MEET SLP THE
SFA Interview with Loryn McGill,
M.S.CCC-SLP; Speech and Language Pathologist; Owner, OC Stuttering Center; Faculty, University of Southern California
The SFA maintains a list of famous people who stutter, including athletes and other celebrities—how helpful is it for students to have a “role model” they can look up to and/or identify with? Having role models who stutter openly and speak confidently about their experiences can be truly life changing. Many young people who stutter may not have the chance to meet others who sound like them, so seeing someone embrace their stutter offers a powerful glimpse into what’s possible for the future. It shows that stuttering doesn’t define or limit who you can become, it’s simply one part of who you are. When someone shares their stuttering journey with openness and authenticity, they send a message that resonates deeply; you can chase your dreams, lead with confidence, and still stutter. They remind us that real strength isn’t about hiding our stutter; it’s about owning it. They show us that our voices, exactly as they are, deserve to be heard.
How long have you worked with Brandon? I have worked with Brandon for 6 years.
How did you integrate his love of baseball and George Springer into your work with him?
I strive to connect with every person I work with on a genuine and personal level. Building trust and rapport is
an integral part of the therapeutic process; making each client feel truly seen and valued for who they are. From the moment I met Brandon and he was proudly wearing his Astros gear, I knew we had to connect in this way. To this day he provides me with a weekly sports update keeping me informed about who is playing who and player statistics. Let’s just say that I know a lot about baseball thanks to him! It is great that we have continued to learn from each other and finding that shared connection has been such a special and rewarding part of our work together.
How has Brandon progressed through your work with him? I have watched Brandon gain immense confidence in who he is as a young person who stutters. Although his journey has not been without challenges, he has shown incredible resilience in navigating the variability that comes with stuttering. What was once his biggest secret has now become a source of inspiration for others, and for himself and I am deeply proud of him for that. Connecting with George has been a special part of his stuttering journey, and I am grateful for the positive influence he has had in Brandon’s life. When faced with difficult moments, we often ask, “What would George do?”, and sometimes that simple question is all it takes for Brandon to find courage and move forward.
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