Angela Durrant, M.A., CCC-SLP, is now a graduate of the Apraxia Kids Intensive Training Institute (Apraxia Boot Camp) and is considered Recognized by Apraxia Kids for Advanced Training and Expertise in Childhood Apraxia of Speech.

 

Angela is a licensed speech-language pathologist and holds certification from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. She earned her bachelor’s degree in communication disorders from Brigham Young University and her master’s degree from Utah State University. Angela has been practicing as a speech-language pathologist since 2013 and has developed extensive expertise in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) for nonverbal or minimally verbal students. Since 2018, she has also served on the Utah Assistive Technology Team for Washington County School District, where she supports students and teams in implementing assistive technology to improve communication and access to learning. Angela has presented at local autism conferences, statewide Utah Assistive Technology Team conferences, and professional development training for the speech, behavior, and special education staff within Washington County School District. She is especially passionate about working with young children who are difficult to understand and has had tremendous success supporting their communication development. Angela strongly believes in the importance of early intervention and parent coaching as key components of effective therapy.

 

Angela offers services in St. George, Utah.
Check out Angela’s Apraxia Kids SLP Directory Listing to learn more.

 

Apraxia Kids: What are the top 3 things you learned from this training experience?
Angela:

1. The Importance of Principles of Motor Learning

One of the most valuable lessons for me was understanding how the principles of motor learning guide effective treatment for childhood apraxia of speech. Factors such as practice intensity, feedback, variability, and practice structure significantly influence how well children learn and generalize speech motor patterns.

2. The Need for High-Intensity, Structured Practice

I found that to provide effective therapy for CAS requires frequent, structured practice with many repetitions of target movements.

3. The Importance of Careful Target Selection and Data-Based Decisions

While using DTTC I found that selecting functional, developmentally appropriate targets and carefully analyzing performance data are essential for guiding treatment.

 

Apraxia Kids: How did the boot camp experience change or expand your network of colleagues/friends?
Angela: Boot camp expanded my professional network by connecting me with other clinicians who are also working with children with CAS. Through this experience, I gained a group of colleagues I can reach out to when I have questions or feel unsure about treatment decisions. Having access to this network has been incredibly valuable for collaboration, problem-solving, and sharing ideas. My boot camp group still texts frequently and asks each other questions. The experience also increased my confidence in my ability to assess and treat CAS, knowing I have both the training and supportive colleagues to help guide my clinical decisions when needed.

 

Apraxia Kids: Describe how you have implemented the knowledge you gained at boot camp.
Angela: Since attending boot camp, I have been able to directly apply the knowledge and strategies I learned to my clinical practice. I am now more confident in selecting developmentally appropriate and functional treatment targets for children with CAS. I am also able to choose and implement evidence-based treatment programs, such as DTTC or ReST, tailoring the approach to each student’s needs. Applying these strategies has improved my ability to structure therapy sessions effectively and to make data-informed decisions that support motor learning and speech progress.

 

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?
Angela: I have been able to use the expertise I gained from boot camp to serve as a local resource for colleagues. For example, I assisted a very seasoned clinician in analyzing assessment results for a child with CAS and helped identify appropriate treatment targets. By guiding the selection of developmentally appropriate and functional goals, I supported the clinician in designing an effective, individualized treatment plan. I recently followed up with the clinician, and he reports that the new targets are more appropriate than the previous targets and the student is starting to show some progress. Experiences like this have allowed me to apply my knowledge in a collaborative way and reinforce my role as a resource for evidence-based strategies within my local professional community.

 

Apraxia Kids: What would you say to someone considering applying to boot camp next round?
Angela: If you are considering attending an Apraxia boot camp, it’s important to be prepared for a significant time commitment. Before the boot camp, you may spend 40-80 hours reviewing materials, studying, and completing reflections. During the boot camp, the schedule is intense, and after the program, you can expect to spend additional hours applying what you’ve learned – testing students, planning therapy, and writing case studies.