Emily Obergoenner, 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.

Emily is a pediatric speech-language pathologist with primary clinical interests in the assessment and treatment of speech sound disorders. She serves as an instructor and clinical supervisor at Southeast Missouri State University and is co-owner of GO Therapy LLC. Emily believes therapy should never follow a “one-size-fits-all” approach. She utilizes the ICF framework to thoughtfully consider the unique characteristics of each child, including their personality, strengths, and participation in their everyday life. She enjoys bringing creativity and enthusiasm to therapy sessions, leading to improved participation, motivation, and rapport. She is dedicated to partnering with families and caregivers, offering guidance and education that fosters confidence and empowers them to effectively advocate for their child’s unique needs.

Emily offers services in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.
Check out Emily’s Apraxia Kids SLP Directory Listing to learn more.

Apraxia Kids: What are the top 3 things you learned from this training experience?
Emily: The Boot Camp experience was truly invaluable, making it difficult to identify just three key takeaways. While I was previously familiar with a range of assessment tools for motor speech disorders and differential diagnosis, the hands-on application and case-based learning solidified my competence and confidence in their administration. Through this experience, I strengthened my ability to make data-driven, research-supported decisions regarding target selection and practice structure. Additionally, completing the case study required a level of reflective practice beyond what is typically expected. This deeper analysis enhanced my clinical reasoning skills and increased my confidence in navigating complex cases with a variety of underlying issues and factors.

Apraxia Kids: How did the boot camp experience change or expand your network of colleagues/friends?
Emily: My network of colleagues has grown tremendously throughout the Boot Camp experience! Within my work setting, my coworkers often specialize in specific areas in order to deliver up-to-date, evidence-based teaching and practice. Because of this, I often feel limited in my opportunities to really dive into speech sound disorders and collaborate at a high level of practice. Boot camp was such a wonderful experience as I was able to collaborate with other SLPs who had clinical interests like my own and at a high level of practice. The diversity of SLPs at Boot Camp was so beneficial! It was great to hear of the practice preferences and challenges of others, from different settings and different parts of the country (and even world!).

Apraxia Kids: Describe how you have implemented the knowledge you gained at boot camp.
Emily: Boot Camp has influenced many parts of my clinical practice and teaching. I’ve added tools like the ProCAD and the Index of Phonetic Complexity (IPC) to my assessment battery, which have strengthened how I evaluate and plan for clients. The IPC has been especially helpful for tracking progress with some of my younger children. I also feel more confident choosing treatment targets, knowing my decisions are based on evidence and thoughtful consideration of each child’s individual needs.

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?
Emily: I have had the opportunity to connect with local SLPs to share information about assessment tools used in the evaluation of motor speech disorders. Additionally, the knowledge I gained from Boot Camp has strengthened my ability to counsel and support parents and caregivers with greater clarity and confidence.

Apraxia Kids: What would you say to someone considering applying to boot camp next round?
Emily: If you are on the fence, do it! You will not regret the Boot Camp experience. The time commitment is absolutely worthwhile, and you will leave feeling more confident and equipped in your professional role. You will gain the skills, clinical insight, and advanced knowledge needed to serve as a leader in delivering evidence-based care for individuals with CAS in your community. Our field depends on clinicians who are willing to pursue advanced training and bring that expertise back to their workplaces. By investing in this experience, you contribute not only to your own growth, but also to the advancement and spread of best practices to others within the field.