OUR MISSION

The Stuttering Springboard empowers young adults who stutter by bringing them together in supportive, transformative programs that help them share and navigate their unique communication and psychological challenges. We prepare each participant to become the best version of themselves and confidently take the next step in life—whether in school, college, career, or beyond.

The Stuttering Springboard Team

We are a Volunteer lead team, receiving no compensation for our work. We are passionate about changing the stigma associated with stuttering and helping young people bust through difficult times!

Brian Nolan
Brian Nolan
President and Co-Founder
Brian is a person who stutters with a passion for helping young people who stutter spring to the next level. Brian is also Managing Partner of...
Conor Quinn
Conor Quinn
Director of Development
Conor is a lifelong resident of Haverford Township. Currently Conor is serving on the Haverford Township Board of Commissioners, representing the...
John McDermott, MSgt, USAF
John McDermott, MSgt, USAF
Secretary
Master Sergeant John McDermott, Flight Safety Superintendent at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, brings 17 years of military service, multiple...
Joseph Donaher, PhD, CCC-SLP
Joseph Donaher, PhD, CCC-SLP
Co-Founder and Clinical Resource and Mentor
Joseph Donaher, PhD, CCC-SLP, is an adjunct assistant professor, a speech-language pathologist and the Research Program Director with the...
Kevin Rafferty, ChSNC®, RICP®
Kevin Rafferty, ChSNC®, RICP®
Treasurer
Kevin is a person who stutters and is the Treasurer of The Stuttering Springboard. He is a financial planner specializing in wealth management...

Why We Were Founded

The Stuttering Springboard was created to continue and expand the important work that began with the Nolan Stuttering Foundation. The Nolan Stuttering Foundation was founded when Brian Nolan and Joe Donaher, Ph.D., recognized a critical need: helping teens and young adults who stutter prepare for major transitions in their lives.

This mission grew from Brian Nolan’s own journey as an adult who stutters—his experiences hiding his stutter, learning to disclose it, persevering through difficult transitions, and ultimately turning back to support the next generation. His story sparked a movement to ensure that young people who stutter have the guidance, community, and confidence they need to thrive.

The Stuttering Springboard builds upon this foundation and expands its reach. Our purpose is to bring young people who stutter together and connect them with adults who share similar lived experiences. By sharing their stories and insights, adults who stutter help young people navigate challenges, embrace their identity, and confidently take the next steps in their lives.

The Stuttering Springboard represents the next chapter of this journey—one rooted in the legacy of the Nolan Stuttering Foundation and propelled by a commitment to helping every young person who stutters become the best version of themselves.