spreads the NSA's message of "It's OK to stutter," helping others find confidence and acceptance.

Kyle Pelkey, M.S., CCC-SLP is a speech-language pathologist at the Chmela Communication Center, where he provides assessment and treatment for clients with stuttering or other speech and language needs. He has presented at various conferences and serves as a facilitator at Camp Shout Out. Kyle’s experiences as a chapter leader and his work with mentors have shaped his career and his approach to helping others embrace their communication journeys.

Derek Sutor is a Special Education Teacher and Varsity Baseball Coach in St. Charles, Illinois. With 19 years of experience, Derek helps students become the best versions of themselves by drawing from his own experiences as a person who stutters. He was honored as Teacher of the Year in 2019 and is a passionate advocate for instilling hope and making a positive impact on students.

Molly Porzel is the wife of a person who stutters and mother to two children who stutter. She leads the NSA St. Louis Kids Chapter and works as an early childhood special education paraprofessional while pursuing her Master’s in Social Work. Molly is dedicated to creating a supportive community for young people who stutter, and she brings her personal and professional experiences to her advocacy work.