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

Kim specializes in pediatric speech therapy, working closely with families while providing private community and clinic-based services. She has experience working with late talkers, children with language delays, feeding difficulties, executive functioning needs, and motor-speech disorders. She seeks to provide neurodiversity-affirming care, recognizing and respecting the unique strengths and needs of each child.  In her holistic approach, Kim actively fosters collaboration among the child’s entire therapy team, recognizing the vital importance of working closely with parents, physicians, teachers, and other therapists. Kim has nearly 2 decades of experience as an SLP and is deeply passionate about providing personalized care. She values her connection with the children she works with and is committed to helping them work toward their goals. Living in Houston Texas, Kim enjoys spending quality time with her family, attending local events, crafting, baking, and volunteering for local and national non-profit organizations.

Kim offers virtual and in-person services in Houston and The Woodlands, Texas and virtual services in Pennsylvania.
Check out Kim’s SLP Directory listings to learn more!

Apraxia Kids: What are the top 3 things you learned from this training experience?
Kim: The training guided me through an exploration of CAS research, dynamic assessment, and treatment, providing a deeper understanding of CAS. Additionally, I gained valuable knowledge in research-based tools tailored specifically to childhood apraxia of speech (CAS). Last but not least, the training equipped me with strategies and tools for reporting evaluation results and tracking progress over time, especially beneficial for those with CAS.

Apraxia Kids: How did the boot camp experience change or expand your network of colleagues/friends?
Kim: The boot camp was a meeting ground for speech-language pathologists (SLPs) with a keen interest in CAS. Through this experience, I not only expanded my professional network but met therapists that I now call friends.

Apraxia Kids: How have you implemented the knowledge you gained at boot camp?
Kim: The knowledge gained at the boot camp and throughout the completion of the required case study has been directly translated into my practice. I’ve incorporated specific assessments and progress monitoring tools learned during the training into my work with patients. Moreover, I now have the confidence and knowledge to diagnose or rule out CAS, explain it to patients and caregivers, and work with families to create treatment plans.

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?
Kim: I plan to take on a bigger role as a local resource by offering training sessions and in-services to local SLP groups. I plan to continue my work as a mentor and speech therapy supervisor to help equip other SLPs with tools to help the kids they treat. I will continue to support the Apraxia community by assisting with local fundraising and awareness efforts including the Walk for Apraxia.

Apraxia Kids: What would you say to someone considering applying to boot camp next round?
Kim: I would encourage seasoned speech therapists to move forward with applying for the boot camp, as I truly feel it was one of the most rewarding and educational experiences I’ve ever taken part in. While the course requires significant effort and dedication, the long-term benefits to your professional growth and clinical skills make it a valuable and worthwhile investment.