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

Debi is a dedicated Speech-Language Pathologist that brings more than 25 years of experience to her current position in an early childhood special education program in the public schools. She graduated with her Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Disorders with a minor in Psychology from Texas A&M University-Kingsville followed by a Master of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Baylor University. In her years of practice, Debi has gained valuable clinical experience working with children and adults in a variety of settings including schools, acute hospitals, inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, Memphis Oral School for the Deaf, and skilled nursing facilities. She has received specialized training in dysphagia, STAR (Strategies for Teaching based on Autism Research), PECS (Picture Communication Exchange) and childhood apraxia of speech. She is a recent graduate of Apraxia Kids Boot Camp and is recognized by Apraxia Kids for Advanced Training and Expertise in Childhood Apraxia of Speech. While she has worked with all age levels, she has found her passion in working with the preschool population with a special interest in autism and speech sound disorders. Debi possesses an extraordinary commitment to provide the best possible service to her students, families, and coworkers. She holds a license to practice in Arizona. She is a member of the American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA) and is a recipient of the ASHA ACE award. Debi enjoys spending quality time with her husband, Jeff, and their two children, Hannah and Tyler, in Tucson, AZ.

Debi Christensen offers services in Tucson, Arizona, United States.

Apraxia Kids: What are the top 3 things you learned from this training experience?
Debi: 1) How to conduct a thorough evaluation for differential diagnosis. 2) How to provide more effective and efficient treatment for CAS 3) How to “measure” inconsistency.

Apraxia Kids: How did the boot camp experience change or expand your network of colleagues/friends?
Debi: Participating in Boot Camp provided me with the incredible opportunity to learn from experts in the field and to develop friendships with colleagues in the US and Canada! I can’t wait to meet everyone in person at the 2022 Apraxia Kids National Conference in Vegas!

Apraxia Kids: How have you implemented the knowledge you gained at boot camp?
Debi: I was able to apply the knowledge I learned in Boot Camp when working on my case study. Additionally, I have had the opportunity to consult with other SLPs in my district regarding treatment strategies for their students with CAS.

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?
Debi: I am in the process of applying to be listed in the Apraxia Kids SLP Directory. I am also hoping to volunteer with the annual Walk for Apraxia. Additionally, I have notified administration that I will be happy to provide consultation (and possibly an in-service) for other SLPs in our district.

Apraxia Kids: What would you say to someone considering applying to boot camp next round?
Debi: Do it! It’s intense but I learned so much through this experience!