Congratulations to Lynn Smallwood, MBA, MA, CCC-SLP, for graduating from the Apraxia Kids Intensive Training Institute (Apraxia Boot Camp)!

I have been an SLP for the past 11 years. I worked in the schools for 10 years and went full time private practice in June 2023. I specialize in CAS, Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders, and Dyslexia. I have a wonderful, supportive husband and two adult children. I also have one grandson who is my world. I enjoy reading, traveling, and spending time with my family in my free time.

Lynn offers services in Wapakoneta, Ohio.
Check out Lynn’s Apraxia Kids SLP Directory Listing to learn more.

Apraxia Kids: What are the top 3 things you learned from this training experience?
Lynn:  1) Testing to diagnose CAS needs to include multiple different assessment items to make a good differential diagnosis.  2) How to use ReST as a therapy approach.  3) Using assessment tools (ProCAD/MPT) to help differentiate CAS vs dysarthria.

Apraxia Kids: How did the boot camp experience change or expand your network of colleagues/friends?
Lynn: My small group is amazing. We are still in contact and plan to stay that way. We have been able to bounce questions off each other, ask for guidance and encouragement from each other, and celebrate with each other. We are all at different stages of life but we all have a passion to work with kids with CAS. The mentors were great and it is great to have access to them after boot camp. Meeting all of the other boot campers has increased my pool of SLPs collaborate with all over the world.

Apraxia Kids: How have you implemented the knowledge you gained at boot camp?
Lynn: I have been able to complete a couple assessments since boot camp and I know that I was more thorough with the testing and was able to make a better, more informed, differential diagnosis. I have also used ReST with two clients since boot camp which I had never implemented before this. My clients have had great success with this approach. It is nice to have another tool in my tool belt.

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?
Lynn: I co-run a summer speech camp for kids with severe speech sound disorders, including CAS. I am excited to share my new expertise with the other SLPs that help with the camp and with the kids and families we serve. We also offer parent trainings during this camp so I am excited to be able to speak confidently about CAS to the families.

Apraxia Kids: What would you say to someone considering applying to boot camp next round?
Lynn: DO IT!  It is a big commitment for almost a year, but it is so worth it! You will gain so much knowledge, confidence, and so many connections.