Virtual Adults Group for 20-30 Year Olds
Join us!
Looking to connect with other adults who stutter? Our virtual adult groups are for anyone ages 18 to 39 who wants to talk openly about stuttering, connect with others who get it, and share stories, support, and laughter in a caring, judgment-free space.
The group meets once a month (on the second Thursday) and runs for an hour and 15 minutes.
We hope you’ll join in whatever way feels comfortable for you, but if you’re up for it, we’d like to gently encourage everyone to keep their cameras on. Seeing each other helps create a more connected, inclusive space and lets others know they’re being heard.
If you have any questions, please don’t hestitate to contact us at friends@friendswhostutter.org.
Upcoming Dates: Thursdays at 7:30 PM Eastern on 10/9/25 and 11/13/25
Note to SLPs and graduate students: Thanks for your interest in stuttering support groups! Groups play an important role in normalizing stuttering and fostering acceptance, growth, and resilience. We are grateful to so many therapists for spreading the word about our no-cost virtual groups. If you are looking to attend a group, please note that we do not offer opportunities to observe or participate in these peer support groups. For SLP educational and training opportunities, please see our one-day conferences and annual convention. We also recommend visiting our YouTube channel to watch panels of young people who stutter, parents, adults who stutter, and presentations by fellow SLPs. Join our mailing list below to get the latest updates about upcoming CEU and training opportunities.
Group Summary
We had a great conversation this evening. We discussed what are acts of kindness that the fluent world perceive as helpful and what acts of kindness do we actually want to receive? Some examples mentioned include: people finishing our sentences, staring at our mouths while we stutter, denying that we stutter are unhelpful acts of kindness. We agreed that maintaining eye contact and giving us the time and space to freely express ourselves are the ultimate acts of kindness. We also had a great conversation about public speaking and shared tips and what variables cause us to stutter less or more. The group brought up how it’s important to remember our stuttering does not define us, and we should feel powerful and confident when we are giving a speech or presentation. I look forward to September’s meeting!
— Aileen Rife on facilitating the August 14th Adult Group
(We also welcome you to read past group summaries here!)
Meet the Facilitation Team
Aileen Rife is a person who stutters and has been involved in Friends for over 18 years. Friends has had a significant positive impact on her life and she loves the chance to meet new people who stutter through the Virtual Adult Group. Aileen is a licensed CPA and works for a real estate investment firm. Email Aileen
Stavros Ladeas is a PWS, a proud father and software engineer based in Providence, RI. He spent a decade in NYC where he met his amazing wife and became involved in the stuttering advocacy community. His work challenges him and helps him grow, and he enjoys being a new parent in his free time. Email Stavros
Mike Turner is a father, a husband, a filmmaker, and a person who stutters. He attended FRIENDS for the first time in 2014, where he gave the keynote address about making his autobiographical film The Way We Talk. He lives in Oregon. Email Mike
Josette Tugander is a person who stutters, New York State certified school psychologist, and doctoral student in the School Psychology PsyD program at St. John’s University. She has been involved in Friends for over a decade and was one of the original founders of the virtual groups during the height of the pandemic. Friends has introduced Josette to some of her biggest mentors and greatest friends, and she has loved every minute of being involved in this incredible organization. Email Josette
Róisín McManus is stutterer, nurse practitioner and mother. She has been involved with Friends since 2010, and still gets chills witnessing its impact on kids, families, adults and therapists. She works as a nurse practitioner specializing in palliative care, and lives in Providence, RI with her husband, daughter and extended family. Email Róisín