Camp Shout Out Inc./Chmela Communication Center
Champion of Service
Kristin A. Chmela, M.A., CCC-SLP, BCS-F, has passionately served children who stutter, families, graduate students, and professionals for 35 years. Along with her colleague Julie Raynor, Kristin co-founded Camp Shout Out, which assists children who stutter within the community, graduate students and speech-language pathologists, in evolving as communicators and individuals. Recently, Kristin directed and co-produced a free video and advocacy guide to help teachers better understand the unique experiences of students who stutter and ways to help them. Kristin’s desire is for every teacher in West Michigan and across the world to watch this video, and for children who stutter to become their own self-advocates.
Kristin says, “While growing up, I suffered tremendously. I was a child who stuttered and I had severe anxiety. I was bullied often and felt isolated. I believe those experiences have contributed to my relentless passion focused upon helping children and their families.”