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

Lauren is an ASHA-certified and licensed speech-language pathologist in the state of Maryland. She completed her undergraduate degree at Kutztown University in Pennsylvania and earned her Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Towson University in Maryland. She is the owner and founder of Graceful Speech-Language Therapy in Bel Air, Maryland. She provides both in-person clinic-based services and teletherapy services to children throughout Maryland. Lauren is passionate and dedicated to helping all children reach their full potential. Lauren is a mom to four amazing children, ages 6 and under. In her free time, she loves running and has served as a co-coordinator for the Baltimore Apraxia Kids Walk since 2022.

Lauren offers services in Bel Air, Maryland.
Check out Lauren’s Apraxia Kids SLP Directory Listing to learn more.

Apraxia Kids: What are the top 3 things you learned from this training experience?
Lauren: 1) I have become more confident and thorough in my assessment procedures, including confidence in making a CAS diagnosis. 2) Better selection of individualized and achievable targets for each child, based on the principles of motor learning. 3) More thorough knowledge of a range of treatment methods.

Apraxia Kids: How did the boot camp experience change or expand your network of colleagues/friends?
Lauren: It was amazing to be surrounded by other professionals just as passionate about apraxia! I met some of my lifelong friends in our small group, the Nor’Easters. We stay in contact regularly and we hope to attend Apraxia Kids conferences together in the future. It’s amazing to have the peer support in Boot Camp and after.

Apraxia Kids: How have you implemented the knowledge you gained at boot camp?
Lauren: For evaluations, I immediately began to change my intake process, making sure I gather a complete case history. Additionally, I am more methodical in selecting my assessment material. For therapy, I am much more thoughtful about the goals and treatment words I select for my clients. I am thinking more about the principles of motor learning and what is achievable for my client based on their phonetic inventory, stimulable sounds, and overall assessment results.

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?
Lauren: I signed up to be a co-coordinator again for the 2024 Baltimore Apraxia Kids Walk. Additionally, I supervise employees, graduate students, and CFYs in the clinic and plan to train them to become more confident and efficient in identifying and treating CAS. In the future, I would love to host a support group for families and children with apraxia in our clinic.

Apraxia Kids: What would you say to someone considering applying to boot camp next round?
Lauren: Do it!! Know it’s a lot of work, but you can do it and it’ll all be worth it. Lean on the support of your small group and cohort. The amount of knowledge and expertise you’ll gain is priceless. Boot Camp was by far the most beneficial experience of my career post graduate school.