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Cris Blak
IDEA COMMITTEE CHAIR
(he/him)
Cris is a writer, arts worker, educator, stuttering ally, and is excited to join the Board of Directors for SPACE as the Committee Chair for Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA). His goal is to not only tell stories of the world we live in but actively work to make that world a safer, more equal place for those who find themselves underrepresented, or not represented at all.
A Houston-native, he always hopes to focus on community and finding ways to bring people together through the arts and the honest cultivation of important conversations. He knows that we all have a voice that has value and wants to make sure every voice is heard and valued. When he's not doing this, he can be found napping, snacking, writing, reading, taking walks, and talking to his friends and loved ones. With big dreams, big goals, and a big belief in the work SPACE is doing, Cris is ready to play a small part in making this world a little more accepting and willing to hear the voices and stories that may not usually have the chance to be heard.
(he/him)
Cris is a writer, arts worker, educator, stuttering ally, and is excited to join the Board of Directors for SPACE as the Committee Chair for Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA). His goal is to not only tell stories of the world we live in but actively work to make that world a safer, more equal place for those who find themselves underrepresented, or not represented at all.
A Houston-native, he always hopes to focus on community and finding ways to bring people together through the arts and the honest cultivation of important conversations. He knows that we all have a voice that has value and wants to make sure every voice is heard and valued. When he's not doing this, he can be found napping, snacking, writing, reading, taking walks, and talking to his friends and loved ones. With big dreams, big goals, and a big belief in the work SPACE is doing, Cris is ready to play a small part in making this world a little more accepting and willing to hear the voices and stories that may not usually have the chance to be heard.
Laura Bozzone
BOARD SECRETARY
(she/her)
Laura is an arts administrator, educator and advocate with a passion for creating inclusive spaces in which individuals can explore and express their unique stories and selves. Laura is the Director of Education at Marquis Studios, an arts education non-profit that partners with under-resourced schools in NYC to provide students with access to high quality art programming.
As a teaching artist for over 11 years, Laura has spearheaded theater education programming in a wide variety of communities around the country with organizations such as Stuttering Association for the Young (S.A.Y.), George Street Playhouse, Stages on the Sound, Child’s Play NY, and Alabama Shakespeare Festival. She holds a B.F.A in Theater Arts from Hofstra University and an M.S. in Educational Theater from City College of New York. Laura lives in Brooklyn with her husband and their rescue dog Lionel. She is thrilled to be part of the SPACE community!
(she/her)
Laura is an arts administrator, educator and advocate with a passion for creating inclusive spaces in which individuals can explore and express their unique stories and selves. Laura is the Director of Education at Marquis Studios, an arts education non-profit that partners with under-resourced schools in NYC to provide students with access to high quality art programming.
As a teaching artist for over 11 years, Laura has spearheaded theater education programming in a wide variety of communities around the country with organizations such as Stuttering Association for the Young (S.A.Y.), George Street Playhouse, Stages on the Sound, Child’s Play NY, and Alabama Shakespeare Festival. She holds a B.F.A in Theater Arts from Hofstra University and an M.S. in Educational Theater from City College of New York. Laura lives in Brooklyn with her husband and their rescue dog Lionel. She is thrilled to be part of the SPACE community!
Susanne Hart
(she/her)
Reigning from Springfield, MA, Susanne is a person who stutters, a coffee enthusiast, a lover of storytelling, and a very serious listener of music (note over 53,000 minutes reported in her Spotify Wrapped!) With a degree in Digital Media from Messiah University, Susanne wears many different hats in the arts–while she can most often be found writing and illustrating, she also works in video production and graphic design. She has had the pleasure of working as a Teaching Artist for SAY: The Stuttering Association for the Young since 2017, both at summer camp and through Confident Voices, and has also gotten to work with them doing graphic design work, designing book interiors for their graduating seniors, and creating programs and other print outs for live events! She can also be found traveling through New England for various film jobs, assisting on sets for local non-profits.
Outside of creating, she is a big fan of cloudy days, crunching leaves, all things Halloween, and playing Dungeons and Dragons with her friends.
Reigning from Springfield, MA, Susanne is a person who stutters, a coffee enthusiast, a lover of storytelling, and a very serious listener of music (note over 53,000 minutes reported in her Spotify Wrapped!) With a degree in Digital Media from Messiah University, Susanne wears many different hats in the arts–while she can most often be found writing and illustrating, she also works in video production and graphic design. She has had the pleasure of working as a Teaching Artist for SAY: The Stuttering Association for the Young since 2017, both at summer camp and through Confident Voices, and has also gotten to work with them doing graphic design work, designing book interiors for their graduating seniors, and creating programs and other print outs for live events! She can also be found traveling through New England for various film jobs, assisting on sets for local non-profits.
Outside of creating, she is a big fan of cloudy days, crunching leaves, all things Halloween, and playing Dungeons and Dragons with her friends.
Ezra Horak
BOARD CO-CHAIR (they/them)
Ezra is a stutterer and the founder of Stutterology, a digital content platform that educates about stuttering through a neurodiverse and trauma-informed lens and empowers people with speech differences. Their work is used to educate speech therapists, loved ones of people who stutter, and fellow stutterers about the systemic issues faced and how to promote true inclusivity.
Additionally, they have volunteered with various stuttering organizations via public speaking, leading workshops, consultation, and other leadership, since 2015, and they are an HR Professional from the west coast.
Ezra is a stutterer and the founder of Stutterology, a digital content platform that educates about stuttering through a neurodiverse and trauma-informed lens and empowers people with speech differences. Their work is used to educate speech therapists, loved ones of people who stutter, and fellow stutterers about the systemic issues faced and how to promote true inclusivity.
Additionally, they have volunteered with various stuttering organizations via public speaking, leading workshops, consultation, and other leadership, since 2015, and they are an HR Professional from the west coast.
Meara Khana
YOUNG ADULT
ADVISORY COMMITTEE REPRESENTATIVE
(she/her)
Meara is an emerging artist working in television and a person who stutters. She’s on the SPACE Board of Directors and represents the Young Adult Advisory Committee! Born and raised in Ontario Canada, storytelling has always been a beacon for Meara. She sought to either write her own stories, draw her own comic books (embarrassingly!) , and as an actor. She now seeks to tell her own stories, represent her experiences with stuttering through writing, and seeks to help strengthen the community of PWS and allies.
During her time off, you can find Meara watching copious amounts of reality TV, wobbling on her bike, and drinking too much coffee.
ADVISORY COMMITTEE REPRESENTATIVE
(she/her)
Meara is an emerging artist working in television and a person who stutters. She’s on the SPACE Board of Directors and represents the Young Adult Advisory Committee! Born and raised in Ontario Canada, storytelling has always been a beacon for Meara. She sought to either write her own stories, draw her own comic books (embarrassingly!) , and as an actor. She now seeks to tell her own stories, represent her experiences with stuttering through writing, and seeks to help strengthen the community of PWS and allies.
During her time off, you can find Meara watching copious amounts of reality TV, wobbling on her bike, and drinking too much coffee.
Brooke Sarden
BOARD CO-CHAIR
(she/her)
Brooke is a nonprofit director and cultural strategist with concurrent careers in social justice and community-engaging artistic practices. She has over 30 years experience facilitating public dialogues that center Black lives. For over a decade, she has managed organizational budgets between $287K - $2.5M and has authored successful grants exceeding $5M over the past decade. Brooke is experienced in strategic planning and staff development, bringing creative vision, innovation and efficient operations to each team. She is a mission-driven community builder, poet, painter, theatre director, teaching artist and creator of beautiful things.
(she/her)
Brooke is a nonprofit director and cultural strategist with concurrent careers in social justice and community-engaging artistic practices. She has over 30 years experience facilitating public dialogues that center Black lives. For over a decade, she has managed organizational budgets between $287K - $2.5M and has authored successful grants exceeding $5M over the past decade. Brooke is experienced in strategic planning and staff development, bringing creative vision, innovation and efficient operations to each team. She is a mission-driven community builder, poet, painter, theatre director, teaching artist and creator of beautiful things.
Christopher
Schuyler
(he/him)
Christopher Schuyler is a proud person who stutters. He believes that while being a person who stutters is challenging, stuttering is also a powerful communication tool that can be used to better achieve meaningful connection with other people. He dreams that one day stuttering will be viewed as nothing more than a valuable speech difference.
Christopher has volunteered with various organizations serving people who stutter, including the National Stuttering Association, the Stuttering Association for the Young, and Friends: The National Association of Young People Who Stutter. He also participated in organizing several NYC Stutters conferences. Lastly, he has published articles on stuttering and spoken to organizations about hiring and working with people who stutter.
Christopher is a disability rights attorney. His work focuses on improving access to public services, including transportation, medical care, and education, for people with disabilities. He has also served as an adjunct professor teaching legal writing to law students.
In his free time, Christopher enjoys playing with his two sons, watching movies with his wife, and jogging in the park.
Christopher Schuyler is a proud person who stutters. He believes that while being a person who stutters is challenging, stuttering is also a powerful communication tool that can be used to better achieve meaningful connection with other people. He dreams that one day stuttering will be viewed as nothing more than a valuable speech difference.
Christopher has volunteered with various organizations serving people who stutter, including the National Stuttering Association, the Stuttering Association for the Young, and Friends: The National Association of Young People Who Stutter. He also participated in organizing several NYC Stutters conferences. Lastly, he has published articles on stuttering and spoken to organizations about hiring and working with people who stutter.
Christopher is a disability rights attorney. His work focuses on improving access to public services, including transportation, medical care, and education, for people with disabilities. He has also served as an adjunct professor teaching legal writing to law students.
In his free time, Christopher enjoys playing with his two sons, watching movies with his wife, and jogging in the park.
Board of Directors
We are a team of experienced, diverse and committed volunteers, devoted to creating a more inclusive and accessible world for people who stutter.
Advisory Board
Jia Bin
(she/her)
Jia M.A., is a doctoral student and research assistant at Michigan State University in Communicative Sciences and Disorders. Jia is honored to join SPACE and serve as a member of the SPACE Advisory board. With a background in English Language and Literature from China and two master's degrees from the U.S. in Secondary Education and Communicative Sciences and Disorders, she combines her academic pursuits with a deep commitment to the stuttering community. She serves as board member for the World Stuttering Network and 50 Million Voices, chapter leader in the National Stuttering Association, and president of the Spartan Stuttering group.
Jia's drive is rooted in her personal journey as a person who stutters.Her aim is to foster resilience and provide a platform for those with similar challenges, advocating for empowerment, support, and community building. Her work focuses on challenging stereotypes and nurturing a dialogue that transcends cultural and linguistic barriers, ultimately uniting people who stutter worldwide through shared experience and mutual support.
Jia M.A., is a doctoral student and research assistant at Michigan State University in Communicative Sciences and Disorders. Jia is honored to join SPACE and serve as a member of the SPACE Advisory board. With a background in English Language and Literature from China and two master's degrees from the U.S. in Secondary Education and Communicative Sciences and Disorders, she combines her academic pursuits with a deep commitment to the stuttering community. She serves as board member for the World Stuttering Network and 50 Million Voices, chapter leader in the National Stuttering Association, and president of the Spartan Stuttering group.
Jia's drive is rooted in her personal journey as a person who stutters.Her aim is to foster resilience and provide a platform for those with similar challenges, advocating for empowerment, support, and community building. Her work focuses on challenging stereotypes and nurturing a dialogue that transcends cultural and linguistic barriers, ultimately uniting people who stutter worldwide through shared experience and mutual support.
JJJJJerome Ellis
(any pronoun)
JJJJJerome is a person who stutters and a composer. He is so thankful to be a member of the SPACE Advisory Board. He lives in Tidewater, Virginia with his wife, ecologist-poet Luísa Black Ellis. They love walking in the woods, reading, and drinking tea together. He dreams of building a sonic bath house!
Photo by Annie Forrest
JJJJJerome is a person who stutters and a composer. He is so thankful to be a member of the SPACE Advisory Board. He lives in Tidewater, Virginia with his wife, ecologist-poet Luísa Black Ellis. They love walking in the woods, reading, and drinking tea together. He dreams of building a sonic bath house!
Photo by Annie Forrest
Yazan Fattaleh
(he/him)
Yazan has been lucky to build a career supporting youth as they pursue higher education around the world. His personal immigrant story and experiences working with refugees in the USA and abroad inform his work supporting college students internationally.
He is a person who stutters and enjoys spending his free time connecting with members of the stuttering community sharing in the power of our unique gifts. His gift of a stutter has helped Yazan empathize with others who face differences and challenging situations of their own, a skill he draws on every day. He appreciates the way that stuttering informed empathy connects him to the power in his voice, provides him with growth opportunities, and brings a sense of presence to every conversation.
He has a BA in Economics from the University of Colorado-Boulder and certificates in Monitoring and Evaluation from Makerere University in Kampala and Joining Vision and Action in Denver, CO.
In his free time, Yazan likes to rock climb, salsa dance, and eat hummus — but not all at the same time.
Yazan has been lucky to build a career supporting youth as they pursue higher education around the world. His personal immigrant story and experiences working with refugees in the USA and abroad inform his work supporting college students internationally.
He is a person who stutters and enjoys spending his free time connecting with members of the stuttering community sharing in the power of our unique gifts. His gift of a stutter has helped Yazan empathize with others who face differences and challenging situations of their own, a skill he draws on every day. He appreciates the way that stuttering informed empathy connects him to the power in his voice, provides him with growth opportunities, and brings a sense of presence to every conversation.
He has a BA in Economics from the University of Colorado-Boulder and certificates in Monitoring and Evaluation from Makerere University in Kampala and Joining Vision and Action in Denver, CO.
In his free time, Yazan likes to rock climb, salsa dance, and eat hummus — but not all at the same time.
Julia Leone
CREATIVE AND MARKETING STRATEGIST
(she/her)
Julia is a member of the Advisory Board and the Creative and Marketing Strategist for SPACE. With seven years of experience serving the stuttering community, she is a seasoned advocate and a creative thinker.
Julia is skilled in bringing people together and is committed to the principle that genuine communication and listening are the keys to community support. Her goal at SPACE is to help the organization creatively and consistently connect with folks who stutter.
When she is not working, Julia enjoys cooking, gossiping on the phone with her grandmother, and writing fantasy short stories. Through SPACE, she hopes to connect with the stuttering community and encourage joy, connection, and expression.
(she/her)
Julia is a member of the Advisory Board and the Creative and Marketing Strategist for SPACE. With seven years of experience serving the stuttering community, she is a seasoned advocate and a creative thinker.
Julia is skilled in bringing people together and is committed to the principle that genuine communication and listening are the keys to community support. Her goal at SPACE is to help the organization creatively and consistently connect with folks who stutter.
When she is not working, Julia enjoys cooking, gossiping on the phone with her grandmother, and writing fantasy short stories. Through SPACE, she hopes to connect with the stuttering community and encourage joy, connection, and expression.
Allegra Ludwig
(she/her)
Allegra received her Bachelor’s degree in Linguistics from Duke University and holds a Master of Arts in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences from UC - Boulder. She is an Ally of Stuttering™ and ASHA-certified Speech-Language Pathologist who specializes in stuttering therapy. Allegra holds professional licenses in the states of Colorado, California, Massachusetts, Montana, North Carolina, and Texas. Her telepractice, Cadence Speech Therapy, is based in Boulder, CO.
Allegra is passionate about supporting people who stutter, not just as a speech therapist but also as someone who hopes to empower and uplift stuttering voices. Her blog, Cadence Speech, celebrates the lived experience of stuttering with stories and profiles of individuals who stutter. In her speech therapy practice, she embraces a holistic, client-centered therapy approach that promotes confidence, joy, and ease in speaking.
Outside of speech therapy, you can find Allegra performing on stages throughout Colorado as an actor and musician. She is a fiddle player and vocalist for the Irish band Banthom House and also performs classical violin with the chamber music group Front Range Strings. Allegra is also a mom to two teenage daughters and loves being outdoors with her family, including hiking, biking, camping, and traveling.
Allegra feels that she has gained more from the stuttering community than she could ever hope to contribute in return, and she is profoundly grateful to be part of the brilliant team at SPACE!
Allegra received her Bachelor’s degree in Linguistics from Duke University and holds a Master of Arts in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences from UC - Boulder. She is an Ally of Stuttering™ and ASHA-certified Speech-Language Pathologist who specializes in stuttering therapy. Allegra holds professional licenses in the states of Colorado, California, Massachusetts, Montana, North Carolina, and Texas. Her telepractice, Cadence Speech Therapy, is based in Boulder, CO.
Allegra is passionate about supporting people who stutter, not just as a speech therapist but also as someone who hopes to empower and uplift stuttering voices. Her blog, Cadence Speech, celebrates the lived experience of stuttering with stories and profiles of individuals who stutter. In her speech therapy practice, she embraces a holistic, client-centered therapy approach that promotes confidence, joy, and ease in speaking.
Outside of speech therapy, you can find Allegra performing on stages throughout Colorado as an actor and musician. She is a fiddle player and vocalist for the Irish band Banthom House and also performs classical violin with the chamber music group Front Range Strings. Allegra is also a mom to two teenage daughters and loves being outdoors with her family, including hiking, biking, camping, and traveling.
Allegra feels that she has gained more from the stuttering community than she could ever hope to contribute in return, and she is profoundly grateful to be part of the brilliant team at SPACE!
Executive Director
Aidan Sank
CO-FOUNDER
(he/him)
Aidan is the Executive Director and co-Founder of SPACE. As an enthusiastic ally of the stuttering community for over a decade, Aidan is particularly passionate about the intersections between stuttering and the arts. After working professionally as an actor and arts educator for many years in NYC, he found his true purpose through his time at SAY: The Stuttering Association for The Young. There he served as Artistic Director of Confident Voices, working with hundreds of extraordinary young people who stutter, and many exceptional artist educators.
Interacting with the stuttering community has permanently shaped the way that Aidan sees the world. He will be forever grateful for the lessons in vulnerability, communication and listening that he has learned from so many exceptional people who stutter - many of whom he has had the pleasure of collaborating with to develop SPACE. This is truly his dream job.
A native of Vancouver, Canada, Aidan is a lover of plants, birds and the Pacific Ocean. He can often be found grinning in the rain or marveling at the way a hummingbird sticks out its tongue. He loves spending time reading, hanging out with his family and learning new things about stuttering.
(he/him)
Aidan is the Executive Director and co-Founder of SPACE. As an enthusiastic ally of the stuttering community for over a decade, Aidan is particularly passionate about the intersections between stuttering and the arts. After working professionally as an actor and arts educator for many years in NYC, he found his true purpose through his time at SAY: The Stuttering Association for The Young. There he served as Artistic Director of Confident Voices, working with hundreds of extraordinary young people who stutter, and many exceptional artist educators.
Interacting with the stuttering community has permanently shaped the way that Aidan sees the world. He will be forever grateful for the lessons in vulnerability, communication and listening that he has learned from so many exceptional people who stutter - many of whom he has had the pleasure of collaborating with to develop SPACE. This is truly his dream job.
A native of Vancouver, Canada, Aidan is a lover of plants, birds and the Pacific Ocean. He can often be found grinning in the rain or marveling at the way a hummingbird sticks out its tongue. He loves spending time reading, hanging out with his family and learning new things about stuttering.
Project Manager
Conor Trahar
(he/him)
Conor is a project professional living and working on the unceded and traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) First Nations. Before joining the SPACE team, Conor obtained a Bachelor of Arts in History from UBC and went on to work as the Operations Coordinator in the Department of Sociology. In his free time, he enjoys swimming, hiking, and watching hockey…despite being a Canucks fan.
Conor is a project professional living and working on the unceded and traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) First Nations. Before joining the SPACE team, Conor obtained a Bachelor of Arts in History from UBC and went on to work as the Operations Coordinator in the Department of Sociology. In his free time, he enjoys swimming, hiking, and watching hockey…despite being a Canucks fan.
Young Adult
Advisory Committee
Pablo Blanco
(he/him)
Pablo is a young Garifuna Caribbean-American male who stutters, a former youth participant of SAY and a current first-year student at the University at Albany. Overcoming rigid feelings of nervousness and intimidation through the outside world, He acknowledges that his voice does not need to speak fluency when engaging with other fellow individuals around him.
Born and raised in Upper Manhattan in East Harlem, New York, Pablo is also a recent post-graduate from The All Hallows High School in the Bronx, Class of 2023. Throughout, he has anticipated amongst a collective group of brillant teen curators showcasing the art exhibition of the African Diaspora at the Harlem's Schomburg Center during June of 2020.
Enlightened by the confidence and comfortability he carries, sharing his voice and shaping his personal identity, discovers the craft of poetry and spoken word.He offered himself the unforgettable opportunity of reciting poems live on an outdoor stage about his ethnic heritage and background at the Museum of the City of New York in 2022.
As per Lawrence Ferlinghetti, "Poetry is the shadow cast by our streetlight imaginations".
Pablo is a young Garifuna Caribbean-American male who stutters, a former youth participant of SAY and a current first-year student at the University at Albany. Overcoming rigid feelings of nervousness and intimidation through the outside world, He acknowledges that his voice does not need to speak fluency when engaging with other fellow individuals around him.
Born and raised in Upper Manhattan in East Harlem, New York, Pablo is also a recent post-graduate from The All Hallows High School in the Bronx, Class of 2023. Throughout, he has anticipated amongst a collective group of brillant teen curators showcasing the art exhibition of the African Diaspora at the Harlem's Schomburg Center during June of 2020.
Enlightened by the confidence and comfortability he carries, sharing his voice and shaping his personal identity, discovers the craft of poetry and spoken word.He offered himself the unforgettable opportunity of reciting poems live on an outdoor stage about his ethnic heritage and background at the Museum of the City of New York in 2022.
As per Lawrence Ferlinghetti, "Poetry is the shadow cast by our streetlight imaginations".
Olgaceleste Cordero
(she/her)
Olgaceleste is a person who stutters! Currently a member of the SPACE Young Adult Advisory Team, she wants to be able to destigmatize stuttering.
From the big city of New York, she loves to immerse herself in the arts and reading, always finding new places or people to enjoy a conversation with.
Olgaceleste is a person who stutters! Currently a member of the SPACE Young Adult Advisory Team, she wants to be able to destigmatize stuttering.
From the big city of New York, she loves to immerse herself in the arts and reading, always finding new places or people to enjoy a conversation with.
Sandhya Kilambi
(she/her)
Sandhya is a musician, dancer and educator in New York City. She recently graduated from NYU with a Bachelor of Music in Music Education, and is currently a Preschool Music Teacher in Manhattan. She is passionate about working with children and sharing her love of the performing arts in camp and educational settings, from giving piano lessons to teaching Bollywood dance classes.
Alongside her artistic and pedagogical pursuits, Sandhya enjoys working and volunteering with a variety of populations, including people with disabilities and people who stutter. She believes in the transformative power of the arts in impacting communities of all backgrounds. Empowering youth who stutter is particularly meaningful work for her – she is beyond excited to be a part of the SPACE Young Adult Advisory Committee in supporting people who stutter!
Sandhya is a musician, dancer and educator in New York City. She recently graduated from NYU with a Bachelor of Music in Music Education, and is currently a Preschool Music Teacher in Manhattan. She is passionate about working with children and sharing her love of the performing arts in camp and educational settings, from giving piano lessons to teaching Bollywood dance classes.
Alongside her artistic and pedagogical pursuits, Sandhya enjoys working and volunteering with a variety of populations, including people with disabilities and people who stutter. She believes in the transformative power of the arts in impacting communities of all backgrounds. Empowering youth who stutter is particularly meaningful work for her – she is beyond excited to be a part of the SPACE Young Adult Advisory Committee in supporting people who stutter!
Derick Konan
(he/him)
Derick is 21 years old and is a person who stutters. He loves to play video games, making and watching movies, acting, and drawing. Being a person who stutters makes Derick feel unique in a way because he is part of a small group of people who stutters. Growing up he always felt isolated and different because others made him feel like the way he spoke was weird. He did not realize he had a stutter until the 8th grade which made Derick much more reserved and closed off to others. As Derick grew older he was able to become more comfortable with his stutter by being creative and using theatre as a way of expression. Theatre and acting have made Derick appreciate how much his voice can impact those around him. Derick's dream is to one day help those around him to become more comfortable with themselves and their gifts.
Derick is 21 years old and is a person who stutters. He loves to play video games, making and watching movies, acting, and drawing. Being a person who stutters makes Derick feel unique in a way because he is part of a small group of people who stutters. Growing up he always felt isolated and different because others made him feel like the way he spoke was weird. He did not realize he had a stutter until the 8th grade which made Derick much more reserved and closed off to others. As Derick grew older he was able to become more comfortable with his stutter by being creative and using theatre as a way of expression. Theatre and acting have made Derick appreciate how much his voice can impact those around him. Derick's dream is to one day help those around him to become more comfortable with themselves and their gifts.
Isabella Lashley
(she/her)
Isabella is a person who stutters and a student at Harvard University. She is originally from New York City and is so excited to be a part of SPACE .
Isabella is a person who stutters and a student at Harvard University. She is originally from New York City and is so excited to be a part of SPACE .
Erikson Rutkis
(he/him)
Erikson has some talent in singing and being creative, also he is a person who stutters. Stuttering has been a huge part of his life sense he can remember. It’s been a struggle throughout his whole life as well as making him who he is today which he does not regret. He’s had a good amount of support growing up, especially from SAY: The Stuttering Association for the Young. He still does have trouble to this day with it though. Now, being a young adult, he feels like older people who stutter need the same amount of support. Just because you're now 20 does not mean all your worries go away about stuttering. He thinks SPACE is a great way for adults who stutter to have a safe place.
Erikson has some talent in singing and being creative, also he is a person who stutters. Stuttering has been a huge part of his life sense he can remember. It’s been a struggle throughout his whole life as well as making him who he is today which he does not regret. He’s had a good amount of support growing up, especially from SAY: The Stuttering Association for the Young. He still does have trouble to this day with it though. Now, being a young adult, he feels like older people who stutter need the same amount of support. Just because you're now 20 does not mean all your worries go away about stuttering. He thinks SPACE is a great way for adults who stutter to have a safe place.
Seb Szeles
(he/him)
Seb is a person who stutters, he recently graduated from the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT), he aspires to tell stories through the medium of movies, television, and documentaries. He has been a person who stutters for his whole life, he has been a part of SAY: the Stuttering Association for the Young, and has a published book called “My Stuttering Wish” which he got from SAY’s paperback project, and is now a member of the Young Adult Advisory Committee.
Seb is a person who stutters, he recently graduated from the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT), he aspires to tell stories through the medium of movies, television, and documentaries. He has been a person who stutters for his whole life, he has been a part of SAY: the Stuttering Association for the Young, and has a published book called “My Stuttering Wish” which he got from SAY’s paperback project, and is now a member of the Young Adult Advisory Committee.
TJ Traver
(he/him)
TJ is a person who stutters who loves to be a part of the stuttering community. He founded a non-for-profit organization thanks to his support group at SAY and has been an active member in the stuttering community.
TJ is from the Hudson Valley region of New York. Formally attending the Culinary Institute of America, he enjoys cooking with fresh local ingredients.
When TJ is not cooking, he enjoys talking and spending time with friends. TJ is very excited to start his journey on the Young Adult Advisory Board for SPACE and continuing to be an active member of the SPACE and stuttering community.
TJ is a person who stutters who loves to be a part of the stuttering community. He founded a non-for-profit organization thanks to his support group at SAY and has been an active member in the stuttering community.
TJ is from the Hudson Valley region of New York. Formally attending the Culinary Institute of America, he enjoys cooking with fresh local ingredients.
When TJ is not cooking, he enjoys talking and spending time with friends. TJ is very excited to start his journey on the Young Adult Advisory Board for SPACE and continuing to be an active member of the SPACE and stuttering community.
Youth Advisory Committee
LJ B.
(he/him)
Lawrence, also known as LJ, was born in Queens, NY and currently resides in Trumbull Connecticut. At the age of four he developed a stutter and initially felt frustrated by the challenges that it presented. However, through support from family and friends he found confidence and his love for music.
Lawrence has honed his craft and has written, produced and performed over 80 original songs, at times in front of audiences of over 300 people. He is also a member of the Trumbull High tenor bass and honors chamber choirs.
Lawrence is passionate about showing other youth that a stutter can actually be a gift and not a set back.
Lawrence is a kind soul whose mission is to shine his light, and inspire others to find their own.
Lawrence, also known as LJ, was born in Queens, NY and currently resides in Trumbull Connecticut. At the age of four he developed a stutter and initially felt frustrated by the challenges that it presented. However, through support from family and friends he found confidence and his love for music.
Lawrence has honed his craft and has written, produced and performed over 80 original songs, at times in front of audiences of over 300 people. He is also a member of the Trumbull High tenor bass and honors chamber choirs.
Lawrence is passionate about showing other youth that a stutter can actually be a gift and not a set back.
Lawrence is a kind soul whose mission is to shine his light, and inspire others to find their own.
Mira G
(she/they)
Mira loves reading, writing, cats, making people laugh, and acting. There are a lot more things that they like but the list would probably be too long. Mira has a stutter and sometimes likes it a lot, and other times gets pretty mad. Acting and stuttering are a tricky combo, but she is learning to embrace her stutter on stage. She wishes people knew more about stuttering, and that everyone could have more time, no matter who they are. Her dream is to be an actor (or a librarian) and make sure that there’s more stuttering representation. They love reading books with magic, queer characters, and talking animals. If a zombie apocalypse happened, she would be wildly unprepared. Mira is REALLY excited to be part of the youth advisory council, and think it sounds amazing.
Mira loves reading, writing, cats, making people laugh, and acting. There are a lot more things that they like but the list would probably be too long. Mira has a stutter and sometimes likes it a lot, and other times gets pretty mad. Acting and stuttering are a tricky combo, but she is learning to embrace her stutter on stage. She wishes people knew more about stuttering, and that everyone could have more time, no matter who they are. Her dream is to be an actor (or a librarian) and make sure that there’s more stuttering representation. They love reading books with magic, queer characters, and talking animals. If a zombie apocalypse happened, she would be wildly unprepared. Mira is REALLY excited to be part of the youth advisory council, and think it sounds amazing.
Ethan K
(he/him)
Ethan loves playing soccer. He plays defense for a local team and enjoys every moment. Ethan also has a passion for golf and has been playing since a young age. He enjoys watching and learning about different sports. Ethan stutters and embraces it with confidence. He recognizes it as a part of him that makes him unique. He is an advocate for himself and hopes to have more people understand and learn about stuttering.
Ethan loves playing soccer. He plays defense for a local team and enjoys every moment. Ethan also has a passion for golf and has been playing since a young age. He enjoys watching and learning about different sports. Ethan stutters and embraces it with confidence. He recognizes it as a part of him that makes him unique. He is an advocate for himself and hopes to have more people understand and learn about stuttering.
Travis K
(he/him)
Travis is a seventh grader from Hudson County, NJ, and is originally from Brooklyn, NY. His hobbies include reading, playing video games and card magic. Travis's favorite film is INCEPTION by Christopher Nolan.
Travis is a seventh grader from Hudson County, NJ, and is originally from Brooklyn, NY. His hobbies include reading, playing video games and card magic. Travis's favorite film is INCEPTION by Christopher Nolan.
Grace PB
(she/her)
Grace is not your typical 12 year old! Grace is a community advocate, artist, competitive soccer player and a proud person who stutters! She is so excited to be a part of SPACE and build connections in the stuttering community. Being a part of SPACE has helped her to be a confident communicator.
She loves to share her ideas and create spaces where others feel welcomed, safe and valued. She often says, “Let my stutter run wild!” Her stutter is a part of her and she is proud of it
Grace is not your typical 12 year old! Grace is a community advocate, artist, competitive soccer player and a proud person who stutters! She is so excited to be a part of SPACE and build connections in the stuttering community. Being a part of SPACE has helped her to be a confident communicator.
She loves to share her ideas and create spaces where others feel welcomed, safe and valued. She often says, “Let my stutter run wild!” Her stutter is a part of her and she is proud of it
Adele R
(she/her)
Adele is a 14 year old girl who has been stuttering her whole life. She is born and raised in Washington, DC, with her parents, sister, and dog Iris. Adele first got introduced to SPACE through other stutter-support organizations, and is super excited to be a part of SPACE; one of her biggest passions is advocating for kids who stutter, making sure that they know their way of speaking is perfect just the way it is. A few things Adele loves to do in her free time are: exploring the city, visiting museums, reading dystopian books, playing her defensive position on her soccer teams, and watching reality TV.
Adele is a 14 year old girl who has been stuttering her whole life. She is born and raised in Washington, DC, with her parents, sister, and dog Iris. Adele first got introduced to SPACE through other stutter-support organizations, and is super excited to be a part of SPACE; one of her biggest passions is advocating for kids who stutter, making sure that they know their way of speaking is perfect just the way it is. A few things Adele loves to do in her free time are: exploring the city, visiting museums, reading dystopian books, playing her defensive position on her soccer teams, and watching reality TV.
Carmelo R.
(he/him)
Carmelo is 9 years old and in 4th grade. Carmelo has a beautiful way of speaking - it is called having a stutter. He does not stutter all the time but when he does he views it as something unique and wonderful. His hobbies are drawing, baseball, building Legos and spending time with his friends. Carmelo has been in an off Broadway play which he starred in last year called Dick Rivington and The Cat. He loves to act and sing. Carmelo is a good person to go to if you need some comic relief. He has done a comedy routine twice for his school talent show. He loves to advocate for other children and adults that stutter. He loves to make new friends and make people feel included. Carmelo is so honored and excited to be a part of SPACE and be the voice for so many others who may be intimidated to use their own voice.
Carmelo is 9 years old and in 4th grade. Carmelo has a beautiful way of speaking - it is called having a stutter. He does not stutter all the time but when he does he views it as something unique and wonderful. His hobbies are drawing, baseball, building Legos and spending time with his friends. Carmelo has been in an off Broadway play which he starred in last year called Dick Rivington and The Cat. He loves to act and sing. Carmelo is a good person to go to if you need some comic relief. He has done a comedy routine twice for his school talent show. He loves to advocate for other children and adults that stutter. He loves to make new friends and make people feel included. Carmelo is so honored and excited to be a part of SPACE and be the voice for so many others who may be intimidated to use their own voice.
Olivia S
(she/her)
Olivia is a 15 year old native New Yorker who is living with a stutter. Olivia has been stuttering since the tender age of 5, and all of her experiences, good and bad, have molded her into the person she is today. Olivia has interest in fashion, writing, traveling and listening to music, however her favorite one is writing poetry. She is extremely passionate about equal and fair treatment for all, as one of her goals is to become a better listener, especially to people in the stuttering community. Olivia is honored to be a part of the SPACE community to share information, resources, advocate and mentor, to be a voice for those who may feel they have none. Olivia's stutter has become her friend.
Olivia is a 15 year old native New Yorker who is living with a stutter. Olivia has been stuttering since the tender age of 5, and all of her experiences, good and bad, have molded her into the person she is today. Olivia has interest in fashion, writing, traveling and listening to music, however her favorite one is writing poetry. She is extremely passionate about equal and fair treatment for all, as one of her goals is to become a better listener, especially to people in the stuttering community. Olivia is honored to be a part of the SPACE community to share information, resources, advocate and mentor, to be a voice for those who may feel they have none. Olivia's stutter has become her friend.
Cate S
(she/her)
Cate is a Sophomore at Chatham Academy in Savannah Georgia. She lives there with her family and cat, Leonardo. Cate fences Epée, studies piano for quite a few years now, has taken up skateboarding, loves to make weapons with her 3D printer, and is kind of obsessed with Future Card Buddyfight and Magic: The gathering.
Cate is a Sophomore at Chatham Academy in Savannah Georgia. She lives there with her family and cat, Leonardo. Cate fences Epée, studies piano for quite a few years now, has taken up skateboarding, loves to make weapons with her 3D printer, and is kind of obsessed with Future Card Buddyfight and Magic: The gathering.
S P A C E Building Committee
Amanda Barkley
(she/her)
Lydia Brubaker
(she/her)
Lizzie Carolan
(she/they)
Bryan Castro
(he/him)
Photo by Amarise Dean Santo
Photo by Amarise Dean Santo
Derek E. Daniels
(he/him)
Liz Foster
(she/her)
Bailee Gilbert
Martha Horrocks
(she/her)
Savannah Jackson
(she/her)
Danny Litwack
(he/him)
Donovan Lockett
(she/her)
Julia Kerrigan
Nicole Kulmacewski
(she/her)
Spring Kwok
(she/her)
Lauren McDowell
(she/her)
Liam McLaughlin
(he/him)
Bevin Murphy
(she/her)
Phoenix Garcia-Ramos
Mandy Rodstrom
(she/her)
Kat Whetstone
(she/her)
Aly Vildosola
(she/her)
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