Congratulations to Christie Schipper, BA, M.Sc., RSLP, SLP(C), for graduating from the Apraxia Kids Intensive Training Institute (Apraxia Boot Camp)!

Christie completed her Bachelor of Arts (BA) in psychology and linguistics at the University of Lethbridge (UofL) and went on to complete her Masters of Science in Speech Language Pathology (M.Sc.-SLP) at the University of Alberta (UofA) in Edmonton, Alberta. Since graduating in 2007 Christie has gained valuable, frontline experience all over Alberta working primarily in paediatrics. Helping kids and their families reach their full potential is a passion of Christie’s; she’s so happy to help! Volunteer endeavors include: 4 years as a community member on the Human Ethics Board at the UofL, 5 years as a Beaver Scouts Leader with Scouts Canada, and 7+ years supporting newcomers to Canada in different ways. When she has spare time, you will find Christie enjoying time with her family and friends, mountain biking, skiing, and/or listening to podcasts and audiobooks.

Christie offers services in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada.
Check out Christie’s Apraxia Kids SLP Directory Listing to learn more.

Apraxia Kids: What are the top 3 things you learned from this training experience?
Christie:  1. How to put science/research into practice.   2. How to push past my fear of being judged and just ask for help if I have a question!   3. How to select treatment targets with greatly increased confidence.

Apraxia Kids: How did the boot camp experience change or expand your network of colleagues/friends?
Christie: I met so many wonderful people through this experience! I am so incredibly thankful for everything I learned and all of the people I met. I am in regular contact with my small group, Apraxia Fantastica.

Apraxia Kids: How have you implemented the knowledge you gained at boot camp?
Christie: The case study really pushed me to take my learning to the next level. Putting it all in writing was a really challenging experience but also so helpful. I have already re-read my paper a few times. It brings the research back to the forefront of my mind. Applying the knowledge is one thing, explicitly writing out with the knowledge that it will be reviewed by an expert is another. It forced me to organized my thoughts and write them out in order.

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?
Christie: I have been mentoring other SLPs in Southern Alberta. I have specifically been mentoring the SLP who will be taking over my case study student now that I’ve completed my treatment block. I have shared my case study write up and am training her to use DTTC for treatment with the students on her caseload with motor speech delays. I have also joined a CO-OP group of SLPs from all over Alberta who meet once a month to discuss Apraxia.  I have offered to present what I learned about Babble Bootcamp to this group.

Apraxia Kids: What would you say to someone considering applying to boot camp next round?
Christie: Do it!  It is such an incredible experience. It will be worth all of the hard work.