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

I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology from Ithaca College in 2010. I continued my schooling at Ithaca College and received my Master’s Degree in Teaching Students with Speech and Language Disabilities in 2012. Over the past 12 years, I have experience working in the public school system and am currently working in a private practice setting. I have always felt passionate about working with the pediatric population while treating speech sound disorders, including Childhood Apraxia of Speech. In 2024, I graduated from the Apraxia Kids Intensive Training (Boot Camp) and am recognized by Apraxia Kids for advanced training and expertise in Childhood Apraxia of Speech. Providing evidence based, family-centered treatment is a top priority for me. When I am not working, my two young kids and puppy keep me busy at home!

Nicole offers services in Rocky Hill, Connecticut.
Check out Nicole’s Apraxia Kids SLP Directory Listing to learn more.

Apraxia Kids: What are the top 3 things you learned from this training experience?
Nicole: 1. I learned about a variety of assessment tools that I can use throughout the evaluation process in order to provide the most comprehensive and dynamic assessment possible. I was given training on not only how to utilize these tools, but when to pull specific tools from my “toolbox” when evaluating a child.   2. I learned how to more effectively collect data, specifically utilizing probe data, and different methods for tracking progress over time.  3. I was given much more in-depth information regarding treatment and feel more equipped to implement these treatment methods, specifically DTTC, with fidelity.

Apraxia Kids: How did the boot camp experience change or expand your network of colleagues/friends?
Nicole: It was really wonderful to be surrounded by so many talented and intelligent SLPs throughout the course of this training. I have remained in contact with some of those SLPs since leaving the training and feel that my network has expanded in a positive way. I know that I can reach out to any of these SLPs in the future for guidance, conversation, or referral purposes.

Apraxia Kids: How have you implemented the knowledge you gained at boot camp?
Nicole: I have used the knowledge that I gained at Boot Camp to assist me in making both assessment and treatment decisions. I have improved the way that I select treatment targets, collect data/measure progress, and feel more equipped to have discussions with families about assessment and treatment. My understanding of how to implement principles of motor learning was increased after attending Boot Camp and I am now better able to manipulate these PMLs with ease in my treatment sessions.

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?
Nicole: I would love to be able to offer trainings/consultations to SLPs who feel that they need more education or guidance in CAS, whether that be providing trainings to school districts, consulting with private practice SLPs, or consulting with family members to help them better understand CAS.

Apraxia Kids: What would you say to someone considering applying to boot camp next round?
Nicole: Boot Camp is a wonderful and unique opportunity to learn directly from some of the most talented SLPs in the field. It comes with a lot of work (before, during, and after the actual training), however, the guidance and knowledge that you’ll receive is worth it if CAS is something you are truly passionate about. You’ll leave feeling more confident in assessing and treating CAS!