Episodios

  • If you've been thinking about private clients and either have a passion for working with adults or have kids you want to be home for, this episode is for you!

    Today I’m talking with Heather McCurdy, mom to triplets and owner of an adult-focused private practice, Mindful Speech Therapy, in Valparaiso, Indiana.

    After hearing about it from a friend, Heather used the Start Your Private Practice Program to create a practice that aligns with her values and lifestyle.

    In this episode, Heather shares how her private practice journey gave her the freedom to continue working with adult clients and stay at home to raise her triplets.

    Heather McCurdy  is an adult-focused private practice owner and serves patients in-person and virtually in the state of Indiana. Heather loves treating patients with post-traumatic brain injury (including athletes post-concussion) and dementia. When Heather's not working, she enjoys spending time with her three kiddos. 

    In Today's Episode, We Discuss:

    What happened when Heather realized her job wasn’t fulfilling anymoreHow she gets referrals in a way that avoids being pushy and dealing with competitionHeather’s balanced approach to managing her private practice and family lifeHow private practice allows her to be a better parent to her kidsThe different payer sources that allow Heather to see a variety of clientsWhat other opportunities she’s considering thanks to the flexibility of private practice

    If you want to pursue adult-focused SLP, you will love Heather’s story! Private practice not only made Heather her own boss but allowed her to stay in her zone of genius.

    If you would like to know more about our Programs and how we help support SLPs and OTs who want our help to start and grow their practices, please visit www.IndependentClinician.com/resources 

    Whether you want to start a private practice or grow your existing private practice, I can help you get the freedom, flexibility, fulfillment, and financial abundance that you deserve. Visit my website www.independentclinician.com to learn more.

    Resources Mentioned: 

    Heather’s website: mindfulspeechtherapy.com

    Follow Mindful Speech Therapy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindfulspeechtherapyllc/

    Learn more about how our programs can help you with starting or growing your private practice: https://www.independentclinician.com/

    Where We Can Connect: 

    Follow the Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-practice-success-stories/id1374716199

    Follow Me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/independentclinician/

    Connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/slp.private.practice.beginners/

  • If you’ve been feeling so burned out from work that you’re thinking about quitting the field altogether, this episode is for you! 

    Joining me today is Anna Humes, an occupational therapist with a pediatric private practice in San Diego, California. 

    After personal reflection and listening to the Private Practice Success Stories Podcast, Anna took the leap to establish her own business. Her practice, Well Played Pediatric Therapy, quickly became financially successful, allowing her to exceed her previous income within four months.

    In this episode, Anna will share her journey of starting her private practice and her diverse career path, which included working in multiple outpatient clinics, school contracts and even taking a two-year break from occupational therapy.

    Anna started Played Well Pediatric Therapy in 2023 after 13 years in the field. Her career has spanned across the United States in outpatient, school, and early intervention settings. 

    Played Well is a work of love, passion, and the mindful practice of building through phases, implementing systems, and reducing stress to better serve her clients and herself. 

    In Today's Episode, We Discuss:

    The most common reason that leads therapists to burnoutWhy she took a break from occupational therapy and worked at StarbucksHow private practice helped her get back to her love of OTGetting started easily and inexpensivelyWhat surprised her about trying new settings and demographicsUsing short-term goals to encourage and guide you along the way

    You deserve joy and fulfillment in your work! Private practice is a great solution for those who want to make a difference for their patients, but also avoid burnout and maintain the passion that got them into the field in the first place.

    If you would like to know more about our Programs and how we help support SLPs and OTs who want our help to start and grow their practices, please visit www.IndependentClinician.com/resources

    Resources Mentioned: 

    Visit Anna’s new website: https://www.playedwellpediatrictherapy.com/

    Follow Anna’s practice on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playedwell.ot/

    Follow Anna’s practice on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565960667150

    Learn more about how our programs can help you with starting or growing your private practice: https://www.independentclinician.com/

    Where We Can Connect: 

    Follow the Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-practice-success-stories/id1374716199

    Follow Me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/independentclinician/

    Connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/slp.private.practice.beginners/

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  • If you’ve been thinking of starting a private practice, but want to start part-time before diving into full-time, tune in for this episode!

    I interviewed Kathleen Salata, a dedicated speech-language pathologist and the owner of Journey Pediatrics Therapy Services in Livonia, Michigan. 

    Kathleen joined the Start Your Private practice program in 2020 and used the pandemic period to get her business all set up. She began her private practice on the weekends while maintaining a full-time job at a hospital.

    In this episode, Kathleen shares her journey of transitioning from having a part-time private practice to leaving her full-time job and being in private practice full-time.

    By August 2021, Kathleen had secured a sublease for a room to use on weekends while maintaining her full-time job. In June 2022, Kathleen transitioned to working at her practice full-time. Today, Journey Pediatrics Therapy Services occupies a three-room suite complete with a waiting room and sensory gym.

    Kathleen treats a wide range of speech and language disorders at her clinic, with a particular passion for working with children who use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices to communicate.

    Outside of her professional life, Kathleen got married in September 2023. While her husband completes his residency in St. Louis, she remains in Michigan, fully committed to the growth of her practice. In her free time, Kathleen enjoys discovering toys for her clinic at garage sales, spending quality time with family and friends, and staying active with cross-fit.

    In Today's Episode, We Discuss:

    How Kathleen got started in the fieldWhat her private practice looked like just starting outMaking the transition from part-time to full-time in her own practiceThe marketing strategies that help clients find herHer plans to hire in the next six monthsThe freedom your private practice offers in terms of time offKathleen’s advice to those on the fence about starting a practice

    Kathleen’s story is a great example to those wanting to start small and grow from there. I hope she inspires you to take the next step on your own private practice journey!

    Whether you want to start a private practice or grow your existing private practice (like Kathleen!), I can help you get the freedom, flexibility, fulfillment, and financial abundance that you deserve. Visit my website www.independentclinician.com to learn more.

    Resources Mentioned: 

    Visit Kathleen’s website: https://journeypediatricstherapy.com/

    Follow Kathleen’s practice on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/journeypeds/

    Follow Kathleen's practice on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/journey_therapy/?hl=en

    Get help starting or growing your practice: https://www.independentclinician.com/

    Where We Can Connect: 

    Follow the Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-practice-success-stories/id1374716199

    Follow Me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/independentclinician/

    Connect on Facebook:

  • Do you have a specific end goal for your private practice, but aren’t really sure how to get there? This episode is perfect for you!

    I sat down with Heather Anderson, a speech-language pathologist with a private practice in Monroe, Michigan. Heather started out as a medical SLP, later became a pediatric SLP to start her own private practice, and now sees all ages through her practice, Your Voice Speech Therapy. 

    I helped Heather get started through the Start Your Private Practice Program. As her business took off, she leveled up to the Grow Your Private Practice Program, which has helped her create a thriving practice doing what she loves.

    In this episode, Heather shares what it was like starting her practice on the side of a full-time job, why she pivoted to pediatric services, and how that flexibility eventually allowed her to get back to her zone of genius and experience huge growth. 

    Heather graduated from The University of Toledo in 2016 with a Master of Arts. Her first exposure to speech pathology was as a junior in high school in 2008. While looking through possible majors at The University of Toledo, the title of speech-language pathology instantly caught her attention. Her mother recommended shadowing a speech-language pathologist at the hospital where she worked, and after taking her advice, decided after just one hour that it was the career for her.

    After graduation, Heather began working in a transitional care setting (a segway from acute care into a skilled nursing facility). While working in transitional care, she also worked in acute care at Toledo Hospital, where she learned valuable information for evaluating and treating strokes (in the neuro ICU), dysphagia, cognitive disorders, tracheostomies, motor vehicle accidents, and traumatic brain injuries. She also became certified to perform swallow studies (MBSImP certified).

    Heather then went into an outpatient pediatric setting while conducting swallow studies for acute care patients and outpatients. From there, she worked in skilled nursing settings in which she worked heavily with voicing disorders, dysphagia, dementia care, memory impairments, and more. Heather became a Certified Dementia Practitioner while working in skilled nursing and has expertise working in specialized Alzhiemer's/dementia care facilities. She has since continued working in acute care and skilled nursing settings but has always dreamed of owning a private practice.

    In Today's Episode, We Discuss:

    Heather’s background and how she got into SLPWhat motivated Heather to start her own practice on the side of her jobWhat helped her take the leap to enter a school contractA look into the networking opportunities that came with pursuing her own practice The reality of pivoting your vision to serve the communityHow the Start and Grow programs helped Heather get back to her zone of geniusThe power of becoming the one that people refer to

    I hope you find Heather’s story inspiring! If you've been thinking about starting a private practice on the side of your job to have the flexibility for your family that Heather strived for, be sure to tune in!

    If you would like to know more about our Programs and how we help support SLPs and OTs who want our help to start and grow their practices, please visit www.IndependentClinician.com/resources

    Whether you want to start a private practice or grow your existing private practice, I can help you get the freedom, flexibility, fulfillment, and financial abundance that you deserve. Visit my website www.independentclinician.com to learn more.

    Resources Mentioned: 

    Connect with Heather on Facebook:

  • Is the only way to earn more money to take on more clients? 

    Thankfully not! But this is where I see so many private practice owners get stuck. 

    In this episode, we're diving into one of the most important topics for private practice owners, which is how to increase your earnings by diversifying your income streams.

    In Today's Episode, We Discuss:

    Why you don’t need to see more clients to make more moneySelecting revenue streams that work for your practice to pursueHow to set up those streams for successExamples of how stream stacking work 

    I originally intended this episode for my new private podcast, but the insights are just too valuable to not share with my bigger audience!

    Be sure to tune in, because I’m sharing the exact strategies that I have used to help hundreds of private practice owners, just like you, increase your profits without burning out or having to see more and more clients.

    Want to learn how to add income streams to your practice? Sign up for our upcoming training called How to Grow Your Private Practice Income: www.growyourprivatepractice.com/training

    Whether you want to start a private practice or grow your existing private practice, I can help you get the freedom, flexibility, fulfillment, and financial abundance that you deserve. Visit my website www.independentclinician.com to learn more.

    Resources Mentioned: 

    Check out my new podcast: http://www.growyourprivatepractice.com/podcast

    Learn how to add income streams to your practice: http://www.growyourprivatepractice.com/training

    Where We Can Connect: 

    Follow the Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-practice-success-stories/id1374716199

    Follow Me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/independentclinician/

    Connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/slp.private.practice.beginners/

    Mentioned in this episode:

    October enrollment for the Grow Your Private Practice Program is now open through Friday, October 11th - and spots are limited. So visit growyourprivatepractice.com/join to grab your spot now.

  • Are you managing a full caseload but still feeling stuck financially? 

    In my experience,  clinicians starting out in their own practice run the business side of things like a clinician, and not like a business owner. 

    In this episode, I’m sharing three beliefs that every private practice owner should embrace to establish a thriving private practice.

    In Today's Episode, We Discuss:

    A sneak peek into my brand new podcastWhy profitability does not equal greedHow to think like a CEO

    Remember, your practice is a business! And the key to a thriving private practice is to adopt a business mindset. You’ve mastered clinical skills over the years, so it’s time to gain business knowledge and skills that will help you, your business, and most importantly, your clients.

    If you already have a private practice and you're ready to dive deeper into topics like profitability, expanding your income, hiring the right team, and setting up systems that actually work, then I’ve got something special for you.

    Head over to www.growyourprivatepractice.com/podcast to gain access to my brand-new private podcast. If you’re serious about taking your practice to the next level, this is where you want to be!

    Whether you want to start a private practice or grow your existing private practice, I can help you get the freedom, flexibility, fulfillment, and financial abundance that you deserve. Visit my website www.independentclinician.com to learn more.

    Resources Mentioned: 

    Check out my new podcast: http://www.growyourprivatepractice.com/podcast

    Get help growing your practice: https://www.independentclinician.com/

    Where We Can Connect: 

    Follow the Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-practice-success-stories/id1374716199

    Follow Me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/independentclinician/

    Connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/slp.private.practice.beginners/

    Mentioned in this episode:

    October enrollment for the Grow Your Private Practice Program is now open through Friday, October 11th - and spots are limited. So visit growyourprivatepractice.com/join to grab your spot now.

  • Want to make more money and work fewer hours? My guests in today’s episode are doing just that!

    Brandie Johnson and Alyssa Fittipaldi are alums of the Start Your Private Practice program, who join me during this episode to share their experiences and insights on how they transition from traditional job settings to owning their own practices. 

    Brandie is a speech-language pathologist with a pediatric private practice in the Portland, Oregon area. She started her private practice called Growing Roots, only having two and a half years of experience as an SLP. Even though she's early in her career, she is thriving in private practice. 

    Alyssa is a speech-language pathologist in the Tampa Bay area, and she started her private practice called Talk to Talk Pediatric Therapy after discovering the independent clinician Instagram and also this podcast. Alyssa realized that she could start her private practice sooner than she thought, so she started seeing private clients on the side and quickly grew her clientele.

    In Today's Episode, We Discuss:

    The benefits Brandie and Alyssa gain from owning their practicesWhat they wish they had known sooner about starting a private practiceA look into how taking insurance worksTips for overcoming imposter syndromeHow you can conduct therapy that aligns with your values

    If you've been wanting to start seeing private clients and want to get started ASAP, this episode is perfect for you! I know you’ll relate to what Brandie and Alyssa have to share. 

    If you are ready to get going and want some help, enrollment for the Start Your Private Practice Program is now OPEN. Visit www.Startyourprivatepractice.com to learn more and enroll.

    Whether you want to start a private practice or grow your existing private practice, I can help you get the freedom, flexibility, fulfillment, and financial abundance that you deserve. Visit my website www.independentclinician.com to learn more.

    Resources Mentioned: 

    Enroll now for the Start Your Private Practice Program: www.Startyourprivatepractice.com 

    Check out Brandie’s website: https://www.growingrootstherapy.com/

    Check out Alyssa’s website: https://www.tttpediatrictherapy.com/

    Where We Can Connect: 

    Follow the Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-practice-success-stories/id1374716199

    Follow Me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/independentclinician/

    Connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/slp.private.practice.beginners/

    Mentioned in this episode:

    October enrollment for the Grow Your Private Practice Program is now open through Friday, October 11th - and spots are limited. So visit growyourprivatepractice.com/join to grab your spot now.

  • Have you been thinking about seeing your own clients to earn extra money this year? If the answer is yes, this episode of Private Practice Success Stories is for you!

    Starting my private practice was one of the most transformative decisions of my life. In addition to a $24k raise, it brought about immense satisfaction to me and my clients and also saved me from the grips of burnout, something that you might be able to relate to. 

    In this episode, I’m sharing how I started my private practice, and how you already have the skills and knowledge to do the same so you can take control of your career and financial freedom.

    In Today's Episode, We Discuss:

    The story of how I earned an extra $24k in addition to my hospital salaryWhy relying solely on budgeting isn’t enoughHow learning to earn more money is your best strategy for financial empowerment

    Seeing private clients allowed me to build a financial safety net for my family, and it was the best decision I ever made. I hope this episode inspired you to take the next step in your own journey to further your financial freedom!

    Want help to plan a private practice that can help YOU earn $24,000 "on the side?" Please visit: PlanYourPrivatePractice.com

    Whether you want to start a private practice or grow your existing private practice, I can help you get the freedom, flexibility, fulfillment, and financial abundance that you deserve. Visit my website www.independentclinician.com to learn more.

    Resources Mentioned: 

    Get help planning your private practice: http://www.PlanYourPrivatePractice.com

    Where We Can Connect: 

    Follow the Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-practice-success-stories/id1374716199

    Follow Me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/independentclinician/

    Connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/slp.private.practice.beginners/

    Mentioned in this episode:

    October enrollment for the Grow Your Private Practice Program is now open through Friday, October 11th - and spots are limited. So visit growyourprivatepractice.com/join to grab your spot now.

  • Have you been thinking about starting a private practice in your small town? You’re going to love this episode of Private Practice Success Stories! 

    I sat down with Gabby Hewitt, a speech language pathologist with a private practice specializing in orofacial myology in a small town in North Dakota. She opened her practice while knowing there was a lack of speech therapy services in her hometown and wanted to fill that gap. 

    I got to know Gabby during her time in the Start and Grow Your Private Practice programs and it has been amazing to watch the impact she has had bringing a much-needed service to her rural area.

     

    In this episode, Gabby talks about how she started her practice right out of her CF, how clients find her, why she hired an assistant, and how specializing in feeding and myo has helped clients be drawn to her.

    Gabby is an ASHA Certified SLP specializing in orofacial myology, oral myofunctional disorders, and pediatric feeding and swallowing. She is currently in the certification process for becoming a Certified Breastfeeding Specialist (CBS), Certified Myofunctional Therapist (CMTÂź), and Certified Orofacial Myologist (COMÂź). 

    She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of North Dakota before obtaining her Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology from Gannon University in Ruskin, FL where she was a member of the first-ever graduate SLP program cohort. 

    It was in Florida that she discovered and learned about orofacial myology. Following her clinical fellowship, Gabby opened her private practice, UpNorth Therapies, in her hometown of Carrington, North Dakota where she recently just completed a renovation and expansion project of a new clinic space 8 months after opening. 

    In Today's Episode, We Discuss:

    How and why Gabby decided to start a private practice so early in her careerWhy work-life balance isn’t just a fantasy with a private practiceThe good you can do for your community when you take control of your life and careerThe key to getting your first clients as a private practice owner in a small townThe true power of specializing as a private practice ownerHow you can structure your week when you are in charge of your hoursA look into the impact of hiring help in your private practiceHow the Start and Grow programs helped Gabby grow her business and get more stabilityThe power you have to grow at your own pace in your business

    I hope you enjoyed this episode with Gabby! She is a perfect example of someone who opened her private practice early on in her career and specialized in a rural area.

    If you want our help to start - or grow - your private practice (just like we helped Gabby!) please visit: https://independentclinician.com/resources/.

    Whether you want to start a private practice or grow your existing private practice, I can help you get the freedom, flexibility, fulfillment, and financial abundance that you deserve. Visit my website www.independentclinician.com to learn more.

    Resources Mentioned: 

    Follow Gabby on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/upnorththerapies/

    Visit Gabby’s website: https://www.upnorththerapies.com/

    Where We Can Connect: 

    Follow the Podcast:

  • Have you ever considered having a nature-based therapy private practice? You’re going to love this episode of Private Practice Success Stories! 

    I sat down with Kate Glennon, also known as the "Outdoorsy SLP,”  a speech language pathologist with an innovative private practice in New Hampshire. Kate has created a unique private practice that operates primarily outdoors, providing nature-based therapy to her clients. 

    She highlights the benefits of outdoor therapy to improve regulation and connection for both the therapist and the client, as well as the unique language tasks that natural settings can provide.

     

    Kate started her private practice after working in a traditional practice for 12 years. She discusses what it’s like to own a practice, have a deployed husband in the military, and have 3 kids! 

    I got to know Kate during her time in the Grow Your Private Practice Program and it has been amazing to get to reflect on her journey and the factors that led her to develop this unconventional practice model.

    Kate has been a practicing SLP for 13 years. Her cumulative experience working in schools, clinics, and teaching at a nature school led her to open a private practice. She is passionate about bringing clinical practice outdoors and into nature. Her nature-based private practice is about to turn one year old.

    Kate brings her experience as an SLP and a certified nature educator to her work. She enjoys working across the age span with a variety of communication differences.

    Kate strives to bring together her SLP community. She has created a collaborative space for sole practitioners in her area to gather and connect. 

    In Today's Episode, We Discuss:

    The true power of nature-based therapyHow you can branch out and create your own unique private practice as a neurodivergent SLPThe magic of nature-based therapy and how you’ll know if it’s right for youWhat you need to understand about fear when starting a private practiceThe true power of differentiating yourself from other private practicesThe power you have to make your private practice be whatever you want it to beThe key to making your private practice work for your familyWhat you need to understand when it comes to hiring help in your private practice

    I hope you enjoyed this episode with Kate! I love her passion for nature and the positive outcomes she has observed in her clients. She acknowledges the challenges but also the fulfillment that comes from creating a practice that aligns with her values and lifestyle.

    To learn more about how we can help you start - or grow - your private practice, please visit: https://independentclinician.com/resources/.

    Whether you want to start a private practice or grow your existing private practice, I can help you get the freedom, flexibility, fulfillment, and financial abundance that you deserve. Visit my website www.independentclinician.com to learn more.

    Resources Mentioned: 

    Visit Kate’s website: www.outdoorsySLP.com

    Follow Kate on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/outdoorsyslp/

    Where We Can Connect: 

    Follow the Podcast:

  • Do you struggle with getting stuff done in your private practice? If so, this episode of Private Practice Success Stories is going to be great for you to listen to. 

    Julie Pera and Theresa Harp are speech language pathologists who sat down with me to share their experience and insights on the intersection of time management and private practice. 

    In this episode, Julie shares her journey in the Grow Your Private Practice Program after transitioning from a public school setting to private practice, driven by a desire for a more manageable workload and better work-life balance. 

    Theresa, a Productivity Coach, shares how she combines practical systems with cognitive strategies to help SLPs and OTs feel less overwhelmed and more in control.

     

    If you’ve been thinking about improving your time management and want to implement more effective systems in your private practice, you don’t want to miss this episode! 

    In Today's Episode, We Discuss:

    Why time management is crucial as a private practice ownerThe impact ADHD can have on your life and businessThe importance of tailoring your time management strategies to support your neurodivergent brainThe key to sharing your unique gifts with the worldOne simple thing you can do when you are in survival mode and overwhelmedThe power of working with your brain instead of against itThe importance of putting self-awareness and taking action into practiceA professional who can help you take all of those plans and put them into action with accountability 

    I hope you enjoyed this episode with Juile and Theresa! I love their encouragement to other private practitioners to take proactive steps, seek support, and integrate work and life in a balanced and fulfilling way. 

    To learn more about how we can support you and your private practice journey, please visit: https://independentclinician.com/resources/

    Whether you want to start a private practice or grow your existing private practice, I can help you get the freedom, flexibility, fulfillment, and financial abundance that you deserve. Visit my website www.independentclinician.com to learn more.

    Resources Mentioned: 

    Learn more about how we can support you in your private practice journey: https://independentclinician.com/resources/

    Join Theresa’s Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/slpsupportgroup

    Listen to Theresa’s podcast: https://theresaharp.com/podcast

    Visit Julie’s website: https://www.manygiftstherapy.com/

    Follow Julie on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/manygiftstherapy

    Where We Can Connect: 

    Follow the Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-practice-success-stories/id1374716199

    Follow Me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/independentclinician/

    Connect on Facebook:

  • Have you ever thought about starting a non-traditional private practice or offering social events for your clients? Then this episode of Private Practice Success Stories is for you! 

    I sat down with Barbara Earley and April Lowe who co-own a very innovative private practice in Georgia called Social EdVentures, which includes small group social outings for teenagers and young adults with varied diagnoses and abilities. 

    In this interview, they discuss how they started off very informally - with a small group outing at a bowling alley - which quickly expanded to include regular social outings for young adults and adolescents with diverse needs, ranging from typical college students to non-verbal individuals using AAC devices.

     

    In this episode, Barbara and April describe their program's evolution, the value that the participants get from the outings, and the importance of real-world learning and social skill development. They even discuss a connection to the popular Netflix series, Love on the Spectrum!

    As two speech therapists, driven by a passion for fostering social connections and self-reliance in our clients, Social EdVentures was created. We started with a small group of older teens in a traditional setting and began exploring unconventional approaches. As we did this, we discovered our real-world learning approach enhanced success, increased involvement, and resulted in better outcomes.

    This inspired us to create Social Edventures, aiming to offer this experience to larger groups affordably. We started with a small group of four in late Summer 2022 and quickly expanded to multiple groups of all ages. As our network grew, we listened to our families and gained a clearer understanding of their needs, striving to empower them toward independence and having fun along the way.

    In Today's Episode, We Discuss:

    The unique way Barbara and April started their private practiceHow they offer social groups and “EdVentures” that set them apartTheir real-life connection to Love on the SpectrumHow unique experiences can be incorporated into your private practiceThe one thing so many kids need from their SLPs and OTs that they struggle to findA unique approach to teaching social skills The power of filling a need that you see in the community The fulfillment you get when you offer services that make a difference What happens when you leave yourself open to possibility in your private practice

    I hope you loved this episode with Barbara and April! I love their encouragement to other SLPs to pursue innovative private practice models. Despite their hurdles, they've remained committed to providing meaningful social experiences and support for their clients.

    If you would like help to start your private practice, please visit: www.StartYourPrivatePractice.com

    Whether you want to start a private practice or grow your existing private practice, I can help you get the freedom, flexibility, fulfillment, and financial abundance that you deserve. Visit my website www.independentclinician.com to learn more.

    Resources Mentioned: 

    Visit their website: https://www.therapyconnectionsofga.com/home

    Follow Social EdVentures on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/empoweringabilities/

    Follow Social EdVentures on Instagram:

  • In this episode of Private Practice Success Stories, I’m diving into a topic that every private practice owner needs to understand: Why having a strategic Private Practice Growth Plan for your practice is super important. 

    Just like you need a plan before you start your practice, it’s actually even more important for you to have a plan to grow your practice in a way that’s successful, profitable, and sustainable. 

    Building a successful practice doesn’t happen by accident. It requires deliberate goals and steps to achieve them. 

    Many private practice owners spend their days reacting to whatever comes up, but if you want to grow, you’ve got to be proactive. You need to set clear, actionable goals and ensure every step you take moves you closer to those goals.

    Oh, and at the end of the episode, I’m sharing details about my brand new, exclusive podcast for growth-focused private practitioners! 

    In Today's Episode, We Discuss:

    The one thing you need to do if you want to grow your private practiceThe biggest mistake that most private practitioners makeThe four key components of a growth plan 

    Remember, success doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of deliberate planning, strategic action, and continuous growth.

    To learn more about how we can help you make a Growth Plan for your practice, please visit: www.GrowYourPrivatePractice.com. You can also subscribe to the growth-focused podcast at www.growyourprivatepractice.com/podcast.

    Whether you want to start a private practice or grow your existing private practice, I can help you get the freedom, flexibility, fulfillment, and financial abundance that you deserve. Visit my website www.independentclinician.com to learn more.

    Resources Mentioned: 

    Subscribe to the growth-focused podcast: https://www.growyourprivatepractice.com/podcast

    Where We Can Connect: 

    Follow the Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-practice-success-stories/id1374716199

    Follow Me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/independentclinician/

    Connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/slp.private.practice.beginners/

    Mentioned in this episode:

    October enrollment for the Grow Your Private Practice Program is now open through Friday, October 11th - and spots are limited. So visit growyourprivatepractice.com/join to grab your spot now.

  • Dreaming about specializing and opening a non-traditional private practice? You don’t want to miss this episode of Private Practice Success Stories! 

    I sat down with Caitlin Zeien, a speech language pathologist with a private practice in Chicago, Illinois that offers highly-specialized social cognitive language-based therapy. 

    Caitlin developed a passion for social cognition and social pragmatic language, leading her to specialize in neurodiversity-affirming therapy. Her practice focuses on older children and young adults, a niche that differentiates her from other practitioners.

     

    In this episode, Caitlin discusses her journey and experiences, highlighting the non-traditional ways she has built her private practice.

    Despite the challenges, including a cross-country move and adapting to new professional environments, Caitlin's passion for specializing in social cognition and pragmatic language continued to grow and now she has a successful private practice.

    Caitlin is the proud owner of Socially Minded Therapy. She is a Chicago-based Speech-Language Pathologist who specializes in social cognitive therapy. She provides Neurodiversity Affirming support and services for neurodivergent children, teens, young adults, and their families in Chicago and the surrounding areas. The goal of Socially Minded Therapy is to help others achieve their goals in the social world. Caitlin is so excited to be a part of this community as an ally and forever learner.

    With Socially Minded Therapy, Caitlin goes beyond social skills training in the pursuit of empowering individuals by teaching abstract concepts in a concrete way. She provides highly specialized and individualized therapy to support individuals as they develop social competencies and social problem-solving abilities. Together,  in partnership with her clients, they create goals that match the client's own intentions and social areas of interest. 

    In Today's Episode, We Discuss:

    How Caitlin discovered neurodiversity-affirming care and found her passionWhat happens when you have a support system during your private practice journeyHow your private practice can level up your life The huge impact the Facebook group in the Start program can have on your successThe power of collaboration and an abundance mindsetThe key to finding clients for your private practiceThe impact of niching down in your private practiceCaitlin’s plans for the future and a scholarship programHow you can serve people on a bigger level with your practice

    I hope you loved this episode with Caitlin! She started her journey in the Start Your Private Practice Program, which helped overcome her business-related apprehensions. She is now part of our Grow program and it has been amazing to see the evolution of her practice! 

    I love Caitlin’s encouragement to others to pursue their private practice dreams and the importance of having a supportive community, just like she found in the Start and Grow programs.

    If you would like to know more about our Programs and how we help support SLPs and OTs who want our help to start and grow their practices, please visit www.IndependentClinician.com/Resources.

    Resources Mentioned: 

    Visit Caitlin’s website: https://www.sociallymindedtherapy.com/

    Follow Caitlin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sociallymindedtherapy/

    Where We Can...

  • How do you know if you’re in the messy middle of private practice growth? 

    In this episode of Private Practice Success Stories, I’m going solo to speak to the people who are in the growth phase of their private practice journey, and not just the beginners. 

    The growth phase starts after you get five private practice clients or more. Why? Because most people can see five private clients on the side of their job relatively easily. 

    However, once you get to five clients and beyond, time becomes tighter and you have to decide whether to stay small or to grow your private practice in terms of more clients, which of course requires more time, but also lets you to be able to do more services. 

    The problem is, some people get stuck there! That’s where I come in. My job as a private practice business coach is to help you get through the messy middle as quickly and easily as possible. 

    So in today's episode, I'm going to be talking about what the messy middle is, how to know when you're there, and if you're already in the messy middle and are feeling completely overwhelmed, the steps you need to take to get through it as quickly and easily as possible.

    In Today's Episode, We Discuss:

    What the messy middle of private practice is The real reason so many private practitioners get stuck in the messy middleThe difference between working on your business and working in your businessThe key to avoiding burnout as your private practice grows How the Grow program will help you tackle these challenges head-on 

    If you're in The Messy Middle of private practice growth and want help navigating through it as quickly and easily as possible... please visit www.GrowYourPrivatePractice.com to learn more about how we can help support you.

    Whether you want to start a private practice or grow your existing private practice, I can help you get the freedom, flexibility, fulfillment, and financial abundance that you deserve. Visit my website www.independentclinician.com to learn more.

    Resources Mentioned: 

    Learn more about how to grow your private practice: www.GrowYourPrivatePractice.com

    Where We Can Connect: 

    Follow the Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-practice-success-stories/id1374716199

    Follow Me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/independentclinician/

    Connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/slp.private.practice.beginners/

    Mentioned in this episode:

    October enrollment for the Grow Your Private Practice Program is now open through Friday, October 11th - and spots are limited. So visit growyourprivatepractice.com/join to grab your spot now.

  • Thinking about working part-time in private practice and want to make more money? Then you don’t want to miss this episode! 

    In this episode of Private Practice Success Stories, I sat down with Marissa Joy, a speech language pathologist with a pediatric private practice in Eastern Pennsylvania. Her practice “Ripple Speech Services” focuses on speech, myofunctional, and feeding therapy and she’s also offered Lactation Consulting.

     

    Marissa discusses her decision to open her practice due to her personal experiences with her son's feeding issues and a desire to help other parents avoid the struggles she faced. She joined The Start Your Private Practice Program because she wanted guidance and structure to launch her business.

     

    In addition to her private clients, Marissa secured a small school contract which has provided extra financial stability while maintaining the flexibility to focus on her private practice. This arrangement allowed her to balance her professional and personal life, including spending more time with her children. 

    She just celebrated her 2nd private practice anniversary and this week, she made $2,000 in one week. Oh - and she doesn’t work on Fridays during the summer!

    Marissa is the owner and speech-language pathologist at Ripple Speech Services, LLC - a practice that serves children and adults to speak, swallow, and breathe better. In her 11 years as an SLP Marissa has served in a number of settings, and even a brief hiatus from being an SLP, but found her passion through personal experience with her youngest son. 

    Marissa is a Pennsylvania-licensed and ASHA-certified speech pathologist and always strives to provide collaborative, personalized therapy for every person that walks through her doors.

    In Today's Episode, We Discuss:

    Marissa’s path to private practiceThe key to getting your first clients, even if you live in a rural area What happens when you are open to new opportunities Marissa’s top tip for getting more clients and growing your private practiceThe passion project that is growing Marissa’s businessOne thing that can give you more stability as you’re building your private practiceHow Marissa is able to work part-time and make full-time incomeThe important thing you have to remember when setting your rates

    I hope you enjoyed this episode with Marissa!  She is a perfect example of someone who works part-time, has Fridays off, and is making exponentially more than she was before her private practice!

    If you want our help to start your private practice step-by-step (just like we helped Marrisa!) please visit: www.PrivatePracticeSchool.com to learn more!

    Whether you want to start a private practice or grow your existing private practice, I can help you get the freedom, flexibility, fulfillment, and financial abundance that you deserve. Visit my website www.independentclinician.com to learn more.

    Resources Mentioned: 

    Visit Marissa’s website: https://www.ripplespeechservices.com/

    Follow Marissa on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ripplespeechservices/

    Where We Can Connect: 

    Follow the Podcast:

  • Have you been thinking about starting a private practice on the side in a niche you are passionate about? Then you’re going to love this episode of Private Practice Success Stories! 

    I sat down with Kyarra Bright, one of my Start Your Private Practice students to share her story. Kyarra is a speech language pathologist with a pediatric private practice in Orange County, California specializing in infant feeding. 

    She started her private practice after having frustrations with patients being prematurely discharged and not receiving continued services, which led to her private practice “Little Pod Speech and Feeding Therapy.”

     

    In this episode, Kyarra shares her desire to continue working at a hospital while having her practice on the side allowing her to maintain her passion for hospital work and provide continuity of care for discharged patients. Kyarra also reflects on her journey in the Start Your Private Practice Program and how the program helped redefine what success meant to her.

    After working several years as a pediatric medical speech-language pathologist, Kyarra Bright noticed an ongoing trend where many patients who were discharged from the hospital no longer had access to speech and feeding services due to the lack of provider availability. Little Pod Speech and Feeding Therapy was created to provide a solution to address this ongoing issue. Kyarra currently offers speech and feeding therapy for pediatrics in the heart of Orange County, California.

    In Today's Episode, We Discuss:

    The need Kyarra saw in her community and how she decided to help fill itHow the Start program helped Kyarra move forward with her private practice dreamsHow the support you’ll find in the program can help you push through challengesThe key to finding your first clients in your private practiceThe possibilities when you follow your passion and zone of genius in your fieldThe different ways you can make private practice work for youOne way you can increase your impact within your field The doors that open to you when you have a private practice

    I hope you enjoyed this conversation with Kyrra! I love her advice to other aspiring private practitioners that you can create your own job based on what you like to do in the field of speech pathology through private practice.

    If you would like to know more about our Programs and how we help support SLPs and OTs who want our help to start and grow their practices, please visit www.StartYourPrivatePractice.com.

     

    Whether you want to start a private practice or grow your existing private practice, I can help you get the freedom, flexibility, fulfillment, and financial abundance that you deserve. Visit my website www.independentclinician.com to learn more.

    Resources Mentioned: 

    Visit Kyrra’s website: https://www.littlepodspeech.com/

    Follow Kyrra on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littlepodspeech/

    Where We Can Connect: 

    Follow the Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-practice-success-stories/id1374716199

    Follow Me on Instagram:

  • Thinking about starting your private practice on the side? 

    You’re going to love this episode of Private Practice Success Stories with SLP Instagram hero Dr. Dani Gaff! 

    Dr. Dani Gaff aka The Messy SLP launched her practice, Messy Speech and Language Therapy, part-time on the side of her school job. 

    However, the joy and fulfillment she found in private practice, coupled with the autonomy it provided, ultimately convinced her to take the plunge to go full-time.

     

    Dani is an alum of the Start Your Private Practice Program and in this episode, she shares her journey from being a part-time private practitioner to fully shifting into full-time private practice. 

    Dani also discusses the financial benefits she discovered, and how she nearly doubled her income by combining school contracts with her private practice work. Despite the challenges and uncertainties, she is loving the unparalleled freedom and fulfillment she now experiences.

    Dr. Dani Gaff, aka The Messy SLP, is a pediatric speech-language pathologist and private practice owner in South Bend, Indiana. She is the owner and sole SLP at Messy Speech and Language Therapy, LLC, and is wrapping up her first year of working full-time for herself. 

    Dani has worked in a variety of settings and has created a sensory-friendly office for families and kids of all ages to enjoy. Outside of her clinical time, Dani is passionate about reaching graduate students and helping them find balance.

    When she's not wearing her SLP hat, Dani is a volleyball coach, a basketball coach's wife, a dog mom, and loves being active. 

    In Today's Episode, We Discuss:

    The wake-up call that burnout leads to in many SLPs What happens when you set boundaries in your careerWhat led Dani to start her private practice on the side The creativity and freedom you can get in your private practice The sheer joy you feel when you have your own private practice What’s possible financially when you are a private practice owner How you can create a flexible work schedule that fits in with your life, not the other way around Dani’s plan to expand her private practice The different phases of business and how to find what works for you

    I hope you loved this episode with Dani! She is a perfect example of someone who started her private practice on the side, but ultimately transitioned to full-time after the realization that private practice offered her the joy and flexibility she was missing in her previous roles.

    Want to start your private practice "on the side"? We would love to help you - just like we helped Dani - in the Start Your Private Practice Program. To learn more, please visit www.StartYourPrivatePractice.com.

     

    Whether you want to start a private practice or grow your existing private practice, I can help you get the freedom, flexibility, fulfillment, and financial abundance that you deserve. Visit my website www.independentclinician.com to learn more.

    Resources Mentioned: 

    Visit The Messy SLP website: https://www.themessyslp.com/

    Follow The Messy SLP on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themessyslp/

    Follow The Messy SLP on Facebook:

  • Have you been thinking about starting a private practice early in your career? If so, this episode is for you! 

    In this episode of Private Practice Success Stories, I sat down with Breeah Carey, a speech language pathologist with a pediatric private practice in New Jersey. 

    She started her private practice at just 26 years old after getting the inspiration from other young private practitioners who had the flexibility and freedom she was striving for. After feeling stuck in a negative work environment, she decided to start her own practice. 

     

    In this episode, Breeah and I discuss a major shift with the younger generation who is simply not willing to wait for the freedom, flexibility, and income they desire. 

    Breeah S. Carey, M.S., CCC-SLP is a New Jersey native and the Director of B.E.S. As the daughter of an educator, Breeah was always interested in serving her community, similar to her mother. 

    Breeah graduated from Purdue University and received her undergraduate degree in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, with minors in psychology and Spanish. As her passion grew, specifically around assisting individuals with speech, language, and cognitive impairments, she decided to further her education. 

    She completed two years of comprehensive training in Purdue's Master of Science Speech-Language Pathology program; thus, receiving her master’s degree at the end of her studies. Her areas of focus include pediatric language disorders, speech sound disorders, and bilingualism. 

    In Today's Episode, We Discuss:

    The truth about what it takes to be successful as a private practice owner Breeah’s non-traditional path to private practiceThe populations you can serve as a private practice ownerBreeah’s secret sauce to getting referrals to her private practiceWhy so many SLPs and OTs are successful in private practiceThe key to pricing your services and sustaining a private practice The impact freedom has had on Breeah’s life now that she’s a private practice ownerHow to know if starting a private practice is really for you 

    I hope you enjoyed this episode with Breeah!  I love her advice to other young clinicians and why she thinks the younger generation is choosing private practice!

    Are you an early career SLP or OT who wants help to start your own private practice?

    If so, please visit www.IndependentClinician.com/Resources to learn about our free and paid resources!

    Whether you want to start a private practice or grow your existing private practice, I can help you get the freedom, flexibility, fulfillment, and financial abundance that you deserve. Visit my website www.independentclinician.com to learn more.

    Resources Mentioned: 

    Visit Breeah’s website: https://www.breezeeducare.com/

    Follow Breeah on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beautybreeslp/

    Follow Breeah on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BreezeEducationalServices/

    Where We Can Connect: 

    Follow the Podcast:

  • Have you been thinking about providing parent coaching and want to connect with your client’s families and your community through your private practice? You’re going to love this episode of Private Practice Success Stories! 

    I sat down with Sarah Pendergast, a speech language pathologist with a pediatric private practice in Tampa, Florida. She launched her practice, Awesome Kids Therapy, in August 2023 after working in multiple private practices and finally decided she wanted to be her own boss.

    Despite initial doubts about her ability to start her own practice, between the pandemic and support from her friends, she decided to join the Start Your Private Practice Program to get help with getting set up so she could start seeing clients.

    In this episode, Sarah emphasizes the importance of community engagement and connection by providing caregiver coaching. She also highlights the value of organization, work-life balance, and having a supportive network.

    Sarah Pendergast, an enthusiastic and child-led speech-language pathologist brings a unique blend of entrepreneurial spirit and heartfelt passion to her private practice. Coming from a family of entrepreneurs/small business owners, Sarah's commitment to her craft is deeply rooted, driving her to forge meaningful connections with each client she encounters. 

    Through her personalized approach, she fosters a sense of familial trust and support. Sarah's private practice journey has shown her the true beauty of the "work-life balance" while actively engaging and enjoying the camaraderie of a vibrant professional community. 

    Sarah considers herself to be very lucky to be in the speech therapy profession, based on pillars of entrepreneurship, passion, and genuine connection.

    In Today's Episode, We Discuss:

    The key pillar of having a successful small business or private practiceHow starting a private practice can impact your work-life balance How you can focus on your passions when you own a private practiceThe different services you can offer as a private practice owner The number one referral source Sarah uses to find her clients How you can use relationships to go to exactly where your ideal clients are The power of expanding your private practice and hiring help 

    I hope you enjoyed this conversation with Sarah! I love that she advocated for herself so she could have the fulfillment and flexibility that come with being one's own boss and the ability to positively impact more families' lives.

    Want our help to start your private practice? Please visit www.StartYourPrivatePractice.com for details!

    Whether you want to start a private practice or grow your existing private practice, I can help you get the freedom, flexibility, fulfillment, and financial abundance that you deserve. Visit my website www.independentclinician.com to learn more.

    Resources Mentioned: 

    Visit Sarah’s website: https://www.awesomekidstherapy.com/

    Follow Sarah on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awesomekidstherapy/

    Where We Can Connect: 

    Follow the Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-practice-success-stories/id1374716199

    Follow Me on Instagram: