Chmela Communication Center

05/01/2026

THIS SUNDAY (5/3) Camp Shout Out: Community Connections returns!

These community gatherings last approximately 60 minutes and will be led by returning hosts Nicholas Caruso M.S., CCC-SLP, and Kyle Pelkey M.S., CCC-SLP, clinicians at the Chmela Communication Center, Facilitators at Camp Shout Out, and people who stutter. This will be the final virtual gathering for campers before CSO 2026!

During these virtual gatherings, past & current campers, adults within the Camp Shout Out community, and children & teens who stutter from the Chmela Communication Center, have the opportunity to connect periodically throughout the year in a safe, fun, and interactive environment.

Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86299318681?pwd=Z1FHV1hFQVByNks4L0FVcHdvTjhIdz09

04/22/2026

We wanted to take a moment to share this video from Spero Stuttering, Inc.

This video offers an important glimpse into a parent's experience supporting their child who stutters.

It's an honest, informative, and aims to help parents find a path of empowerment for their child.

Nurturing and Empowering Your Child Who Stutters: A Parent's Perspective

04/11/2026

Registration for campers is open! We’re looking to make CSO 2026 one to remember (as we do every year!)

You can visit campshoutout.org / email: office@campshoutout.org to register or to find more information

03/20/2026

This week, CCC Director Kristin Chmela, M.A., CCC-SLP., BCS-SCF appeared on The Stuttering Foundation Podcast with Sara MacIntyre, M.A., CCC-SLP.

In this episode, Kristin discussed the importance of person-centered care as well as introduced the Circle of Principles, describing how this framework can support thoughtful reflection, guide problem-solving in therapy, and help clinicians navigate complexities while remaining grounded in the needs and experiences of the person they support.

Located here (or anywhere you get your podcasts): https://www.stutteringhelp.org/podcast/season-8-episode-3-keeping-person-center-kristin-chmela

03/07/2026

We wanted to highlight the immense courage demonstrated by Texas A&M Wide Receiver, KC Concepcion, for using his platform at the recent NFL combine to discuss his stuttering ,and to express his desire to be a role model for people who stutter everywhere.

02/26/2026

Clinic Director, Kristin Chmela, M.A. CCC-SLP, BCS-SCF and colleagues, had a fantastic experience at the recent Illinois Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ISHA) Conference in Tinley Park, IL.

Their presentation focused on building and guiding self-advocacy skills in clients who stutter!

We want to thank ISHA for welcoming this presentation!

02/13/2026

On October 23rd, 2026 (9 am–12 pm ET), CCC Director Kristin Chmela, M.A., CCC-SLP, BCS-SCF will be presenting LIVE for the Speech and Stuttering Institute!

"Empowering Advocacy Skills in Children and Teens Who Stutter"

Kristin will be using real case examples to guide clinicians through a critical thinking process that can be applied in the therapy room!

To register/learn more information, you can visit speechandstuttering.com/workshops/

🎤Hi SLPs, CDAs, and SLPAs!

Join us live on October 23, 2026 (9 am–12 pm ET) for an interactive workshop with Kristin Chmela, M.A., CCC-SLP, BCS-SCF focused on practical, person-centered strategies to help young people who stutter find their voice and advocate for themselves.

"Empowering Advocacy Skills in Children and Teens Who Stutter"

Participants will learn how to:
✔ Hold space & create space
✔ Support self-disclosure
✔ Foster self-advocacy
✔ Partner in meaningful social action

Walk away with real case examples and tools you can apply immediately in therapy.

💻 Live webinar
🎟 Early Bird: $125 CAD (before Sept 16)
👥 Group rates available

Register here: speechandstuttering.com/workshops/
-

02/13/2026

A reminder that THIS SUNDAY is the Rockford, IL National Stuttering Association Family Meet up!

Location & Time:
The Cherry Bowl
7171 Cherryvale N Blvd
Rockford, IL 61112

More Details:
Meeting @ 12:30PM
Bowling begins @ 2:30PM
To RSVP, or for more information, you can contact:
Jessica and Trace Steinberg
815-979-8604
or
jesssteinberg@hotmail.com

01/23/2026

This season on American Idol, we’re absolutely thrilled to cheer on Jesse Findling! When young people who stutter are given the time, support, and space to speak and truly be heard, something powerful happens. At SAY, we believe the arts can transform lives and give young people who stutter a space to explore their voices, share their stories, and express what’s in their hearts. Jesse’s visibility reminds us and the world that stuttering is not a limitation. It can be a source of strength, and an invitation for the world to listen more fully and more authentically.
We’ll be cheering Jesse on as his journey unfolds and celebrating every young person who finds power, joy, and self-expression through creativity.
🎤✨ Tune in to American Idol, premiering Monday, January 26, on ABC and Hulu.
Photo courtesy of American Idol / ABC

01/23/2026

📣 Attention SLPs and graduate students: CSO is unlike any other continuing education opportunity!

🤸 Interact with ~45 kids and teens who stutter, ages 8 - 18 in a transformative environment

🌲 Earn 6.2+ ASHA CEUs (sponsored by the Stuttering Foundation) at this overnight summer camp with lodging in air-conditioned cabins

💡 Hands-on learning alongside a supportive team of board-certified specialists

🤝 Incredible networking with SLPs, grad students, and volunteers who share a passion for helping people who stutter

Email office@campshoutout.org for registration information!

01/16/2026

Our next Camp Shout Out Community Connection virtual gathering is This Sunday 1/18 at 5PM CST. These community gatherings last approximately 60 minutes and will be led by returning hosts Nicholas Caruso M.S., CCC-SLP, and Kyle Pelkey M.S., CCC-SLP, clinicians at the Chmela Communication Center, Facilitators at Camp Shout Out, and people who stutter.

During these virtual gatherings, past & current campers, adults within the Camp Shout Out community, and children & teens who stutter from the Chmela Communication Center, have the opportunity to connect periodically throughout the year in a safe, fun, and interactive environment.

Here is the schedule:
- Sunday January 18, 2025 @ 5PM Central Time
- Sunday March 8, 2025 @ 5PM Central Time
- Sunday April 12, 2025 @ 5PM Central Time
- Sunday May 3, 2025 @ 5PM Central Time

Join Zoom Meeting�https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86299318681?pwd=Z1FHV1hFQVByNks4L0FVcHdvTjhIdz09

01/09/2026

CCC is proud to offer our clients updated information about stuttering!

The STARS SPEAK Podcast is an excellent resource for current information regarding the neuroscience of stuttering.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts!

https://stutteringresearch.org/podcast/

🎧 Listen to Episode 2 of The STARS Speak Podcast!
Join host Gerald A. Maguire, MD as he dives into the neuroscience of stuttering with top researchers, clinicians, and people who stutter. Discover what we know, and what’s next, in stuttering science and therapy.

Our second episode is out now, you can find them on all podcast platforms and on our website at: https://stutteringresearch.org/podcast/