Congratulations to Lyndsay Bourdeau, MSc-SLP, R.SLP, SLP(C), for graduating from the Apraxia Kids Intensive Training Institute (Apraxia Boot Camp)!

I have been supporting children and families with their speech, language, and literacy needs for over 15 years. I graduated from the University of Alberta and, after a brief departure to British Columbia, have lived and worked in Alberta since graduating. I began my Apraxia journey in 2015 when I received training from Dr. Megan Hodge in her “Let’s Start Talking” and “Let’s Talk More” programs for children with speech-motor learning disorders. In 2021, I proudly graduated from the Apraxia Kids Boot Camp. I continue to offer services locally and remotely, which allows me to support families near and far.

Lyndsay Bourdeau offers services in St. Albert, Alberta, Canada.
Check out Lyndsay’s Apraxia Kids SLP Directory Listing to learn more.

Apraxia Kids: What are the top 3 things you learned from this training experience?
Lyndsay: 1) Question everything – questioning what we’re reading, previous diagnoses, how was treatment set up for a child etc. Constant questioning leads to reflective practice which leads to better clinical service.  2) I really appreciated the time spent to deeply look at the principles of motor learning, the research supporting this, the outcomes and how this might look within treatment.  3) I loved the ICF framework review. This is something I have done in a less structured way within my practice but I appreciated the review and information again here as a way to structure my own practice and support clients and families especially as my clients’ age and priorities may shift.

Apraxia Kids: How did the boot camp experience change or expand your network of colleagues/friends?
Lyndsay: I came into boot camp with a team of colleagues who I use as a resource base and consult on a regular basis. I didn’t necessarily expect to expand this. In the end, I made connections with people from across the United States who have a similar vision to me and who would connect with me regarding questions. I also didn’t expect to connect as significantly as I did with the leaders of the bootcamp. I felt and feel like the leaders were all very approachable and are now within my realm of connections. I appreciate all of that knowledge base so much.

Apraxia Kids: How have you implemented the knowledge you gained at boot camp?
Lyndsay: I think I am still in the process of implementing the knowledge I gained. I am re-working my data to really follow and monitor the different principles of motor learning, I am in the process of re-evaluating my assessment procedures, particularly for different age groups. I think I will be implementing the knowledge I gained over time as I review all the materials.

Apraxia Kids: What is an example of how you have been able to (or plan to) use your expertise as a local resource/support for other professionals and/or families since attending the intensive training?
Lyndsay: I have been able to advocate for services for several clients in terms of accessing funding to support their intervention. I have plans to support the community by offering my resources to other SLPs to consult with them regarding clients or provide training. I have more ideas here that are brewing.

Apraxia Kids: What would you say to someone considering applying to boot camp next round?
Lyndsay: I would tell them to do it. It is very worth the investment of time and money.