Kara McMahon

In 2008 I found myself watching who was around and reading through some of these exact testimonials, hoping and praying that applying for the McGuire Programme could actually be the one thing to help me overcome my stammer.  

Life during this time was a struggle of anxiety, dread and stress during every speaking opportunity. I felt no one, even my parents, really knew the real ‘Kara’ because I was never able to communicate her to the outside world.

I didn’t think I’d ever get married and never thought I’d become a mum because no man would want a girlfriend who stammered. I never answered the telephone, pretended to have a bladder problem in school to avoid reading out in class and never initiating a conversation was my daily reality.

Considering this, I decided to become a nurse (one of the biggest communicative jobs out there) and embarrassingly stammered my way through asking patients for urine samples.

This was my turning point, I needed a technique and most importantly support and the McGuire Programme provided these for me.  

Nowadays, I barely recognise the ‘Kara’ that was. The ‘Kara’ that is, is one that enjoys speaking, doesn’t hide behind a mask and puts herself forward for speaking opportunities. 

Communication is no longer a daily struggle, it is a positive part of my life that I appreciate and work on every day. I’m free to be whatever I want to be, whether this is a girlfriend, mum or even head of nursing. Free yourself, what do you want to be?