Speaker Bios
Claudia Abbiati, ABD, CCC-SLP
I am a licensed speech-language pathologist, PhD candidate, and instructor at the University of Vermont. I have studied with and conducted researched collaboratively by Dr. Shelley Velleman, my PhD mentor, since 2017. My clinical and research interests include interprofessional care, prosody, motor speech disorders (specifically, childhood apraxia of speech), and serving individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders.
Disclosures: I have no real or perceived conflicts of interest that relate to this presentation.
Laura Anderson, MS, CCC-SLP
I am a pediatric SLP working in outpatient and early intervention settings based in southern New Jersey/Philadelphia area. I work with a variety of children with a wide range of communication and feeding challenges. I developed a special interest in CAS before I even began my graduate school program when I had the privilege of working alongside Sue Caspari. I am committed to continuing to expand my knowledge base in this specialty area in order to provide evidence-based treatment, support families, and serve as an advocate to help these children find their voices. I completed several trainings to add to my “toolbox” for this population, including: Introduction to PROMPT training in 2017, and the DTTC workshop led by Edythe Strand in 2019. I hold my MS in Speech-Language Pathology from Seton Hall University and a BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders from James Madison University. I completed a research project during my graduate studies, which was published in the Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research (JSLHR) in March 2020. I also presented a technical-clinical talk and poster session at the 2016 American Speech-Language & Hearing Association Convention in Philadelphia, PA with Nina Capone-Singleton, PhD, CCC-SLP.
Disclosures: I have no real or perceived conflicts of interest that relate to this presentation.
Nilgoun Bahar, Master of Health Sciences in Speech Language Pathology (second year student)
Nilgoun Bahar is currently a second year student of Speech-Language Pathology in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto. Nilgoun received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Film Studies (Honours) and Spanish (Minor) with a primary focus on sociolinguistics in film, and perceptions of power and dialect on the screen. Nilgoun has been the recipient of multiple speech and language awards, including the Speech Foundation of Ontario Child Language Prize, the Award of Excellence in Developmental Speech and Language Disorders, Harmonize for Speech Fund for Graduate Scholarships, and the Chris Gandy International Outreach Award. Her research interests include Childhood Apraxia of Speech, language disorders in multilingual children, and education policy. Nilgoun hopes to continue doing research upon obtaining her clinical degree.
Disclosures: I have no real or perceived conflicts of interests that relate to this presentation.
Molly Beiting, MA, CCC-SLP
Molly Beiting is a PhD candidate in Communication Sciences and Disorders at Temple University. Her research focuses on identifying individual-level factors that impact response to treatment and communication outcomes. She recently received an F31 award from the NIDCD/NIH to support her dissertation research: The Impact of Individual-Level Factors on Progress in Speech Therapy for Children with Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS; 1F31DC018723-01). Molly’s long-term research goal is to design adaptive and scalable interventions for children with complex communication needs.
Molly’s research and teaching practice is informed by her experience as a licensed pediatric speech-language pathologist. Recent presentations have included a seminar for parents and clinicians related to diagnosis and treatment of co-occurring CAS and autism (Apraxia Kids Virtual Education Series), as well as an overview of legal, ethical, and practice considerations related to the use of telepractice during the COVID-19 pandemic (Temple University CSD Proseminar).
Molly is deeply committed to professional and community service. She is a weekly volunteer with Philly Reading Coaches and is the founding Co-Editor-in-Chief of CommonHealth, a peer-reviewed journal of the College of Public Health at Temple University.
Disclosures: I have no real or perceived conflicts of interest that relate to this presentation.
Kelsey Belk, MA, CCC-SLP
Kelsey is a speech language pathologist in the school setting. Her goal is to specialize in childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) and the Deaf/hard-of-hearing populations. She has taken additional coursework on visual phonics, sign language, CAS, social-emotional learning, and psychology. Kelsey grew up with CAS/Dyspraxia and other comorbid disabilities. She was in physical, occupational, and speech therapies throughout her childhood and returned to speech therapy in her undergraduate career.
Disclosures: I have no real or perceived conflicts of interest that relate to this presentation.
Sarah Carmody, MS, CCC-SLP
Sarah Carmody is a New Jersey-based SLP who specializes in complex speech production challenges, multilingual development, social cognitive communication, early reading development, and voice disorders. She is a proud graduate of the Apraxia Kids Intensive Training “Boot Camp,” 2018, and is is Recognized by Apraxia Kids for Advanced Training and Expertise in Childhood Apraxia of Speech.
Disclosures: Graduate of the Apraxia Kids Intensive Training “Boot Camp.” I have no other real or perceived conflicts of interest that relate to this presentation.
Julie Case, PhD, CCC-SLP
Julie Case is an Assistant Professor in the Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences Department of Hofstra University. In her research program, Dr. Case studies speech motor development and speech motor control in childhood apraxia of speech and other speech sound disorders. Dr. Case also investigates clinical management and treatment efficacy in young children with apraxia of speech.
Disclosures: Instructor for the Apraxia Kids Intensive Training “Boot Camp”. I have no other real or perceived conflicts of interest that relate to this presentation.
Sue Caspari, MA, CCC-SLP
Sue Caspari is a speech-language pathologist and faculty member at Temple University. Sue has over 20 years of experience working with children and adults in a variety of settings including early intervention, private practice, and inpatient and outpatient hospital settings, including the Mayo Clinic. Sue completed the Apraxia Kids Intensive Training Boot Camp and is Recognized by Apraxia Kids for Advanced Training and Expertise in Childhood Apraxia of Speech. At Temple, she teaches graduate level courses focused on CAS, and supervises the clinical work of students in the recently established Childhood Apraxia of Speech Treatment, Learning and Evaluation (CASTLE) Center. She frequently gives national and international presentations on the clinical management of CAS, and has published scientific research in top journals since 2008. Sue is a Professional Advisory Council member for the Apraxia Kids organization and is an instructor for the Apraxia Kids Intensive Training Boot Camp. She is the owner of Caspari and Colleagues, LLC, a group of SLPs dedicated to providing consultation, evaluation and therapy services for children with CAS and other severe speech sound disorders; and the director of an intensive 5-week summer program for children with CAS.
Disclosures: Member of the Professional Advisory Council for Apraxia Kids. Graduate of the Apraxia Kids Intensive Training “Boot Camp.” Instructor for the Apraxia Kids Intensive Training “Boot Camp”. I have no other real or perceived conflicts of interest that relate to this presentation.
Karen Chenausky, PhD, CCC-SLP
Dr. Chenausky is a speech scientist and speech pathologist whose research program aims to understand why some children fail to acquire spoken language and what we can do to help them learn to communicate. Her research background includes fifteen years studying the acoustics of disordered and developing speech. Her clinical background includes wide experience with autistic individuals, as well as children with speech sound disorders and adults with a variety of motor speech disorders. She was a treating clinician on a randomized controlled trial comparing two speech therapies for minimally verbal children with autism, some of whom also had CAS. She is currently working on two research projects related to CAS. One is a study exploring how augmentative sign-supported speech instruction may help children with CAS improve expressive language as they also improve their speech. The other is a K99/R00 grant from NIDCD investigating the extent to which comorbid CAS may limit spoken language acquisition in some minimally verbal children with autism and testing to what extent integral stimulation therapy, appropriately modified for this population, improves their speech. Children with CAS, with or without other comorbidities, face such deep challenges that any progress we can make in helping them communicate, in whatever modality, makes a meaningful difference to them and their families. Dr. Chenausky hopes to contribute to a quantum improvement in their options by creating interventions which simultaneously address motor skills, sensory processing, and language skills.
Disclosures: I have no real or perceived conflicts of interests that relate to this presentation.
Courtney Cassar, Speech Patholoigst
Courtney is a recent graduate from the University of Sydney, who completed her Honours research project with Professor Tricia McCabe on childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) in 2019. After graduation, she worked in paediatric speech, language, and stuttering for a few months prior to changing roles and working in acute adult inpatient dysphagia and communication. Currently, she works in acute neurosciences and neurosurgery at Liverpool Hospital, NSW, Australia. This involves working with patients with swallowing and communication impairments post stroke and neurosurgery, which also involves treating apraxia. Her passion involves working with patients acute care and who are critically ill (i.e. requiring ICU admissions).
Disclosures: I have no real or perceived conflicts of interest that relate to this presentation.
Lori Cochran, MS, CCC-SLP
Lori Cochran is the speech language clinical coordinator at Cook Children’s Medical Center in Fort Worth, TX. She primarily treats children with apraxia, cleft palate/VPI, hearing loss, expressive language delay, and those using communication devices. She presents frequently at the state and national level on a variety of clinical and professional development topics, and serves on the executive council of the Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association. She has completed many hours of continuing education in the area of CAS and has presented at the state level on motor-based learning techniques. Her primary treatment method is DTTC and she has mentored many clinicians in this method as well as dynamic assessment techniques.
Disclosures: I have no real or perceived conflicts of interest that relate to this presentation.
Stephanie Collings, B.A.
Stephanie is a second year graduate student who is looking forward to working with bilingual communities across the lifespan with a focus on cognitive-communication disorders and gender-affirming voice and communication work in the gender-expansive community.
Disclosures: I have no real or perceived conflicts of interest that relate to this presentation.
Elaine Dolgin-Lieberman, MA, CCC-SLP
Elaine Dolgin-Lieberman is a pediatric speech language pathologist in private practice, with special interest in treating preschool and school-aged children with motor speech sound disorders. She is a member of the Apraxia Kids Professional Advisory Council and a graduate of the Apraxia Kids Intensive CAS Training (2011). She is recognized by Apraxia Kids as having Advanced Training and Clinical Expertise in Childhood Apraxia of Speech. Elaine is a graduate supervisor and clinical instructor in the Graduate Communication Disorders Program at Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry where she teaches an annual summer elective on Childhood Apraxia of Speech. Elaine has provided workshops on evidenced-based therapy strategies. Elaine is the secretary of Westchester Speech Language Hearing Association.
Disclosures: Member of the Professional Advisory Council for Apraxia Kids. Graduate of the Apraxia Kids Intensive Training Boot Camp. I have no other real or perceived conflicts of interest that relate to this presentation.
Gary Fernando, Parent, Board Member for Apraxia Kids
Dr. Fernando is a Board Certified Pediatrician practicing at the University of Chicago Comer Children’s Hospital. He and his wife have three children, the oldest of whom has CAS. Dr. Fernando joined the Board of Directors of Apraxia Kids in 2017 after he realized that the pediatric medical community does not do a great job of recognizing or educating on childhood speech development and disorders. He has used his experience in advocacy for children’s health to start to work on advancing pediatricians’ understanding of speech development and disorders. His son uses an AAC device and he has strengthened his knowledge in the area of AAC as well as becoming an expert to better help his patients’ families navigate the IEP process.
Prior to joining the University of Chicago, Dr Fernando was the Chair of Pediatrics at Crusader Community Health, a Federally Qualified Health Center in Rockford, IL. He is a graduate of the University of Illinois College of Medicine and completed his residency at Stony Brook Long Island Children’s Hospital where he also served as Chief Resident. He has been involved at multiple levels of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) including graduating from the Young Physician Leadership Alliance program and serves on the educational and legislative subcommittees of the Illinois Chapter of the AAP. At the University of Chicago he has won multiple teaching awards, serving as a teaching attending for both pediatric residents as well as medical students. He has made it his mission to make sure that the pediatric trainees have a keen understanding of speech development in children and works to dispel speech development myths and misconceptions in the field of pediatrics.
Disclosures: Member of the Board of Directors for Apraxia Kids. I have no other real or perceived conflicts of interest that relate to this presentation.
Margaret (Dee) Fish, MS, CCC-SLP, Member of the Professional Advisory Council for Apraxia Kids
Dee Fish is a speech-language pathologist working in private practice in Northbrook, Illinois, with nearly 40 years of experience as a pediatric speech-language pathologist. Her clinical work focuses on helping children with motor speech disorders and language disorders.
Dee is the author of the book, Here’s How to Treat Childhood Apraxia of Speech, now in its Second Edition. She is a frequently invited speaker both nationally and internationally on the topic of childhood apraxia of speech. Her workshops and writing focus on providing practical ideas to support therapists working with children with severe speech disorders. Dee is proud to serve on the Professional Advisory Council for Apraxia Kids.
Disclosures: Member of the Professional Advisory Council for Apraxia Kids and book author. I have no other real or perceived conflicts of interest that relate to this presentation.
Brittany Furnari Fisher, MS, CCC-SLP
I have been a practicing speech-language pathologist for over 4 years now. I started my career at DePaul School for Hearing & Speech, an options school in Pittsburgh, PA. During my time at DePaul, I treated children ages 3-15 years old with varying degrees of aided hearing loss. The vast majority of my caseload also presented with childhood apraxia of speech (CAS). I implemented a multisensory, total communication approach, incorporating alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) for children on my caseload who presented with CAS. I used principles from a listening in spoken language (LSL) approach to better understand how the motor speech system can be impacted by a child’s auditory skills. Since 2018, I have also worked part-time as a speech-language pathologist at Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Sewickley. I treat a wide variety of cognitive-communication disorders including adults with acquired apraxia of speech and many other motor speech disorders. I am currently working full-time as a Funding Consultant for Tobii Dynavox. I act as a case manager in providing and funding AAC devices for individuals and their families.
Disclosures: Employed full time at Tobii Dynavox. I should note that I will not be discussing Dynavox products in my presentation (only AAC devices in general). I have no other real or perceived conflicts of interest that relate to this presentation.
Denise Santos Ford, MS, CCC-SLP
Denise Santos Ford is a speech-language pathologist who specializes in assessment and treatment of CAS and reading disorders. Owner and Director of Speech Therapy Marin, Inc. in Marin County, California, Denise supervises her associates, graduate interns, and provides ongoing and intensive treatments for children with a diagnosis of CAS. Denise graduated from the University of the Pacific with a Masters in Speech-Language pathology. Previously, she worked as a teacher of the deaf in Arlington, Texas. She is a 2016 graduate of the Apraxia Kids Intensive Training Boot Camp. Previously, Denise taught and supervised the diagnostic clinic at San Francisco State University. Being a business owner, apraxia nerd, and mom of twins has her busy in life!
Disclosures: I have no real or perceived conflicts of interest that relate to this presentation.
Christina Gildersleeve-Neumann, PhD, CCC-SLP
Christina Gildersleeve-Neumann is Professor and Chair in Speech and Hearing Sciences at Portland State University in Portland, Oregon. She conducts research and teaches on typical and atypical speech development and disorder in monolingual and bilingual children from 3 to 10 years of age, including assessment and treatment of children with childhood apraxia of speech. She has presented and published extensively on these topics.
Disclosures: Member of the Professional Advisory Council for Apraxia Kids.I have no other real or perceived conflicts of interest that relate to this presentation.
Amy Graham, MA, CCC-SLP
Amy Graham is a speech-language pathologist and owner of Graham Speech Therapy, a private practice in Colorado Springs that specializes in pediatric speech sound disorders. She received both her bachelors and masters degrees in Communicative Disorders from California State University, Fullerton and has been an SLP for over 20 years. Amy is the creator of the Graham Speech Therapy Oral-Facial Exam and the Bjorem Speech Sound Cues Deck for Lateralization and has been a guest on numerous SLP podcasts. She has a particular interest in supporting and equipping SLPs to help them provide evidence-based treatment by posting frequent therapy videos and practical therapy tips on social media platforms.
Disclosures: I have no real or perceived conflicts of interest that relate to this presentation.
Maria Grigos, PhD
Maria Grigos is an Associate Professor and Chair in the Department of Communicative Sciences and Disorders at New York University. Dr. Grigos also directs the Motor Speech Lab at NYU. The broad objectives of the work conducted in the lab are to quantify patterns of speech motor control and motor learning using perceptual, acoustic, and kinematic methods. This includes studying the efficacy of motor-based speech intervention for children with apraxia of speech. Research in the Motor Speech Lab is funded by the NIH National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. Dr. Grigos holds clinical certification from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), and is licensed in speech-language pathology in New York State.
Disclosures: Financial Disclosures: My research on CAS is supported by the National Institute of Health (NIH R01DC018581); Nonfinancial Disclosures: I am a member of the Professional Advisory Council for Apraxia Kids. I have no other real or perceived conflicts of interest that relate to this presentation.
Heather Hamilton, MS, CCC-SLP
Following graduation from Penn State and Wisconsin, I worked in a school for children with multiple disabilities. I currently work in the birth-3 program and in an outpatient clinic specializing in children with motor speech disorders and those that benefit from augmentative and alternative communication. I have a passion for finding ways to help children communicate in any way possible. While I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my husband and my 3 children either outside in nature or playing games.
Disclosures: I have no real or perceived conflicts of interest that relate to this presentation.
Ashley Haugen, Parent
My name is Ashley Haugen. I am a social media community manger, advocate, wife, and a mom. I specialize in navigating the intricacies of relationships and community building in digital environments. I have two daughters. My apraxia star’s name is Kipley and she is 5 years old. She was diagnosed a little before her 3rd birthday. In my spare time, I enjoy unicycling, watching movies/tv shows, reading, listening to music, and looking at houses that are out of my price range!
Disclosures: I have no real or perceived conflicts of interest that relate to this presentation.
Alison Hendricks, OT Reg. (Ont)
Alison graduated from the Occupational Therapy program at McGill University in 2008. Alison is the director and a treating OT at Collaborative Approach Therapy Services Guelph (CATS).
In her clinical practice, Alison works with a variety of populations including children, adolescents, and adults with challenges resulting from anxiety, sensory processing issues, ASD, ADHD, self regulation, as well as undiagnosed barriers. In her work, Alison loves to collaborate with the whole team including child, parents, teacher, and other support members, to overcome barriers and support confidence in both the child and parents.
Along with her business partner, Sue Wahl, Alison co-founded CATS in 2018. CATS was founded with the mission to support therapists to own and operate their own clinics, but belong to a collaborative team of therapists, resulting in a balance of independence and team, supporting both the therapist and the clients.
Disclosures: I have no real or perceived conflicts of interest that relate to this presentation.
Marleah Herman-Umpleby, MS, CCC-SLP
Marleah Herman-Umpleby is a clinical content specialist on the Research & Development team with Tobii Dynavox. Her role as Manager of Clinical Outcomes includes focus to cultivate connections with customers and users and bring their experiences and voices to the product development process in usability testing and research. Her background as a speech-language pathologist working with individuals with apraxia and other communication disorders led to interest in collaborating with teams on effective interventions and supporting positive outcomes in AAC.
Disclosures: Employed full time at Tobii Dynavox. I have no other real or perceived conflicts of interest that relate to this presentation.
Chantelle Highman, PhD, CPSP (Certified Practicing Speech Pathologist)
Chantelle is a clinician, researcher, and lecturer in speech pathology, in Perth, Western Australia. She is experienced in working with children with speech sound disorders, as well as in delivering services to families of infants and very young children. Chantelle’s PhD research focused on childhood apraxia of speech and potential early features of the disorder. After a career break with young children, Chantelle currently lectures and supervises research students, with a strong focus on research translation.
Disclosures: I have no real or perceived conflicts of interest that relate to this presentation.
Paula Hill, Parent
Paula is a mom of two (5 year old and 1 year old) and fierce advocate of her 5 year old diagnosed with childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) and Dyspraxia. Using her professional experience as an attorney and her personal experience as a parent, she became an advocate for apraxia and bilingualism for children with CAS since her daughter’s initial diagnosis in 2019. Her own journey to find the appropriate support for her daughter in the middle of a global pandemic reinforced her commitment to spread awareness to help other parents and legal professionals understand this disorder. Her hope is that by raising awareness and sharing resources, every kid with CAS will have access to the best support possible for their unique journey. She works to raise awareness in her local community and abroad in Guatemala and Dominican Republic, where she has family, participating in walks for Apraxia and connecting individuals to the programs offered by Apraxia Kids.
Disclosures: I have no real or perceived conflicts of interest that relate to this presentation.
Anne Hodits, MA, CCC-SLP/L
Anne Hodits is a licensed speech-language pathologist who is dedicated and passionate about helping all individuals become effective communicators. Anne has 10 years of experience in treating children and adults of all ages in a variety of settings, including outpatient pediatric rehabilitation, schools, preschools, private practice clinic, and through the Early Intervention Program. Anne currently serves as the manager of Nexus Pediatric Therapy.
Anne’s areas of specialty include receptive/expressive language delays and disorders, social language disorders, autism spectrum disorder, articulation/phonological delays and disorders, written language disorders, and in the treatment and evaluation of childhood apraxia of speech (CAS). She is trained in PROMPT (level I and Bridging Course), Kaufman Speech Protocol, Social Thinking Curriculum, Picture Exchange Communication System, and AAC applications. Anne is listed on Apraxia Kids SLP Directory as a speech-language pathologist that has the skills, training, and experiences to be successful with children with apraxia. She also completed the 2018 Apraxia Kids Intensive Training Boot Camp and is Recognized by Apraxia Kids for Advanced Training and Expertise in Childhood Apraxia of Speech.
Disclosures: Graduate of the Apraxia Kids Intensive Training “Boot Camp.” I have no other real or perceived conflicts of interest that relate to this presentation.
Jenya Iuzzini-Seigel, PhD, CCC-SLP
Dr. Iuzzini-Seigel is Assistant Professor and Director of the Communication, Movement, and Learning Lab at Marquette University. Her research focuses on communication development and its disorder with specific focus on the diagnosis and treatment of childhood apraxia of speech. Her greatest interest is on care of the whole child and therefore, on the different challenges that co-occur with childhood apraxia of speech and other speech sound disorders. This has led her to the study of fine/gross motor impairment, fitness levels, social-emotional health, language disorder, literacy impairments, and procedural learning in these populations.
Disclosures: Member of the Professional Advisory Council for Apraxia Kids. I have no other real or perceived conflicts of interest that relate to this presentation.
Charmaine James, Parent
Charmaine James is a wife, mother of 3, and software engineer. NC born and raised, she enjoys reading, crafting, and spending time with friends and family. When her laptop powers down for the day you can usually find her playing tennis or basketball with one of her kids or taking on some crazy project around the house. She currently has one Apraxia rockstar who she continues to advocate for. She has a passion for helping other families navigate the rollercoaster of dealing with an apraxia diagnosis.
Disclosures: I have no real or perceived conflicts of interest that relate to this presentation.
Theresa Jones, MS, CCC-SLP
Theresa is a pediatric speech-language pathologist located in Fort Worth, TX. She has a passion for working closely with families to improve their child’s skills affected by childhood apraxia of speech, dysphagia, delayed language, and social skills. Theresa has a special interest in working with children who benefit from alternative augmentation communication (AAC) and advocating for those that learn differently. She has completed extensive continuing education in DTTC, PROMPT, and AAC. She is currently employed at Cook Children’s Hospital.
Disclosures: Employed by Cook Children’s Hospital. I have no other real or perceived conflicts of interest that relate to this presentation.
AJ Kikumoto, Parent
AJ is the mom of 6 children; 4 of whom are diagnosed with CAS. She has 12 years of therapy experience through her children including Speech, OT, PT, Behavior Modification, and Psychology. She is a children’s book author: Zoey’s Great Adventures: Learns to Talk which is a book series. She appeared on local Channel 9 news segment, Hughlands Ranch Lifestyle segment, and was highlighted in the American Hippotherapy Association newsletter. AJ is the Volunteer Director for Colorado Miss Amazing and is in charge of organizing and directing all volunteers including buddies for this great event held annually https://missamazing.org/chapters/CO. She is Mrs. Highlands Ranch, CO, America. She represents married women in her community and volunteers on a consistent basis through great organizations like Highlands Ranch Serves, Feeding of the 5000, Walks including Alzheimer’s, Autism Speaks, Aruna Project, but most importantly Apraxia Kids Walk! She is a Special Education and Community service guru and volunteers in her local elementary school promoting #chooseinclusion #inclusionisbeauty by reading books to classrooms, and volunteering at Special Olympics. She volunteers with Starstruck Academy of Dance Special Angels through weekly rehearsals and dance competitions. Their newest show is Hairspray!
Disclosures: Author of a children’s book which donates some of the proceeds to Apraxia Kids. I have no other real or perceived conflicts of interest that relate to this presentation.
Hailey Kopera, MS, CCC-SLP, Doctoral Candidate
Hailey is a doctoral candidate in the Department of Communicative Sciences and Disorders at New York University. Her research and clinical interests include motor speech, fluency, and speech sound disorders. In the spring of 2021, Hailey joined the Communication Sciences and Disorders Department at Iona College as an Assistant Professor.
Disclosures: I have no real or perceived conflicts of interest that relate to this presentation.
Anne Kuhlmeier, MA, CCC-SLP, ATP (Assistive Technology Professional)
Anne is a practicing speech-language pathologist whose expertise is augmentative/alternative communication and childhood apraxia of speech. She currently works for St Luke’s Children’s Rehab as an AT Coordinator. She has been a consultant to the Idaho Assistive Technology Project for years, performing AT Consults and presentations. She is Recognized by Apraxia Kids for Advanced Training and Expertise in Childhood Apraxia of Speech after completing the Apraxia Kids Intensive Training Boot Camp in 2014. She served on the Idaho Speech Language and Hearing Association board for several years as well as served as CEU Administrator and convention chair. In collaboration with IATP and ISU, she directs an annual AAC Camp in Idaho for children and young adults who use speech generating devices. Her passion is working with those children and adults with complex communication needs and their families, care providers, and friends because communication is the key to personal and lifelong success.
Disclosures: Graduate of the Apraxia Kids Intensive Training “Boot Camp” in 2014. I have no other real or perceived conflicts of interest that relate to this presentation.
Victoria LaTour, MS, CCC-SLP
Victoria LaTour graduated from Clemson University and received her Master’s Degree in Communication Disorders from the MGH Institute of Health Professions. Over the last 18 years, she has worked exclusively with pediatrics in the schools, private practice, and hospital settings. She has diagnosed and implemented treatment for disorders related to receptive language, expressive language, voice, articulation, phonological processing, fluency, and pragmatic language in pediatrics. Currently, she continues her work with pediatrics within her Phoenix-based practice where she enjoys not only working with her clients, but also building relationships with their families.
Disclosures: I have no real or perceived conflicts of interest that relate to this presentation.
Lou LaVecchia, Parent, Board Member for Apraxia Kids
Lou LaVecchia joined Apraxia Kids as a board member in 2016. His son, Jayden, was diagnosed with severe apraxia of speech at 4 years old. Presently, Jayden has been declared resolved. Lou has a proven record of working with his school district to improve the appropriate services for children in need of speech services. He has presented seminars at the 2017, 2018, and 2019 Apraxia Kids National Conferences. He works to raise awareness through local events, including attending walks for apraxia.
Lou achieved a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and Organization from the University of Central Connecticut. He currently is the vice president of All Seasons Landscaping Inc. (ASL) a construction company located in Connecticut. There he is responsible for coordinating and directing all field operations as well as managing all administrative operations.
Disclosures: Member of the Board of Directors for Apraxia Kids. I have no other real or perceived conflicts of interest that relate to this presentation.
Jane Layden, Undergraduate Research Assistant
I am currently a senior in Marquette University’s Speech Pathology and Audiology program. Upon graduation in May 2021, I be will continuing on in MU’s graduate program this fall. Over the past three years I’ve gained wonderful experience as a research assistant in Dr. Iuzzini-Seigel’s Communication, Movement, and Learning Lab. My research interests include understanding the everyday experiences of children with childhood apraxia of speech and exploring best practices in assessment and intervention for these children.
Disclosures: I have no real or perceived conflicts of interests that relate to this presentation.
Katherine Le, BS
Katherine Le is a mother of two girls, age 8 and 11. She graduated from Texas A&M with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and Biology. She has worked as a teacher and currently owns and manages a medical practice. Her 8 year old daughter was diagnosed with Apraxia at 4.5 years old. After her daughter’s CAS diagnosis in 2017, Katherine became part of the planning committee for the 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020 North Texas Walk for Apraxia. Katherine has established a college scholarship that is awarded annually to honor a graduating senior who has childhood apraxia of speech. Katherine is passionate about educating others who are part of her child’s life about apraxia and will provide the parents perspective of her daughter’s apraxia journey.
Disclosures: I have no real or perceived conflicts of interest that relate to this presentation.
Mark Lippert
I was diagnosed with childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) at the age of 2 ½ years old. I’m from Minneapolis, Minnesota. I did not speak until I was five years old and I went to speech therapy for 15 years continually. I briefly returned to speech therapy at the age of 18 and then stopped going to therapy that same year.
Disclosures: I have no real or perceived conflicts of interest that relate to this presentation.
Sara Loving, MS, CCC-SLP
Sara Loving provided services within the public educational system in Texas. She graduated with her master’s from Stephen F. Austin State University, a leading educational trainer in Texas. Her areas of practices are literacy and assistive technology.
Sara speaks and provides training both nationally and internationally on the topics of literacy and assistive technology.
In 2021, Sara opened Chatterbox Therapy, PLLC. She serves as Chief Executive Officer and Clinical Director. Courtney currently leads several educational programs for communication and literacy, as well as providing individual speech-language therapy sessions, assessments, consultations, and educational seminars.
Sara has an exceptional training of language-based knowledge that supports all aspects of curriculum through developmental stages. She is an Assistive Technology Specialist with certification from California State University-Northridge.
Sara has provided dedicated hours to Orton Gillingham and Reading with TLC as a trainer to demonstrate an increased literacy background. Sara has an advanced interest in special education for children who are not allowed time within the general education system and not taught the most functional living skill-reading and writing.
Disclosures: Owner of Chatterbox Therapy Center and InCLUEsive Learning. I have no other real or perceived conflicts of interest that relate to this presentation.
Edwin Maas, PhD, Clinical Researcher
Edwin Maas, PhD, is Associate Professor in Communication Sciences and Disorders at Temple University. His research includes basic research on speech production and development, and translational and clinical research on speech production disorders across the lifespan, with a focus on apraxia of speech in children and in adults. A major component of his research program is treatment efficacy research. His research has been funded by NIDCD, Apraxia Kids, and the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).
Disclosures: I receive salary from Temple University. This research was funded by NIH (R01 DC017768). I serve on the Apraxia Kids Professional Advisory Council. I have no other real or perceived conflicts of interests that relate to this presentation.
Aline Mara de Oliveira, Professor
I am a Professor of the Speech-Language Pathology Department at the Federal University of Santa Catarina. My research interest includes traditional and instrumental investigations (e.g. acoustic and ultrasound analysis) of speech and language disorders. My research interests include Clinical Phonetics and Phonology with Speech Therapy, in order to improve in the implementation of research results in diagnosis and speech therapy.
Disclosures: I have no real or perceived conflicts of interest that relate to this presentation.
Cynthia Marlow Gould, MA, CCC-SLP; Certified & Licensed Dyslexia Practitioner
Cynthia Marlow Gould graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Texas, has a Master’s in Communication Sciences and Disorders, and is a speech-language pathologist and a licensed dyslexia specialist. Cynthia has taken her skills all over the world, including cities such as Monaco, Hong Kong, Bangkok, and Gstaad. She has been the Head of Special Education, a speech-language pathologist, led professional development seminars for several international schools, co-chaired a school through its accreditation process, and has been an invited speaker at the Texas Speech and Language Association (TSHA) annual conference two years in a row. Currently, as a faculty member at Highland Park ISD, she continues to develop awareness and interventions for speech and language disorders, dyslexia related issues, and help develop and support effective learning environments.
Cynthia and her sister-in-law have written a Series of Hard to Pronounce Letters books to be read for pleasure and building confidence in children and students with articulation impairments. Each book has “secret tips” to tackle speech disorders, and most importantly to bring smiles along the way. The book series continues to grow in popularity with articles in publications such as Park Cities People, Preston Hollow People, Paper City Ft. Worth, University Park Life, “Something Good” on the NBC morning show with Deborah Ferguson, and many local school district newsletters. Recently, the series has been picked up by TCU Press with the fourth book set to be launched in March of 2021.
Disclosures: I receive funds from a book series I published. I have no other real or perceived conflicts of interest that relate to this presentation.
Patricia Mayro, MA, CCC-SLP
Patricia Mayro is an Assistant Professor of Speech-Language Pathology at Salus University. She is a certified member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and a member of the ASHA Special Interest Group (SIG) 1: Language, Learning, and Education; SIG 11: Administration and Supervision; and SIG 16: School-Based Issues. Trish is Recognized by Apraxia Kids for Advanced Training and Expertise in Childhood Apraxia of Speech. Trish also served as a Volunteer Outreach Coordinator for Apraxia Kids 2018-2020.
Disclosures: Served as Volunteer Outreach Coordinator for Apraxia Kids and graduated from Apraxia Kids Intensive Training “Boot Camp.” I have no other real or perceived conflicts of interest that relate to this presentation.
Tricia McCabe, PhD, BApplSP, FSPAA, CPSP
Tricia’s research, teaching, and clinical practice are all focused on improving treatments for moderate-severe speech impairments in children and adults. Within this area, she has a number of interests including (a) treatments for childhood apraxia of speech (CAS), (b) disorders of speech which cause impairments to production of polysyllabic words and longer linguistic units, (c) the comparison of phonological and articulation treatments to demonstrate relative effectiveness and efficiency, and (d) the use of ultrasound for biofeedback in speech pathology.
She is one of the authors and investigators of the ReST treatment for CAS and is leading a large multicountry project to examine the efficacy of DTTC.
Disclosures: I am a member of the Professional Advisory Council for Apraxia Kids.I am an AI on a grant about CAS diagnosis to Murray and Preston from Apraxia Kids. I have no other real or perceived conflicts of interest that relate to this presentation.
Kelsey McKee, BA
I’m originally from Rhode Island and graduated from the University of Maryland in the spring of 2020 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Hearing and Speech Sciences. During my time there, I had the opportunity to work closely with a child with apraxia, as his babysitter, which helped solidify my career choice. I’m now pursuing my Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology at Temple University in Philadelphia. Outside of school, I enjoy traveling, skiing, and following New England sports teams.
Disclosures: I have no real or perceived conflicts of interest that relate to this presentation.
Angela Mckee, BS, Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Licensed Behavior Analyst
Angela Mckee is a professional in the area of special education as well as a parent of a child with childhood apraxia of speech (CAS). Professionally, Angela has worked in the field of special education for 12 years as a classroom teacher, behavior specialist, and currently as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Lead Behavior Specialist for Mansfield ISD. Her areas of expertise include the Individualized Education Plan process and development as well as behavior analysis and interventions. Angela also has a 10 year old son with CAS and has spent years working and collaborating with various educators and parents regarding best practices for a child with CAS in the school system in regards to IEP goals, academic and behavioral accommodations, and interventions that go beyond speech and language deficits. In her free time she enjoys traveling the country with her family and working out with Camp Gladiator.
Disclosures: I have no real or perceived conflicts of interest that relate to this presentation.
Andy McMillin, MA, CCC-SLP
Andy McMillin is a Clinical Professor at Portland State University, where he leads the Speech Sound Disorders Clinic and teaches coursework on phonetics & acoustics, speech sound development in children, and clinical procedures involving children with speech sound disorders including childhood apraxia of speech (CAS). He has worked with pediatric clients with complex speech sound disorders for more than 20 years, and he is a proud member of the 2016 Apraxia Kids Boot Camp cohort.
Disclosures: Graduate of the Apraxia Kids Intensive Training Boot Camp. I have no real or perceived conflicts of interest that relate to this presentation
Jason McWhorter, BSN, RN
Jason McWhorter, BSN, RN, is a father, husband, and nurse. He began his medical career as an emergency medical technician, but was inspired to become a pediatric nurse after his son, Liam, was born with special needs. Jason graduated Summa Cum Laude from Northern Kentucky University with a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing and now works as a Clinical Nurse Manager in the Newborn Intensive Care Unit at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital where his son was once a patient. Liam was a miracle before he was even born, and no one could have predicted the difficult journey that lay ahead. His story is one of struggle, hope, and triumph and is a testament that you should never judge a book by its cover or a child by their diagnosis.
Disclosures: I have no real or perceived conflicts of interest that relate to this presentation.
Hallie Mintz, MS, CCC-SLP
Hallie Mintz is a practicing clinician with several years of experience in the evaluation and treatment of children ages birth to 21. She received her Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology from CUNY Hunter College, and a Bachelor of Philosophy degree in Communication Science and Disorders from the University of Pittsburgh. She currently practices at the Nemours/Alfred I DuPont Hospital for Children in the Deptford, New Jersey outpatient satellite center. She was previously affiliated with several private practices, Summit Speech School (a preschool for children who are deaf and hard of hearing), and the American Institute for Stuttering. Her therapeutic focus is within the pediatric population with communication challenges that include speech and language impairments, fluency disorders, social pragmatic difficulties, childhood apraxia of speech, and other motor speech impairments. Hallie has completed extensive training and developed areas of expertise working with people who stutter, children with cochlear implants, and CAS. Hallie has also completed research studies in the areas of traumatic brain injury and stuttering treatment.
Disclosures: I have no real or perceived conflicts of interest that relate to this presentation.
Laura Moorer, MA, CCC-SLP, VP of Programs for Apraxia Kids
Laura Moorer is a Speech Language Pathologist with over 35 years of experience primarily with pediatric populations in a variety of settings. Laura worked at Texas Woman’s University (TWU) for 26 years teaching undergraduate and graduate courses, providing clinical supervision and as the program director for the Speech-Language Pathology graduate program. Over the past 10 years, Laura has developed a passion and expertise for helping children and their families who have Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS). At TWU, she ran a camp for 5 years for children with CAS and developed and taught a graduate course on motor speech disorders. She currently is the VP of Programs with the Apraxia Kids national organization dedicated to supporting professionals and families dealing with CAS.
Disclosures: Vice President of Programs for Apraxia Kids. I have no real or perceived conflicts of interest that relate to this presentation.
Angela Muis, BA, SLP-A
Angela Muis joined the apraxia community in 2011 when her son, Huxley, was diagnosed with CAS. The incredible support Angela’s family received from the apraxia community ignited her passion for supporting other families on the same journey. She now works as a Communication Disorders Assistant (SLP-A) at Centrepointe Professional Services in Ottawa, Ontario. Angela actively volunteers in our community as an Apraxia Kids Canadian Ambassador and as the Chair of Apraxia Kids Canada where she works closely with Apraxia Kids to expand support for Canadian apraxia community.
Disclosures: Chair of Apraxia Kids Canada. I have no other real or perceived conflicts of interest that relate to this presentation.
Elizabeth Murray, PhD, Member of Speech Pathology Australia (MSPA), Certified Practicing Speech Pathologist (CPSP)
Elizabeth (Liz) is a business owner, speech-language pathology clinician, and academic from Sydney, Australia. She loves working with children with CAS and other motor speech disorders and helping them communicate better. She also loves researching assessment, diagnosis, and treatment for children with CAS to improve clinical practice and outcomes for children and families. She acheived her PhD by completing the first RCT for children with CAS comparing the Nuffield Dyspraxia Programme-3rd edition with the Rapid Syllable Transition treatment. Recently, her focus has been on assessment and diagnosis to help determine who has CAS and helping them find the treatment that works well for their strengths and needs.
Disclosures: I have no real or perceived conflicts of interest that relate to this presentation.
Aravind Kumar Namasivayam, BSc, MSc, PhD, S-LP(C), Reg.CASLPO
Dr. Aravind Namasivayam received his PhD in Speech-Language Pathology with a specialized certification in Neuroscience in 2008 from the University of Toronto. Dr. Namasivayam is currently a Research Associate at the Department of Speech-Language Pathology, University of Toronto. He has published 40 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters, and has over 60 international conference presentations and workshops. Dr. Namasivayam is also a reviewer for several speech-pathology journals. Dr. Namasivayam has received several awards at the national and international level from various organizations, such as the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (USA), Stuttering foundation of America (SFA), Apraxia Kids (formerly known as CASANA), “Award of Excellence” from the International Association of Orofacial Myology (IAOM) and more recently the prestigious National award for Excellence in Applied Research (2016) and the Mentorship award from the Speech-Language and Audiology (SAC), Canada. He is also the recipient of the Teaching Excellence award (2018) and the Distinguished Service Award (2019) from the Department of Speech-Language Pathology, University of Toronto. His clinical and research interests include motor speech disorders, sensory-motor integration, and motor skill learning. He routinely teaches speech physiology, research methods, and speech sound disorders in children at the University of Toronto. In 2018, he founded the Speech Research Centre Inc. which is a knowledge translation and implementation science group with the aim of making evidence-informed practice accessible to frontline clinicians worldwide. Dr. Namasivayam is also the co-founder of Hear2Speak.org, a non-profit organization for improving speech pathology and audiology services in majority countries.
Disclosures: I have no real or perceived conflicts of interest that relate to this presentation.
Emily Olsen, Undergraduate Research Assistant
Emily Olsen is a junior majoring in speech-language pathology and audiology at Marquette University with expected graduation in the spring of 2022. At Marquette, she spends much of her time working as a research assistant in the Communication, Movement, and Learning Lab. There, she aims to investigate the overall life experiences of people with communication impairments, especially those with childhood apraxia of speech. Besides doing research, Emily is involved in a handful of clubs on campus. She holds the position of Co-President of Marquette University’s Best Buddies club, promoting acceptance and inclusion of those with intellectual and developmental delays (IDD) and fostering one-to-one friendships between University students and community members with IDD. After graduation, Emily plans to go to Marquette University’s graduate program for Speech-Language Pathology in the master’s thesis track. In the future, Emily wants to work in pediatrics. She has really enjoyed doing research as an undergraduate, plans to continue in research as a graduate assistant in graduate school, and is considering eventually working towards getting her PhD.
Disclosures: I have no real or perceived conflicts of interests that relate to this presentation.
Megan Overby, PhD, CCC-SLP
Dr. Megan Overby, an Associate Professor at Duquesne University, specializes in childhood apraxia of speech, speech sound disorders, literacy, and telepractice. She has over 20 years of experience as a speech-language pathologist in schools, hospitals, agencies, and university clinics in addition to having maintained a private practice. Now at Duquesne, Dr. Overby teaches courses in speech sound development and assessment and researches the potential early red flags of childhood apraxia of speech, its social consequences, and associations between CAS and literacy development. She presents regularly at conferences and workshops on assessment and literacy topics related to childhood apraxia of speech and has disseminated her research in multiple journals and textbook chapters.
Disclosures: Member of the Professional Advisory Council for Apraxia Kids.
Nicole Ponting, Parent
I’m the mother of a child with apraxia and ADHD who didn’t speak until he was five years old. I’m so grateful for the Walk for Apraxia and the loving groups I’ve met through Apraxia Kids. It has been so helpful to talk to my apraxia community about every day struggles, medical issues, and other normal activities.
Disclosures: I have no real or perceived conflicts of interest that relate to this presentation.
Jonathan Preston, PhD, CCC-SLP
Dr. Jonathan Preston is a speech-language pathologist who has been working with children with speech sound disorders for 17 years. He received his PhD from Syracuse University in 2008 and completed postdoctoral training at Haskins Laboratories, an affiliate of Yale University. He is an Associate Professor in the Communication Sciences and Disorders Department at Syracuse University. His research focuses on neurolinguistically-motivated and evidence based treatments for speech sound disorders. He is currently involved in multiple clinical trials to study treatments and different service delivery models for children with CAS as well as children with persisting speech sound errors.
Disclosures: Some aspects of this presentation stem from NIH-funded research. Member of the Professional Advisory Council for Apraxia Kids. I have no other real or perceived conflicts of interest that relate to this presentation.
Caitlin Raaz, PhD, CCC-SLP
Caitlin Raaz is an Assistant Professor of Audiology and Speech-Language Sciences at the University of Northern Colorado. Her research interests include evidence based treatment for children with speech sound disorders, genetic etiologies of communication disorders, and innovative service delivery models for the treatment of speech and voice disorders.
Disclosures: I have no real or perceived conflicts of interest that relate to this presentation.
Brooke Rea, MClSc
Brooke Rea is Recognized by Apraxia Kids for Advanced Training and Expertise in Childhood Apraxia of Speech. She is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist with the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario (Canada) in addition to being Certified with Speech-Language & Audiology of Canada. Brooke is passionate about Apraxia Kids Canada and Apraxia Kids; she has been a Walk Coordinator, fundraiser, and most recently an Instructor for Apraxia Intensive Training held in Alberta, Canada. Brooke owns a private practice in Guelph, Ontario, restricted to children with Motor Speech Disorders including CAS and spends considerable time supporting professionals and parents with CAS throughout the province. Brooke enjoys teaching workshops on CAS with a practical and clinical focus, including case and video examples.
Disclosures: Member of the Professional Advisory Council for Apraxia Kids. Board member for Apraxia Kids Canada. Graduate of, and Instructor for, the Apraxia Kids Intensive Training “Boot Camp.” I have no other real or perceived conflicts of interest that relate to this presentation.
Jennifer Sakowicz, MS, CCC-SLP
Jennifer Sakowicz has worked in the field of speech-language pathology as both a speech-language pathologist and speech-language assistant since 2004. She received her Master’s Degree in Communication Disorders from Southern Connecticut State University and her Bachelors’ Degree in Communication Disorders from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. Jennifer was first introduced to the field of speech-language pathology by her aunt, who was a special education director in Massachusetts. With encouragement from her aunt, Jennifer took her first introduction to Communication Disorders course at UMass-Amherst and fell in love with the field. After working in both the public schools and the private practice setting, Jennifer decided to open Pediatric Communication Center (PCC) in February 2013. Opening PCC was a longtime dream and Jennifer is grateful that it has become a reality thanks to so many families who have put their trust in the practice. In her commitment to continuing education and providing the most advanced, evidence-based practice to her clients, Jennifer has earned three ASHA Awards for Continuing Education (ACE) since 2013. She completed the Social Thinking Level 1A training in Boston, Massachusetts, is PROMPT Level 1 trained, and proud to be Recognized by Apraxia Kids for Advanced Training and Expertise in Childhood Apraxia of Speech. In 2019, Jennifer served as the Greater Hartford Walk Coordinator for Apraxia Kids and continues to remain part of the Volunteer Walk Committee. Although she treats many different speech and language disorders, she is the most passionate about language-literacy disorders, such as dyslexia and childhood apraxia of speech. Jennifer lives with her husband, Brett and dog, Haylee. She enjoys exercising, watching UConn basketball, and spending time with her niece.
Disclosures: Graduate of the Apraxia Kids Intensive Training “Boot Camp.” I have no other real or perceived conflicts of interest that relate to this presentation.
Amy Salera, Parent, Staff Member of Apraxia Kids
Amy Salera is a staff member at Apraxia Kids and a parent of a child with apraxia of speech. As a staff member, she focuses on awareness and fundraising efforts, including the Walk for Apraxia and Be the Voice programs. She values these programs as a way to connect the apraxia community, educate others, and sustain the mission of Apraxia Kids. Amy has also utilized many other resources offered by Apraxia Kids when supporting and advocating for her own child, and uses her experience as a parent to assist those who are on the same journey. She is passionate about apraxia of speech becoming recognized and accepted so that others understand the common complications of this disorder and is always willing to answer questions, share ideas, and tell her story in order to motivate a positive change for future generations.
Disclosures: Staff member for Apraxia Kids. I have no other real or perceived conflicts of interest that relate to this presentation.
Julissa Sandoval, BA, Graduate Student
Julissa Sandoval is a second-year graduate student in the Portland State University Speech and Hearing Sciences program. She is also a member of the bilingual concentration. Her clinical interests include bilingual assessment and intervention for both adults and children.
Disclosures: I have no real or perceived conflicts of interest that relate to this presentation.
Brie Schindel, Registered Speech-Language Pathologist
I am a speech-language pathologist with 15 years of pediatric experience primarily focusing on the birth to 5 population. I am Recognized by Apraxia Kids as having Advanced Training in Childhood Apraxia of Speech and have also attended advanced training in Dynamic Tactile and Temporal Cueing (DTTC) and the Nuffield Centre Dyspraxia Program. Within Alberta Health Services, I am the provincial co-chair for the advanced childhood apraxia of speech working group, and provide mentorship and education to my colleagues around childhood apraxia of speech.
Disclosures: Graduate of the Apraxia Kids Intensive Training “Boot Camp.” I have no other real or perceived conflicts of interest that relate to this presentation.
Amy Skinder-Meredith, PhD, CCC-SLP
Amy Skinder-Meredith is a Clinical Professor at Washington State University-Spokane, where she is director of Camp Candoo, an intensive summer program for children with CAS. She has worked in the public schools, hospitals, university clinic, and private practice settings for over 25 years. She has published and presented her research on CAS at national conferences and is on the Professional Advisory Council for Apraxia Kids. She enjoys the constant learning that comes with working with kids with CAS as they get older and sharing the journey of what’s worked at workshops for practicing speech-language pathologists and families nationally and internationally.
Disclosures: Board Member for Apraxia Kids. There are no relevant financial or non-financial relationships to disclose.
Laura Smith, MA, CCC-SLP
Laura is Apraxia Kids Recognized for Advanced Training and Clinical Expertise in Childhood Apraxia of Speech, has completed the PROMPT Level 1 training, and the Kaufman Speech to Language Protocol (K-SLP). She has lectured throughout the United States on childhood apraxia of speech and related issues. Laura is committed to raising and spreading CAS awareness following her own daughter’s diagnosis of CAS and dyspraxia. She is the author of ”Overcoming Apraxia,” coordinated the Denver Walk for Apraxia from 2015-2019, and writes for various publications including the ASHA wire blog, The Mighty, and on a website she manages slpmommyofapraxia.com. In 2016, Laura was awarded ASHA’s media award for garnering national media attention around apraxia detailing her connection with UFC fighter Ronda Rousey, and also received ASHA’s ACE award for her continuing education, specifically in the area of childhood motor speech disorders.
Disclosures: The speaker has written a book, “Overcoming Apraxia,” and developed materials which are available on Teachers Pay Teachers. Although this course does not focus specifically on any of these products, they may be mentioned during the course of this presentation. Graduate of the Apraxia Kids Intensive Training “Boot Camp.” I have no other real or perceived conflicts of interest that relate to this presentation.
Ruth Stoeckel, PhD, CCC-SLP
Dr. Stoeckel is a Mayo Clinic emeritus SLP. She has worked as a clinician and independent consultant in schools, private practice, private rehabilitation agency, and clinic. Dr. Stoeckel is on the Professional Advisory Council for Apraxia Kids (formerly CASANA). She has presented nationally and internationally on motor speech disorders and related developmental issues. In addition to childhood motor speech disorders, interests include learning challenges associated with an early history of speech-language problems and speech-language development in children with low-incidence disorders such as hearing loss.
Disclosures: Financial: Revenue share from Medbridge. Non-financial: Member of the Professional Advisory Council for Apraxia kids. I have no other real or perceived conflicts of interest that relate to this presentation.
Mary Sturm, MD, Parent, Board Member for Apraxia Kids
Mary Sturm is the mother to Joshua, an adult who as a child received over a thousand speech language therapy sessions as part of his rehabilitation. Mary is an original Board Member of Apraxia Kids and has served on the board since its inception. Mary has served a plethora of positions such as Board President and Board Secretary (currently as Board Emeritus), grant writer and project manager, Time to Sing! Executive Producer, sounding board for our founder, Sharon Gretz, data and information gatherer, research reviewer, ASHA booth representative, clerical staff, etc., but most importantly cheerleader for our kids!
Disclosures: Member of the Board of Directors for Apraxia Kids. I have no other real or perceived conflicts of interest that relate to this presentation.
Melissa Taberski, MS, CCC-SLP
I am a speech-language pathologist in private practice providing services to children with speech sound disorders and complex communication needs utilizing AAC. My professional background includes working in multiple school systems.
Disclosures: I have no real or perceived conflicts of interest that relate to this presentation.
Priscila Tamplain, PhD
Dr. Priscila Tamplain is an Associate Professor in the Department of Kinesiology and the Director of the Developmental Motor Cognition Lab at the University of Texas at Arlington. She holds a BS and MS in Kinesiology from the Federal University of Parana and a PhD in Motor Neuroscience from Texas A&M University (2011). Her research focuses on motor development specific to assessment, mechanisms, and interventions in typical and atypical development, and is particularly interested in children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) and related conditions. She is also the founder of the Little Mavs Movement Academy (LMMA), a community-based motor skill intervention program for children and adolescents with movement/coordination difficulties. She is extensively published in the motor development field, and has been the recipient of the Lolas E. Halverson Motor Development Young Investigator Award (2013), a distinction given in recognition of outstanding contributions to her research in motor development and learning, and the Early Career Distinguished Scholar Award by Naspspa (2017), for outstanding achievement of scholars who are still in the early stage of their scientific careers.
Disclosures: I have no real or perceived conflicts of interest that relate to this presentation.
Nancy Tarshis, MA, MS, CCC-SLP
Nancy Tarshis, a speech-language pathologist/special educator, is Director of Early Childhood Programming at The Quad Preparatory School, dedicated to 2E children K-12. For 27 years, she was on the clinical team at Children’s Evaluation and Rehabilitation Center (CERC) at Einstein College of Medicine, serving as Supervisor of Speech/Language Services for 21 of them. While there, she trained more than 400 SLPs currently practicing worldwide. As Emeritus at CERC, she participates in ongoing research and lectures to pediatric fellows and medical residents. She serves as adjunct clinical instructor at several New York City graduate programs, and consults on social-emotional learning to public and private schools. Nancy is deeply experienced in a wide variety of treatment methodologies, including Social Thinking. She is the co-author of their early learner curriculum, We Thinkers Volumes 1 & 2 and the Social Thinking Group Collaboration Play and Problem Solving Scale (GPS). Nancy’s private work includes Altogether Social, a social cognitive practice serving pediatric clients through adulthood. They provide individual and group sessions, trainings for parents and professionals, and school consultations. Nancy is a member of the Professional Advisory Boards of New York Zero to Three and Apraxia Kids.
Disclosures: Member of the Professional Advisory Council for Apraxia Kids. Author of published materials that I will mention but will not be the focus of the talk. I have no other real or perceived conflicts of interest that relate to this presentation.
Aly Taylor, Board Member for Apraxia Kids
Alyson Taylor is an Apraxia Advocate, Blogger on “Girl With A Funny Accent,” and serves on the Board of Directors with Apraxia Kids. Alyson was diagnosed with apraxia in the nineties when little was known about the disorder. With the support of her family and friends, she found her way and now uses her firsthand perspective to support those on their own Apraxia journey. Despite her early challenges, Alyson Taylor obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree from Emory University in Spanish and Political Science. Today she works as a Corporate Paralegal and is currently attending Pennsylvania State University for her Masters in Business Administration.
Disclosures: Member of the Board of Directors for Apraxia Kids. I have no other real or perceived conflicts of interest that relate to this presentation.
Karina Velazquez, BS, Graduate Student
Karina Velazquez graduated from California State University, Sacramento, with a BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders in the spring of 2019. She is a current second-year graduate student at Portland State University, studying Speech and Hearing Sciences. Her clinical interests include bilingual speech and language development, speech sound disorders, and childhood apraxia of speech. Karina has been part of the Monolingual and Bilingual Speech Lab since the fall of 2019, researching monolingual and bilingual children with speech sound disorders and childhood apraxia of speech.
Disclosures: I have no real or perceived conflicts of interest that relate to this presentation.
Shelley Velleman, MA, PhD, CCC-SLP
Shelley Velleman, an Apraxia Kids Professional Advisory Council member, is Professor of Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of Vermont. Her work focuses on speech development in children with pediatric motor speech disorders, especially childhood apraxia of speech. She specializes in neurodevelopmental syndromes including 7q11.23 Duplication syndrome, Williams syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and Down syndrome. She presents at scientific conferences and workshops around the U.S. and the world and has published many articles and three books. She is co-author of the Language Neutral Assessment of Motor Speech (LAMS) and a Fellow of ASHA and the National Academies of Practice.
Disclosures: Member of Professional Advisory Council for Apraxia Kids. I have no other real or perceived conflicts of interest that relate to this presentation.
Adrian Villalpando, Parent
I’m 38 and I’ve loved being Mateo’s dad for the last six years now. I still remember all the emotion and excitement that came with getting ready to be a new dad. I had every typical concern anyone would have but I also remember having concerns that my child could be born atypical. Having grown up around family members with special needs, I knew from firsthand experience how much more difficult the road ahead would be. My biggest fear was the possibility of not living up to the immense responsibility of helping someone who, at times, might not be able to help themselves. Those anxious feelings came back on Sept 23, 2018 when the term childhood apraxia of speech was first introduced to my wife and I at our son’s evaluation. You learn very quickly how overwhelming it can all be. It’s only now after three and a half years, several SLPs, countless hours of speech therapy, and the strong community of support we have built that we feel we are just now getting a hang of it. I often credit apraxia for forcing me to grow as a dad. To think of new ways of reaching my child. Mateo is able to face his challenges head-on with more confidence and determination because of what apraxia has taught us along the way. To listen with more than just your ears and to communicate with more than just words.
Disclosures: I have no real or perceived conflicts of interest that relate to this presentation.
Ana Vogeley, PhD
Undergraduate degree in Speech Therapy, Specialist in Language Pathologies, Master degree in Language Sciences and PhD in Linguistics. Postdoctoral internship in Linguistics at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. Professor in the Speech Therapy Department at Universidade Federal da Paraíba – UFPB, since 2009. Experience in Linguistics, Speech Sound Disorders, Language Disorders, neurodevelopment comorbidities and Childhood Mental Disorders. Parental Education Certification by the Positive Discipline Association (PDA).
Disclosures: I have no real or perceived conflicts of interest that relate to this presentation.
Breanna Waldrup, MS, CCC-SLP
Breanna Waldrup is a licensed speech-language pathologist and the owner of Apraxia Dallas, PLLC. She is also the Program Director for Child Apraxia Treatment for the Once Upon a Time Foundation. Breanna holds a license to practice speech-language pathology in the states of Texas, Pennsylvania, and Oklahoma as well as the ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence. Breanna’s primary area of expertise is motor planning disorders, especially childhood apraxia of speech (CAS). She has attended numerous continuing education courses on motor planning disorders including the Apraxia Kids Intensive Training Institute (aka “Boot Camp”) in 2018 and is Recognized by Apraxia Kids for Advanced Training and Expertise in Childhood Apraxia of Speech. She also attended an invitation-only intensive three-day workshop with Edythe Strand, Ph.D., the creator of DTTC (Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing) and completed the Advanced Course in Clinical Thinking in the Diagnosis of Management of CAS by Edythe Strand, PhD Breanna attended the 2015-2019 Apraxia Kids conferences. She has presented at a number of conferences on the diagnosis and treatment of CAS and on reading intervention, including the 2017, 2018, and 2019 Apraxia Kids conferences, the 2016 ASHA conference, and the 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020 TSHA conferences. Breanna has also received training in PROMPT, verbal behavior and PECS (picture exchange communication systems). Since 2017, Breanna has coordinated the North Texas Walk for Apraxia, benefiting Apraxia Kids. Breanna believes strongly that every child has the right to communicate and strives to help each child with whom she works to find their voice.
Disclosures: Employed at Apraxia Dallas and Once Upon a Time Foundation. Graduate of the Apraxia Kids Intensive Training “Boot Camp.” I have no other real or perceived conflicts of interest that relate to this presentation.
Emily Wang, MA, CCC-SLP
Emily Wang is a doctoral student in the Department of Communicative Sciences and Disorders at New York University under the advisement of Dr. Maria Grigos. Her research interests include speech motor development, with a particular interest in bilingual and disordered populations.
Disclosures: I have no real or perceived conflicts of interests that relate to this presentation.
Michele Weerts, Reg. CASLPO, PC
Michele is the Executive Director of her private practice, Evolve Speech Therapy in Ontario, Canada. Michele had previously worked for the John McGivney Children Centre for 27 years within a multidisciplinary team including Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Applied Behavioral Analysis, and Social Work. She has extensive experience working with children with developmental delays, childhood apraxia of speech, autism spectrum disorders, and language disorders in a variety of settings. She became a Prompts for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets (PROMPT) Instructor in 2007. She is a recognized speaker on subjects related to PROMPT, apraxia, and feeding disorders. She has a special interest in coaching parents and partnering with charities to assist families in attaining financial support for therapy. She considers change as an opportunity of growth, which allowed her to pivot her abilities to teach, partner with parents and treat clients in a virtual setting.
Disclosures: I have no real or perceived conflicts of interest that relate to this presentation.
Sarah White, Board Chair for Apraxia Kids
Sarah White is a nonprofit consultant with over 15 years of experience working in finance, administration, development, and communications for social service, health care, higher education, and other nonprofit organizations. Her experience and MBA in Nonprofit Management give Sarah a unique perspective on how each aspect of a nonprofit – from program service delivery and website development, to technology and human resources (and everything in between) – impacts an organization’s bottom line and its ability to accomplish its mission. Sarah is also fluent in Spanish and has experience living and working in Mexico. Sarah is a native Texan where she lives with her husband and daughter who has Childhood Apraxia of Speech. In her free time, Sarah enjoys reading, volunteering, and traveling.
Disclosures: Board Chair for Apraxia Kids. There are no relevant financial or non-financial relationships to disclose.
Courtney Willis, MS, CCC-SLP
Courtney Willis is a speech-language pathologist practicing in Dallas, TX. She holds a BS in Speech Language Pathology and Audiology and MS in Communication Disorders from The University of Texas at Dallas. Her primary areas of practice are Autism Spectrum Disorder, childhood apraxia of speech (CAS), and motor speech disorders.
Courtney speaks and provides training both nationally and internationally on the topics of Autism Spectrum Disorder, apraxia, and motor speech disorders.
Courtney was a guest speaker at the 3rd Annual GT Bank Autism Seminar in Lagos, Nigeria, Africa. During her time in Africa, Courtney trained healthcare professionals, physicians, and medical students from Lagos University Medical School in communication assessment and screening procedures for Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and related motor speech issues. Courtney also provided consultative services to families and was a guest presenter on the topic of incorporating speech play in the treatment of ASD.
Courtney is Owner and Clinical Director of Speech Wings Therapy. She currently leads several early intervention programs, as well as providing individual speech-language therapy sessions, assessments, consultations, and educational seminars.
Courtney has completed the Childhood Apraxia of Speech/Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing Advanced Workshop taught by Dr. Edythe Strand. Courtney is also a graduate of The American Speech-Language Hearing Association’s (ASHA) Leadership Development Program (LDP) and currently chairs the Texas Speech and Hearing Association’s Executive Board for Scope of Practice and Encroachment.
Disclosures: I have no real or perceived conflicts of interest that relate to this presentation.
Joshua Zellers, Parent, Board Member for Apraxia Kids
Joshua Zellers joined the Board of Directors of Apraxia Kids in 2015 when it was known as CASANA.
His son Brady was diagnosed with CAS when he was 2 years old. After that initial diagnosis Joshua and his wife, Elizabeth found themselves at the National Conference in Pittsburgh 10 days after that diagnosis. During this conference, they learned so much about CAS and the journey they had ahead of them. Joshua and Elizabeth continued to attend the National Conference every year and eventually began volunteering with the organization. They ran the New Hampshire Walk for Apraxia for 10 years and Joshua joined the Board of Directors. While on the Board, Joshua helped with the transition of the organization from CASANA to the Apraxia Kids we know today. Working very hard over 7 years, Brady spent 2-3 days a week in speech therapy sessions and worked towards resolving his CAS and ‘graduated’ from speech therapy. Joshua knows that it was only through the incredible people involved with CAS and Apraxia Kids that they were able to be so successful in their son’s journey and will forever owe a debt of gratitude and appreciation for all the amazing people past, present, and future who have given
so much time and energy to treating, researching, and supporting CAS and Apraxia Kids. Joshua continues to volunteer with Apraxia Kids to give back even just a small amount to help make sure every child with CAS can ‘find their voice’ like his son Brady did.
Disclosures: Member of the Board of Directors for Apraxia Kids. I have no other real or perceived conflicts of interest that relate to this presentation.
