In this episode, Elise Mitchell interviews Ellie Richter, a bilingual speech therapist who has transitioned into the virtual space of speech therapy. They discuss the evolution of teletherapy, the challenges and rewards of direct contracting, and the mindset shifts necessary for business ownership. Ellie shares her experiences with client relationships, pricing strategies, and the importance of flexibility in service delivery. The conversation highlights the significance of virtual therapy as a valuable tool in the field and encourages professionals to embrace their worth and advocate for themselves in their careers.

Takeaways

Ellie Richter is a bilingual speech therapist with 16 years of experience.

She transitioned to virtual speech therapy to educate others in the field.

Direct contracting allows therapists to set their own rates and work with schools directly.

Mindset shifts are crucial when moving from employee to business owner.

Setting a sustainable rate is essential for financial stability.

It's important to be intentional about client relationships and contracts.

Virtual therapy can be a valuable tool for both therapists and clients.

Flexibility in service delivery can enhance the effectiveness of therapy.

Past experiences shape current business decisions and strategies.

Advocating for oneself is key to success in the therapy profession.

Resources:

The Therapist Support Network School Contracting Checklist: https://thetsn.myflodesk.com/checklist

The Essential Teletherapist: https://www.instagram.com/theessentialteletherapist/

Financial Disclosure:

"Beyond the Big Agencies" is brought to you by The Therapist Support Network. Some topics discussed may reference products, services, or resources offered by The Therapist Support Network. This episode may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you

The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. Listeners should consult with qualified professionals regarding their specific circumstances before making any business decisions.

In this engaging podcast episode, Elise Mitchell interviews Hallie Sherman, a speech-language pathologist (SLP) who shares her journey and insights into working with older students in the field of speech therapy. Hallie discusses the benefits of working with this age group, including fewer initial evaluations and the ability to create meaningful connections. They explore the challenges and strategies for engaging older students, the importance of transitioning from employee to business owner, and the resources available for SLPs looking to expand their skills. Hallie's upcoming book, 'The Secondary SLP Roadmap,' is also highlighted as a valuable resource for those in the field.

Hallie Sherman is the SLP behind Speech Time Fun, sharing practical ideas for SLPs.

Working with older students can be rewarding and impactful.

There are fewer initial evaluations with older students.

Engaging older students requires understanding their interests and goals.

Connection is more important than data collection in therapy.

Transitioning from employee to business owner requires confidence and action.

Using others' success as inspiration can motivate your own journey.

Creating a safe environment is crucial for student engagement.

Incorporating real-life goals into therapy makes it more relevant for students.

Resources like Hallie's blog and upcoming book can help SLPs in their practice.

speechtimefun.com

slpelevate.com

instagram.com/speechtimefun

speechtimefun.com/preorder

https://www.instagram.com/thetherapistsupportnetwork/

www.thetherapistsupportnetwork.com

Financial Disclosure:

"Beyond the Big Agencies" is brought to you by The Therapist Support Network. Some topics discussed may reference products, services, or resources offered by The Therapist Support Network. This episode may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you

The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. Listeners should consult with qualified professionals regarding their specific circumstances before making any business decisions.

In this episode of Beyond the Big Agencies, Elise Mitchell speaks with Hylan and Nikki, co-founders of the Mentorship Collective, about the critical role of mentorship in the field of speech pathology. They discuss how structured mentorship can significantly improve clinician retention, combat burnout, and enhance job satisfaction. The conversation highlights the importance of adapting mentorship strategies to meet the needs of new generations of clinicians, particularly Gen Z, who thrive on peer support and structured guidance. The Mentorship Collective offers tailored programs to help businesses implement effective mentorship frameworks, ultimately leading to better outcomes for both clinicians and clients.

• Mentorship significantly increases retention rates for clinicians.
• Strong mentorship combats burnout and enhances job satisfaction.
• A structured mentorship process is essential for effective support.
• Investing in mentorship is a long-term business strategy.
• Gen Z values peer support and mentorship in the workplace.
• Mentorship should be an active, ongoing process, not passive.
• Quality mentorship leads to better outcomes for clients and clinicians.
• Building a positive company culture is crucial for retention.
• Virtual mentorship can be just as effective as in-person support.
• Tailored mentorship programs can help businesses grow and thrive.

Financial Disclosure:

"Beyond the Big Agencies" is brought to you by The Therapist Support Network. Some topics discussed may reference products, services, or resources offered by The Therapist Support Network. This episode may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you

The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. Listeners should consult with qualified professionals regarding their specific circumstances before making any business decisions.

Mentorship Collective: https://www.mentorshipcollective.com/

Mentorship Collective Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mentorshipcollective/

The Therapist Support Network FREE Checklist: https://thetsn.myflodesk.com/checklist

In this inspiring episode, Elise sits down with Brittany Musholt of Little Moose Speech Therapy to talk about her leap from agency work to independent contracting—and how that decision snowballed into building multiple income streams.

Brittany shares how pay transparency motivated her to explore independent contracts, the mindset shifts she had to make when becoming a business owner, and how she balances virtual contracts, private practice, consulting, authorship, and social media.

Together, Elise and Brittany dive into:

• Why mindset is the biggest barrier to getting started in contracting
• How districts benefit from working directly with therapist-owned businesses
• The challenges Brittany didn’t see coming (like taxes and isolation) and how she overcame them
• The importance of building a supportive village of fellow contractors
• Her journey as a children’s book author and how creative projects fuel her mission
• Ways SLPs, OTs, and PTs can expand into additional revenue streams beyond direct therapy

If you’ve been on the fence about independent contracting—or if you’re curious about how to expand your career beyond the therapy room—this episode will give you the encouragement and practical advice you need to take the next step.

Resources & Links Mentioned

• Follow Brittany on Instagram: @littlemoosespeechtherapy
• Brittany's Book: https://www.littlemoosespeechtherapyllc.com/store/p/a-tail-of-empathy-rocky-gains-a-brother
• Elise’s Facebook Group: SLP/OT/PT Direct School Contractors
• Getting Started Checklist: www.thetherapistsupportnetwork.com

In this episode, Elise Mitchell discusses the critical role of branding for contractors, especially those just starting out. She emphasizes that branding is not just about aesthetics but about establishing trust and legitimacy in the eyes of potential clients, particularly schools. Elise provides actionable steps for beginners to enhance their branding, including creating a professional email, designing a simple logo, and developing a website. She highlights that effective branding can significantly impact a contractor's ability to secure contracts and maintain long-term relationships with clients.

Takeaways

• Branding is essential for establishing trust with clients.
• A professional email address enhances credibility.
• Websites serve as modern business cards.
• Consistency in branding reinforces legitimacy.
• Simple logos can significantly impact professional perception.
• Branding helps contractors justify their rates.
• Schools prefer working with established businesses.
• Investing in branding materials is a worthwhile expense.
• Branding supports the value you bring to clients.
• Every interaction should reflect your business professionalism.

Disclosures:

"Beyond the Big Agencies" is brought to you by The Therapist Support Network. Some topics discussed may reference products, services, or resources offered by The Therapist Support Network. This episode may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you

Legal Disclaimer:

The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. Listeners should consult with qualified professionals regarding their specific circumstances before making any business decisions.

Products/Companies Mentioned:

Cued Creative School Contractor Website Template: https://www.cuedcreative.com/school-contract-websites

Emily B Speech Business Swag, Save 10% with Code 'Elise10': https://www.emilybspeech.com/discount/ELISE10?redirect=/collections/customize-with-your-logo

Therapist Support Network School Contractor Packet: https://www.thetherapistsupportnetwork.com/school-contractor-packet

In this episode, Elise Mitchell sits down with Jesse Kleinman, founder of Vibrant Digital Solutions, to explore the evolving role of social media for healthcare and school contractors. They dive into practical strategies for building visibility, engaging your audience, and growing your business online. Jesse shares tips on content creation, batching, using templates, and showing your personality to connect with potential clients.

Key Takeaways:

• Social media is a powerful tool for showcasing your expertise and increasing visibility.
• Connecting personally with your audience builds trust and opens doors to new opportunities.
• Clear messaging ensures your audience understands who you are and what you offer.
• Consistency in posting strengthens brand recognition and credibility.
• Engaging with followers is essential for networking and relationship-building.
• Batching content and using templates can make social media management more manageable.
• Focus on progress over perfection — getting started is more important than being flawless.
• Inspiration from others can spark fresh content ideas.
• Investing in marketing support can reduce overwhelm and accelerate growth.

Resources Mentioned:

Vibrant Digital Solutions: https://www.vibrantdigitalsolutions.co/contact

Vibrant Digital Solutions Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vibrant.digitalsolutions/

The School Contractor Packet: https://www.thetherapistsupportnetwork.com/training-and-packet

Financial Disclosure:

"Beyond the Big Agencies" is brought to you by The Therapist Support Network. Some topics discussed may reference products, services, or resources offered by The Therapist Support Network. This episode may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you

The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. Listeners should consult with qualified professionals regarding their specific circumstances before making any business decisions.

In this episode of Beyond the Big Agencies, Elise Mitchell discusses the critical transition from planning to execution in school-based contracting, focusing on the differences between fall and spring contracts. She emphasizes the importance of adjusting rates, managing timelines, and understanding the unique sales strategies required for fall contracts. Additionally, she highlights the significance of compensatory services and the need for clear communication and boundaries during the contracting process. Elise provides actionable insights for contractors to navigate this busy season successfully and build sustainable businesses.

TAKEAWAYS:

Your rate can be higher for fall contracts.

Set realistic timelines for onboarding to manage expectations.

Fall contracts focus more on the services you provide than relationships.

Stick to your boundaries in the contract terms to protect your business.

Always ask about compensatory time or makeup time before signing contracts.

Expect districts to try to rush the contract process; hold your ground.

Be transparent about your capacity when onboarding.

Understand that fall contracts may come with a different sales approach.

This is a crucial time for contractors as schools realize their needs.

Utilize available resources to support your contracting journey.

Disclaimers for end: Financial Disclosure:

"Beyond the Big Agencies" is brought to you by The Therapist Support Network. Some topics discussed may reference products, services, or resources offered by The Therapist Support Network. 

The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. Listeners should consult with qualified professionals regarding their specific circumstances before making any business decisions.

FREE Resources:

Checklist: https://thetsn.myflodesk.com/checklist

Staffing Checklist: https://thetsn.myflodesk.com/staffing

In this episode, Elise Mitchell discusses the chaotic nature of August for contractors in the education sector. She explains the predictable patterns of the school sales cycle and offers strategies for contractors to prepare for the influx of requests that typically occurs as schools gear up for the new academic year. By understanding the rhythm of school operations and being proactive, contractors can navigate the August surge more effectively and avoid last-minute scrambles.

Takeaways

• August is a chaotic time for contractors in education.
• The school sales cycle includes identify, discover, pitch, contract, and close.
• Proactive planning is essential to manage the August rush.
• Contractors should prepare their sales scripts and rate sheets in advance.
• It's important to know what opportunities to say yes to and what to decline.
• Organizing onboarding materials ahead of time can ease the process.
• Light outreach to schools before August can help mitigate chaos.
• Understanding school rhythms can lead to more control in the contracting process.
• August doesn't have to be a crisis if you prepare properly.
• Your work matters, and you can build a sustainable school-based business.

Financial Disclosure:

"Beyond the Big Agencies" is brought to you by The Therapist Support Network. Some topics discussed may reference products, services, or resources offered by The Therapist Support Network. 

The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. Listeners should consult with qualified professionals regarding their specific circumstances before making any business decisions.

Resources Referenced:

School Contractor Checklist: https://thetsn.myflodesk.com/checklist

Staffing Checklist: https://thetsn.myflodesk.com/staffing

The Therapist Support Network Resources: www.thetherapistsupportnetwork.com

In this podcast episode, Elise Mitchell interviews Kim, a speech-language pathologist and owner of Speech Dreamers, about the importance of self-care for SLPs. They discuss the challenges of maintaining work-life balance, the birth of Kim's self-care company, and the significance of rituals and routines in promoting mental health. Kim shares her personal journey, mindset shifts, and the challenges she faced while building her business. The conversation emphasizes the need for boundaries and self-care practices in the demanding field of speech therapy.

Takeaways

Self-care is essential for SLPs to avoid burnout.

Speech Dreamers was created to support SLPs' self-care needs.

Work-life balance is crucial for mental health.

Rituals and routines can help maintain self-care.

Mindset shifts are necessary for business success.

Outsourcing tasks can alleviate stress for business owners.

Quality over quantity is vital in product development.

Setting boundaries is key to preventing resentment.

Self-care items can enhance the therapeutic experience.

Community support is important for SLPs.

Resources Mentioned:

https://speechdreamers.com/

Discount Code: EliseTSN

Instagram: @speechdreamers

In this episode of Beyond the Big Agencies, I sit down with Bradi O'Rourke, SLP and owner of Braxy Speech and a successful school contract business based in Illinois. Bradi shares her journey from being a speech-language pathologist to running a thriving therapy company that contracts directly with schools.

Whether you're new to school contracting or looking to grow your existing business, Bradi offers relatable, real-world insight into what it takes to succeed—and what to avoid. This conversation is packed with practical tips and encouragement for providers ready to build something sustainable and independent.

What You’ll Learn:

*Why Bradi got started with school contracts in Illinois

*The mindset shifts that helped her move from clinician to CEO

*Mistakes she avoided that many new business owners make

*Her number one tips when navigating this journey

*Candid conversation about school contracting hurdles!

Guest:

Bradi O'Rourke is a licensed SLP and the founder of Braxy Speech. She leads a growing school contract business focused on providing quality, ethical, and reliable therapy services to districts across Illinois. In addition, Bradi has owned a private practice in Illinois and has recently opened a clinic in Tennessee where she now resides!

Links and Resources:

Connect with Braxy Speech: https://www.braxyspeechtherapy.com/

Follow Braxy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/braxy_speech_therapy/

Learn more about the School Contracting Packet mentioned: www.thetherapistsupportnetwork.com

Download your free School Contracting Checklist: https://thetsn.myflodesk.com/checklist