About the BSA

The trustees of the British Stammering Association plan the overall strategy and direction of BSA's work. You can email them on chair@stammering.org. These are the trustees for 2011/12:

	Keith Boss A 'world that understands stammering'. The BSA takes a strong lead in this through its important projects and by being an excellent stammering information provider with its website. I will work with other Trustees to speak out to the media and MPs as well as reaching out to more stammerers. What do you want from us?
	Sarah Ellison I work as a speech and language therapist for the NHS in Lancashire, and for several years have specialised in adults and older teenagers who stammer. I am also an NLP Practitioner and this plays a large part in my stammering therapy. I joined the team of BSA trustees in early November 2011 and look forward to my BSA journey, introducing people to NLP, and especially being involved in projects for adults and older teenagers.
	John Evans (Vice Chair) I have lived with a stammer since childhood, but it stopped dominating my life after some spiritual experiences, a growing desire to be true to myself, and the help of a wonderful singing teacher. Since then I have perhaps over-compensated by becoming a successful public speaker, enjoying talking about dealing with stress and finding one's life purpose. I have been employed in the charity sector for some time and am delighted to find myself a trustee of the BSA.
	Leys Geddes (Chair) I will continue to use my business and marketing experience to ensure that the BSA does everything possible to help stammerers. But, to make real progress, we need to spend more time speaking to the 99% of people who don't stammer, so they will understand the difficulties we face, and help us achieve change. If you can help, please ring me at home on 020 8274 0047, or email chair@stammering.org
	Pete Hancock I'm an Honours Graduate in Economics & Politics with 35 years experience of working in Government. I feel strongly that BSA needs to act as an effective and campaigning voice on behalf of all people who stammer, young and not so young - while still retaining a sense of humour!
	David Lilburn I am a qualified medical doctor currently doing a PhD in medical imaging. I have stammered since 4 years old, although now to a lesser degree. I decided some time ago that this would not be a factor in deciding my future. I have enjoyed BSA membership for over a decade and will do my best to further its aims through active campaigning and providing a voice for those yet to find theirs.
	Colin Marsh Originally from South London, I have lived in Leicester for many years, and work as a Careers Adviser. I know from both my personal and professional experience the devastating effect a stammer can have on a person's life. I believe that the BSA provides a vital service to all those affected by stammering, and I am looking forward to being involved in what promises to be a challenging time for the Association.
	Vipan Narang I'm a qualified Chartered Accountant and have stammered since I was 18. I see the BSA continuing to build its foundation of services for people affected by stammering and attract funding for many new projects, including further children's initiatives, adult projects (e.g. careers guidance), the support networks and BSA's widely acclaimed website.
	Gerald Sumpter I have spent the majority of my career in senior sales and commercial management roles. I had a severe stammer to age 16 but am now almost fluent, and owe a great deal to speech therapy. My son also stammers and has been much helped by speech therapy and by BSA's education arm. I hope that amongst other things my business skills will contribute to the fundraising activities that are so vital for the continued success of BSA.
	Dr Claire Tupling I am proud to support the BSA, it is a valuable organisation reaching out to all whose lives are affected by stammering. I am a university senior lecturer, with a PhD in sociology, and a keen interest in education, and I hope this knowledge can benefit the important work the BSA does in this area. I have had a stammer since childhood.

About the BSA