Virtual Young Adults Group
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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.
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.
Upcoming dates
The group meets on the second Thursday of every month at 7:30 PM Eastern and runs for an hour and 15 minutes.
Our group will meet again on:
- Thu. October 9th, 7:30 PM – 8:45 PM Eastern
- Thu. November 13th, 7:30 PM – 8:45 PM Eastern
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 events 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.
If you have any questions
See what we explored together recently
We talked a lot about what our earliest memories were as people who stutter. Most people’s first memory related to someone teasing them or telling them they shouldn’t speak this way, but we discussed how to take back the power and change the narrative. As adults, we have the power to speak up for ourselves and also for the next generation of children who stutter. We’re noticing the younger generations are much more accepting of people’s differences and won’t tolerate bullying. It was a great conversation and I look forward to October’s meeting!
— Aileen Rife on facilitating the Friends Adult Group in September
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
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
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