Professional Learning
Bridging Research to Practice
Spark provides evidence-based professional learning focused on language, literacy, learning, and communication.
Whether supporting school districts, professional organizations, private practices, or conference audiences, training is designed to translate complex research into practical strategies that improve outcomes for children and students.
Why Spark?
Professional learning should do more than share information.
Spark specializes in translating research into practical application, helping professionals connect evidence to everyday decision-making.
Training is grounded in clinical, educational, and academic experience and focused on improving outcomes for children, families, and schools.
Featured Presentations
Developmental Language Disorder: A Language-Based Learning Disability
Exploring the relationship between DLD, literacy, academic achievement, and educational outcomes while making the case for recognizing DLD as a language-based learning disability.
Language as the Foundation of Learning
Understanding how language influences reading, writing, executive functioning, classroom participation, and academic success.
Beyond Expressive and Receptive Language
Rethinking traditional language profiles and focusing on meaningful patterns of strengths and needs that support assessment and intervention planning.
Educationally Relevant Assessment
Moving beyond scores to understand how communication and language difficulties affect participation, learning, and educational performance.
Play with Purpose
Evidence-based strategies for supporting early language development through play, interaction, and everyday routines.
Autism Communication & Social Cognition
Supporting communication, social understanding, and participation through neurodiversity-affirming practices.
AAC & Complex Communication Needs
Assessment, implementation, and practical strategies for supporting individuals who use AAC.
Training Formats
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District Professional Development
Customized training for school districts, educational teams, and service providers.
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Conference Presentations
Keynotes, breakout sessions, workshops, and invited presentations.
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Professional Workshops
Interactive learning experiences for speech-language pathologists, educators, related professionals, and interdisciplinary teams.
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Organization & Practice Training
Customized training for private practices, clinics, healthcare organizations, educational organizations, and community agencies.
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Virtual Training
Live online training for organizations, teams, and professional groups.
Presenter
Dr. Kristin Kirkley, CCC-SLP, BCS-CL
Board-Certified Specialist in Child Language with more than 15 years of experience across schools, private practice, early intervention, and university clinical education.
Kristin specializes in Developmental Language Disorder (DLD), language and literacy, autism communication, AAC, and educationally relevant assessment. Her work focuses on helping professionals better understand the role language plays in learning and translating research into meaningful practice.