Bree Kusz, M.S., 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.

Bree has more than 10 years of experience in the field and has been actively pursuing a deeper knowledge in the world of CAS since 2018. She was selected to be a PRACTICE clinician in 2022, where she was trained and implemented DTTC therapy with everyday clients for a multi-university, multi-country research study. Bree works full time in a public school and part time in private practice, primarily working with ages 2-6. While her time spent working with children with CAS is what fuels her passion, she also enjoys brainstorming with other professionals to find creative solutions to perceived roadblocks in treatment of children with CAS and spreading the ‘yes you can’ mentality to others. When not ‘speeching’ Bree loves being active, spending time with friends and family, and traveling.

Bree offers services in Wonder Lake, Illinois.
Check out Bree’s Apraxia Kids SLP Directory Listing to learn more.

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

Bree:
1. Well rounded, deep knowledge about a variety of evidence-based treatment approaches (for all levels of CAS)
2. Assessment triage (what do I need, why do I need it, and how will I get that)
3. Additional financial resources for families

Apraxia Kids: How did the boot camp experience change or expand your network of colleagues/friends?

Bree: Bootcamp was such a great balance of whole group and small group instruction with just enough down time to build relationships outside of the classroom. I loved that presenters were willing to eat and talk with us so we could get to know them as more than just one dimensional “pros.” I love that bootcamp recruited from all over the US and other countries so we could learn about how speech services work in other countries and be able to talk about cultural differences even within the US. Our ongoing Whatsapp group has become such a safe space for learning, asking questions, and brainstorming with a great group of passionate people!

Apraxia Kids: Describe how you have implemented the knowledge you gained at boot camp.

Bree: For me, Bootcamp reminded me of what I know, and filled in so many gaps in areas that I did not feel confident in. I now feel confident when coworkers ask me advice about clients, therapy approaches, or target selection. While I still really love the early/severe children, I feel much better knowing about other approaches and potential roadblocks so I can intentionally be bringing in things like literacy exposure early on for these kids.

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?

Bree: Since bootcamp, I was asked to present on CAS for the SLPs of my school district, reaching around 20 SLPs that work with all ages in my area. I have collaborated with 4 private therapists and shared my DTTC knowledge with them – I have offered to meet with one local private practice and do a training with their staff on CAS, they are seeing if they can make it work in their schedule. I wrote (and was granted) a small grant for one of the families I work with privately so that their child can receive a block of ReST therapy at the dosage required to make significant gains.

Apraxia Kids: What would you say to someone considering applying to boot camp next round?

Bree: If you are on the fence, if you aren’t sure, put in the application! Is it a lot of information? Yes. Does your brain feel like it went through a blender? Yes. But a week after, when you reassemble your brain, you will feel better than you ever have about every decision you make.