Testimonials

I gained so much from the speakers and parents who are helping their kids gain self-esteem and confidence.

Since the FRIENDS convention my son has had a life–changing attitude towards his stuttering and his ability to communicate in public.

Friends truly understand the struggles and challenges we face raising a teen who stutters.

I wish we had known about Friends years ago. During the 1st night of the Friends conference I watched my daughter, who rarely spoke to anyone other than her family, speak in a microphone to a room full of people she didn’t know. Because of the acceptance and support that she felt, her confidence continued to grow during the remaining 3 days of the conference. I really believe Friends has helped her be herself during her 1st year of public high school. She actually has been raising her hands and speaking in class.

Okay so I wanted to wait a little bit before I wrote this so I could let it all sink in, so here it is. One week ago this evening I was Dancing my heart out and enjoying the last few hours with a a group of some of the best people I have ever met in my life. This was my fourth FRIENDS national stuttering convention, and though I say this every year I think this was the best to date. It marked a milestone where I got to give my first workshop to the kids. which was one of the funnest. most exhilarating things I’ve done. Also at this convention I think I got to meet more new people and make more of a difference in peoples lives then ever before. It’s meeting people and knowing the people at this convention that brings so much joy to me. Joy knowing that our world is so ready and well prepared for its future because of you guys. I hope you all know that being a person that stutters and not letting it bother, BUT DRIVE YOU can inspire sooo many other people and make a lasting difference so do just that! One of the most powerful statements I have heard that I will use a million times was said by Mike Turner when he said. “Is stuttering a problem because its stuttering. or because of how society views stuttering?“ Keep that in mind and think about it! So as I end this I just want to say thank you. Thank you soooo much to everyone at FRIENDS I have met and will meet in the future. You guys are my family and I can’t wait to see you all next July in Raleigh, NC!

Alright I know this is two weeks late but FRIENDS was incredible this year. I know it’s only my 3rd year, but I feel like I belong there among everybody no matter if it‘s their first time or their 17th (I think it’s been 17 right?). I learn more about myself and my capabilities than I ever thought was possible. You are all truly special people. see you in Raleigh! Stutter well guys.

You all knew that this was coming…I honestly don’t even know where to start. It’s so hard to put the convention experience into words, but I’m going to try my best. FRIENDS 2014 in Chicago was honestly beyond amazing. I didn’t think that the convention could top last year, but it did just that! l was able to reunite with the most amazing people and meet some really awesome new friends. The convention changed my life and I’m so thankful. I learned so much about myself and was able to speak in front of the whole convention on a panel and during open mic. I just wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone there. You guys are the absolute best! I admire so many of you all and I hope that one day I can be a role model for people just like you are one to me. It was so amazing to be in such an understanding environment. Stuttering became not a big deal for one weekend and it was the coolest thing ever. FRIENDS is really really really special and I don’t think that there is a greater organization out there. You truly are my second family. We had so much fun and I will always cherish the memories that we shared together. I will never forget this incredible weekend. I will miss you all so so so much It’s not goodbye. It’s just see you later! North Carolina 2015 here we come!