Empowering Advocacy Skills in Kids and Teens Who Stutter

Date and Time: Oct 23rd 2026, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Target Audience: Speech-Language Pathologists or CDAs/SLPAs

Location: Synchronous Live Webinar on Zoom (participants will receive a link 2 days before the workshop)

Early Bird: Before Sep 16
$125 CAD

Standard Rate: After Sep 16
$150 CAD

Groups 6+: Per person
$115 CAD

We will send you an email with information regarding payment of registration fees. Complete the registration only if you have plans to register and attend.

Workshop Description
This workshop will review a conceptual model for empowering advocacy skills in children and teens who stutter. It includes specific case examples and strategies therapists can apply immediately. Case examples will support various ways strategies may be implemented, with a focus upon care that is person-centered.

Primary Speaker Bio and Disclosures

Kristin Chmela

M.A., CCC-SLP, BCS-SCF Certified in Mindfulness, Yoga, and Trauma Informed Care

Kristin Chmela M.A., CCC-SLP, BCS-SCF has serviced children and teens who stutter for almost forty years at the Chmela Communication Center in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago. She is an author, national and international lecturer and consultant, and co-founder and Director of the Training and Therapeutic Experience Program at Camp Shout Out. Kristin spends most of her time helping those who stutter, clutter, and have other fluency challenges. As a person with a lived experience of stuttering, she remains passionate about helping speech language pathologists service this population.

Kristin Chmela has the following relevant financial and non-financial relationships to disclose:

Financial Relationships

  • Kristin receives royalties for products published by Super Duper, Inc. including Focus on Fluency and Fluency Flips

Non-Financial Relationships

  • Kristin serves as historian on the American Board of Stuttering, Cluttering, and Fluency Disorders and receives no honorarium
  • Intellectual property, Chmela Communication Center and Camp Shout Out
  • Contributions to Stuttering Foundation videotapes and book for which Kristin receives no royalties

Learning Outcomes
Learn the following essential competencies for anyone working with children who stutter:

  • Hold Space & Create Space – help your clients advocate to be heard
  • Self-disclosure – support your clients to reduce fear and avoidance, and develop acceptance

  • Self-advocacy – empower your clients around education and accommodation

  • Social Action – partner with your clients for systemic change

Certificate of Attendance

All participants will receive a certificate of attendance two business days after the workshop is completed.

Agenda and Policies

9:00-9:05 Welcome & Registration

9:05-9:15 Introduction: Advocacy Matters

9:15-9:30 Supporting Evidence

9:30-9:45 A Conceptual Model of Advocacy

9:45-10:30 Application to Stuttering Therapy

10:30-10:45 Break

10:45-11:30 Clinical Outcomes of Case Examples

11:30-11:45 Conclusions

11:45-12:00 Comments & Questions

Customer satisfaction is a top priority at the Speech and Stuttering Institute. As a customer, it is your responsibility to pay the necessary fee and supply a credit card for fee payment.

Complaint Policy: Please send an email to SSIASHA@speechandstuttering.com and include a detailed summary of your questions, comments, and/or concerns you may have, along with your full name and contact information within 30 days of course completion.

Cancellation Policy: You may place cancellations by emailing SSIASHA@speechandstuttering.com For a full complaint + cancellation policy, see here

Join Mailing List!

Interested in SSI's workshops and courses?

Sign up for our news letter to be notified about future professional development opportunities:
Join Mailing List!