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

Melissa Taberski graduated from Penn State University in 2006. After spending time as an SLP in the school setting, she settled into her private practice in 2019 with a focus on speech sound disorders and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). She provides in-person services in Rochester, NY as well as evaluations and consultations in New Hampshire multiple times per year. In addition, teletherapy is provided throughout New York, New Hampshire, and Maine. Melissa presented at the Apraxia Kids National Conferences in 2019 and 2021. As the mom of a son with Apraxia, this is both a personal and professional passion for Melissa.

Melissa offers services in New Hampshire, New York, and Maine.

Check out Melissa’s Apraxia Kids SLP Directory Listings to learn more.

Apraxia Kids: What are the top 3 things you learned from this training experience?
Melissa: I learned so much over these past 2 years. 1) More comprehensive evaluation and differential diagnoses. I am far more confident in not only my ability to diagnose CAS, but also documenting how it is impacting a child. 2) I have far more tools in my Apraxia toolbox. We learned about DTTC, ReST, AAC, PROMPT, Speech Motor Chaining, etc. I can more easily match a child with the best treatment method for them. 3) I understand the Principles of Motor Learning and how best to incorporate them into my sessions.

Apraxia Kids: How did the boot camp experience change or expand your network of colleagues/friends?
Melissa: I looked forward to Boot Camp because I wanted to meet more people like me – passionate about Apraxia. My group (the red group!) texts and emails with questions or suggestions for evaluations and services. Being a Boot Camp graduate just expands that even more through Facebook groups and mentors! I am truly grateful to be part of such an amazing group of professionals!

Apraxia Kids: How have you implemented the knowledge you gained at boot camp?
Melissa: I have changed almost every part of my practice – from my intake forms to evaluation methods to treatment choices. I thought I knew a lot about CAS, but this brought my knowledge and understanding to a new level. The best part is the progress I have noted in my clients as I changed to incorporate what I have learned from Boot Camp.

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 love connecting with families and professionals. When I think back to graduate school, I don’t think I learned about CAS at all. I was recently asked to consult with a school system and provide support to both the team and the family. I appreciate all the knowledge that has come with attending Boot Camp, and I’m looking forward to sharing this knowledge with others.

Apraxia Kids: What would you say to someone considering applying to boot camp next round?
Melissa: Go for it! It has been one of the most challenging experiences post-graduate school, but it has changed me into a better speech-language pathologist. It gave me not only one tool but a whole toolbox when working with children with Apraxia and their families!