We are a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals with childhood apraxia of speech and other communication-related disorders. Our mission is to ensure that everyone has access to the speech services and communication devices they need to thrive.
At The Apraxia Foundation, our mission is to support individuals with Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) and other communication-related disorders by ensuring access to evidence-based treatment, while also spreading awareness, acceptance, and pride in their identities. We believe in equipping every individual with the tools and opportunities they need to thrive. We understand the financial challenges families face in accessing vital communication tools, which is why we provide grants to help cover the cost of AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) devices. These grants offer critical support to families managing the financial burden of communication needs. Beyond direct support, we are committed to national advocacy to ensure that CAS is formally recognized and fully funded under insurance for essential speech therapy services. Our goal is long-term systemic change so that every individual has access to the care and tools they need.
President & Founder
Jordan Christian LeVan is an apraxia, disability, and mental health advocate. He graduated in 2020 with his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, focusing on Mental Health, with his minor in General Biology, from Guilford College in Greensboro, North Carolina. Jordan began his advocation by being the person he needed when he was younger, so he first started his advocation by beginning his blog called Fighting for my Voice: My Life with Verbal Apraxia, where he gives people an inside view of what it’s like to live with Verbal Apraxia. He is the author of the book series called Jordan’s World, a non-fiction book series about his life as a child growing up with Verbal Apraxia. In his free time, Jordan enjoys writing, spending time with friends, listening to music, and doing advocation work in numerous aspects. He is also a motivational speaker, mentor, and research collaborator. Jordan’s goal is to educate the world and spread acceptance of all differences. From previous life experiences, he wants to create a world where we all come together as one and celebrate each person’s uniqueness. He is excited to see where the organization will go and flourish to help all individuals with Apraxia and other related communication differences.
My enthusiasm for the contemporary is balanced with a deep respect of history, adding value through appropriate and sensitive design.
Vice President
Tammy LeVan, Vice President of The Apraxia Foundation, was raised in Greensboro, NC. Her dedication to Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) advocacy began when her son, Jordan LeVan—now the foundation’s founder and president—was diagnosed with CAS in 2002. From the early days of Jordan’s diagnosis, Tammy has been driven by a personal goal: to ensure that no child with CAS falls through the cracks. She understands firsthand the journey of raising a child with CAS and the vital importance of advocating for their needs. Today, Tammy is deeply committed to supporting families, parents, and caregivers, ensuring they feel empowered and supported at every step of their journey.
Family Support Coordinator
Samantha Wilson is a registered nurse, passionate mental health advocate, and devoted wife and mother of two. A resident of Batesville, Arkansas, Samantha brings both professional expertise and personal experience to her new role.
“As a mother with a child walking through life with CAS, it’s become so important to me to be educated, and advocate for my son and others. Getting connected with the Apraxia Foundation has brought a connectedness and understanding that I’m not alone.”
Secretary
Sam is an educator, artist, writer and passionate advocate, with a strong background in nonprofit work. She holds a BS in Art Education, an MA in Liberal Studies, and a professional certificate in Creative Writing. Sam has taught students of all ages, from preschool through adult education. She has been actively involved with nonprofit organizations such as the International Festival of Arts and Ideas, and 10selden. Sam has collaborated with local Youth Services on a variety of events and previously served as President of the Woodbridge Arts Guild for two years.
With a background in education and firsthand experience as the mother of a child with Apraxia, Sam brings both personal insight and professional commitment to her role at
the Apraxia Foundation. She lives in Connecticut with her husband, their two wonderful children, and a pair of beloved rescue dogs.
Professional Advisory
Laura Baskall Smith MA, CCC-SLP is a speech/language pathologist in Denver, Colorado specializing in the assessment and intervention of children with childhood apraxia of speech at her private practice A Mile High Speech Therapy. Prior to specializing in CAS, she worked for 14 years as a school based speech language pathologist. She is the mother to a child with apraxia and author of the book Overcoming Apraxia. Laura has written on CAS in numerous publications and is often asked to give lectures and workshops nationally and internationally. A self described fierce advocate, Laura spreads apraxia awareness and information on her social media handles under the name SLP Mommy of Apraxia.
Professional Advisory
Dr. Namasivayam Ph.D., SL-P(C), Reg. CASLPO is an internationally recognized expert in speech motor control and speech disorders in children, with a clinical degree in Speech-Language Pathology, and a specialization in Neuroscience at the Doctoral/Post-Doctoral level. He has published 47 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters and has over 100 international conference presentations and workshops. He has led several governmental and industry-funded randomized clinical trials, resulting in policy changes at the governmental level and the
development of evidence-based care pathways for children. He has received several awards for his contributions to the field: such as the Editor’s Award from the American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology (2021), Higher Education Mentoring Award from ASHA (1999), Stuttering Foundation of America (2003), Apraxia Kids (2011), the prestigious National award for Excellence in Applied Research (2016) and the Mentorship award (2018) from the Speech-Language and Audiology (SAC), Canada, the Teaching Excellence award (2018) and the
Distinguished Service Award (2019) from the University of Toronto. Dr. Namasivayam 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.
Professional Advisory
Dr. Jennifer Moore is a speech-language pathologist with over 15 years of clinical experience and co-owner of a multidisciplinary private practice in northern New Jersey.
She is a PROMPT Certified Instructor, Certified Orofacial Myologist, and the Director of the Brave Speech Research Lab, where she integrates ultrasound and visual biofeedback in clinical practice and research. Her work focuses on pediatric motor speech disorders, including those in children with autism and co-occurring motor speech deficits. Dr. Moore’s neuroaffirming motor speech framework has been published internationally, and she has presented at numerous state, national, and international conferences. She is also the founder of Next Level Motor, an online training community for SLPs. Dr. Moore’s mission is to connect science with clinical practice.
Event Coordinator Intern
Hi! I’m Mason, and I’m thrilled to be starting my internship with the Apraxia Foundation. As someone who grew up with Childhood Apraxia of Speech, I know firsthand how challenging it can be to find your voice. I feel incredibly grateful to now be in a position where I can give back and support others on similar journeys.
I’m currently a sophomore at San Diego State University, majoring in Recreation and Tourism Management, with plans to pursue a Master’s in Social Work after graduation. I’m also a member of the SDSU Rugby Team.
As the Event Coordinator Intern, I’m excited to help create meaningful experiences, build community, and advocate for individuals with apraxia and their families.
Volunteer Coordinator Intern
Ben’s experience with Apraxia has profoundly shaped his personal and professional path, fueling his passion for advocacy and community-building work. As a current junior at the University of Southern Maine, he is pursuing a BA in Environmental Planning and Public Policy, with hopes of becoming an urban planner or educator to help foster local solutions to pressing issues. His roles as an Eagle Scout, Resident Assistant, and Events and Outreach Specialist have sharpened his skills in project management and creating inclusive spaces, which will be key as a Volunteer Coordinator. He is dedicated to crafting policies and programs that empower volunteers and strengthen communities for a more equitable future.