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

I am a certified speech-language pathologist with over 15 years of experience working in early intervention, public schools, and private practice. I currently own a small boutique style practice serving children from 15 months-10 years. I care deeply about my clients and believe in building a strong rapport with the child and family so that each child feel safe taking risks and trying new things.

I earned my bachelor’s degree at the University of New Hampshire and a master’s degree in Communication Disorders at Emerson College. Additionally, I hold a Massachusetts state license and Certification of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) from the national American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).

Alison offers services in North Reading, Massachusetts.

Check out Alison’s Apraxia Kids SLP Directory Listing to learn more.

Apraxia Kids: What are the top 3 things you learned from this training experience?
Alison: I now feel very confident when conducting my assessments and writing reports. I always analyzed the data that I had, but now I do this with different eyes and ears, paying extremely close attention to the errors that are observed. I also have a better method for choosing targets for the individual.

Apraxia Kids: How did the boot camp experience change or expand your network of colleagues/friends?
Alison: My network of colleagues/friends has grown to include a group of women that I can count on for support. I have never had colleagues that had a similar passion to treating CAS as I did and it is so exciting to know likeminded SLPs!

Apraxia Kids: How have you implemented the knowledge you gained at boot camp?
Alison: I have definitely adjusted my assessment procedure and now write my reports in a lot more detail, so that any parent or SLP not familiar with CAS, can walk away from reading the report with a better understanding of their child’s communication difficulties and a plan to move forward. My reports now also cite references to support the claims and rational presented.

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?
Alison: I hope to lead workshops for SLPs, connect with other local boot camp graduates, and would love to initiate a parent support group!

Apraxia Kids: What would you say to someone considering applying to boot camp next round?
Alison: Definitely do it! If you work with children with CAS, boot camp will provide you with all the training that you need to feel confident assessing and treating CAS. It is not an easy journey and requires a lot of time, but it is so worth it! An added bonus was being able to connect with so many wonderful SLPs and making new friendships across the country!