Intensive Training

Few hands-on training opportunities to specialize in a particular diagnosis exist in the field of speech-language pathology. Intensive Training opportunities offered by Apraxia Kids, such as our Apraxia Boot Camp, are in-depth, in-person learning experience to take your knowledge of childhood apraxia of speech to the next level.

WHAT IS “APRAXIA BOOT CAMP”?

Apraxia Boot Camp is an intensive 4-day advanced training program. Apraxia Boot Camp was designed to strategically identify and intensively train qualified speech-language pathologists in order to boost their clinical expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of childhood apraxia of speech (CAS).

2020 BOOT CAMPS

In 2020, we will be hosting Boot Camps in the US and Canada.

The application deadline for 2020 U.S. and Canadian Boot Camps has passed.

The U.S. Boot Camp is in partnership with the Speech-Language Pathology Department at Duquesne University and will occur August 4-8, 2020.

The instructors for this training are:
Pooja Aggarwal MS CCC SLP
Julie Case, Ph.D, CCC-SLP
Laura Moorer, MA CCC SLP
Sue Caspari, MA CCC SLP

The Canada Boot Camp is in partnership with Sheridan College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning and will occur August 3-7, 2020.

The instructors for this training are:
Brooke Rea MClSc,SLP (C)
Lynn Smith MSLP
Ruth Stoeckel, Ph.D, CCC-SLP

Who is the ideal candidate for Apraxia Boot Camp?

The ideal candidate is an SLP with 5 year’s experience, who has seen a fair share of children with apraxia of speech and feels reasonable successful with clients from this population. Apraxia Boot Camp graduates are committed to maintaining an ongoing relationship with Apraxia Kids and making a difference in their communities. A full list of candidate requirements can be found on the Apraxia Boot Camp application.

What has been the impact of Apraxia Boot Camp?

Over 100 speech-language pathologists in the US and Canada have been trained through Apraxia Boot Camp. These graduates have gone on to educate other SLPs in their communities, organize Walk for Apraxia or other fundraising events, speak at our National Conference, and present On-Demand Webinars on advanced topics.

What makes Apraxia Boot Camp different than other training opportunities?

Unlike other training opportunities, Apraxia Boot Camp has a 6-month mentorship following the training where participants can receive feedback on their case study. Such mentorship is rare to find without additional cost.

THE IMPACT OF APRAXIA KIDS BOOT CAMP

What do past graduates say about their experience attending boot camp?

“Participating in boot camp and building relationships among like-minded SLPs has been amazing. I have gained a group of colleagues around the world that are passionate about working with individuals with CAS and know that I can turn to them for any guidance I may need. Boot camp is challenging and demanding, but an invaluable experience. If you are passionate about working with the CAS population, apply!”

“It has, by far, been one of the best professional experiences of my life and possibly even one of the best experiences in my life in general. I learned so much. The project afterward is where I feel like everything really came together. You get an opportunity to learn from some of the best in the field and, after boot camp, you have access to them as well as the people you went to boot camp with and those who have gone before you. It is truly an amazing experience. It has lit a whole new passion fire in me.”

“The Apraxia Kids boot camp experience has expanded my professional relationships into the CAS community. This experience has given me a connection to an elite group of SLPs to support and grow together as a community in the area of childhood apraxia of speech. If you love speech-sound disorders, want to gain an in-depth understanding of CAS, have the desire to pay it forward through training and spreading awareness, this boot camp with change your life.”

“I would say that boot camp is an invaluable experience that has greatly impacted my practice as an SLP. This opportunity challenged my critical thinking, problem-solving, and overall knowledge in the area of CAS. I am not a better SLP because of boot camp. I wish more trainings were modeled like this one.”

“If you are considering applying for boot camp next year, please do it. You will learn so much, make great friendships with smart colleagues, and develop expertise that will help the children you serve to find their voice!”

“As SLPs, we are all on this journey together. The more we learn, the better we do. This learning opportunity will change your understanding and ability to assess and treat CAS.”

“You should definitely apply if you are passionate and dedicated to working with children with childhood apraxia of speech. The whole process was a lot of work but every minute of it was totally worth it.”

“The relationships developed amongst the group of therapists at boot camp has been invaluable. Knowing I have a support group of colleagues spread across the country yet only a click away to answer questions and collaborate on complex clinical cases is great!”

“Boot camp is a unique and valuable learning experience that made a significant and positive impact on my clinical practice. It sharpened my critical thinking and problem-solving skills and deepened my knowledge about CAS. I would highly recommend it to any SLP.”

“Boot camp was the greatest professional experience that I have ever had. It was amazing to be surrounded by such knowledgeable therapists in a safe and supportive learning environment. Go for it! It will change the course of your practice!”

Apraxia Kids is the only source of intensive apraxia of speech education for speech-language pathologists. With your support, we can provide our one-of-a-kind training to more speech therapists across the country.