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
Conor Quinn
John McDermott, MSgt, USAF
Joseph Donaher, PhD, CCC-SLP
Kevin Rafferty, ChSNC®, RICP®
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.