Congratulations to Melissa Minhas, MS, CCC-SLP, for graduating from the Apraxia Kids Intensive Training Institute (Apraxia Boot Camp)!

Melissa received her Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. She holds her certificate of clinical competence from ASHA (American Speech-Language and Hearing Association). Melissa has over 6 years of clinical experience working with children from ages 1-18 as a Speech-Language Pathologist. Her areas of interest include early intervention, alternative and augmentative communication (AAC), childhood apraxia of speech (CAS), and autism.

Melissa currently resides in Long Beach, California. She works at a private practice in Orange County, specializing in CAS and AAC. Melissa is trained in implementing DTTC and PROMPT techniques for children with childhood apraxia of speech. She participated in the Orange County Apraxia Kids Walk in 2022 and 2023 and hopes to continue supporting the apraxia community in Southern California. Melissa received recognition from Apraxia Kids for Advanced Training and Expertise in Childhood Apraxia of Speech in January 2024.

Melissa offers services in Long Beach, California.
Check out Melissa’s Apraxia Kids SLP Directory Listing to learn more.

Apraxia Kids: What are the top 3 things you learned from this training experience?
Melissa: My diagnostic skills have greatly improved as I have learned the most up to date evaluation tools and assessments to use when making a differential diagnosis. I have learned a variety of evidenced based treatment approaches that I can implement and use with my clients. In addition, the literature and research reviews have allowed me to learn about the current knowledge regarding CAS methodology and treatment.

Apraxia Kids: How did the boot camp experience change or expand your network of colleagues/friends?
Melissa: I now have a community of expert SLPs that I can collaborate with. This experience provided me with researchers, mentors, and treating SLPs that I can ask questions to and learn from.

Apraxia Kids: How have you implemented the knowledge you gained at boot camp?
Melissa: Since completing bootcamp I have begun to implement new assessment tools within my evaluation procedures. I am hoping to implement and use other treatment approaches with future clients.

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?
Melissa: I will continue to participate in the Apraxia Walk in Orange County. I will also be providing training with local ABA companies, regarding SLPs role and how we can collaborate together.

Apraxia Kids: What would you say to someone considering applying to boot camp next round?
Melissa: It has been an incredible training and experience! This bootcamp is a commitment, but you will be a stronger therapist after it.