In this episode of the Empower LEP Collaborative Podcast, Jana and Bethany sit down with esteemed LEP community leader Chris Jones, a full-time school psychologist and private practice owner in Southern California. 

Chris wears many hats as he manages a team of psychologists at iLEAD Charter Schools while simultaneously running a private practice, Dynamic Interventions. Through all of his LEP endeavors, Chris focuses on the importance of supporting children in learning how to play, as it is fundamental to their ability to communicate and connect with peers.

He discusses how children who struggle with play are often unable to "speak the same language" as their peers, making it crucial to support them in this area. Chris's LEP story, from public education to founding Dynamic Interventions, showcases his commitment to proactive and thoughtful support for kids and families, moving away from the reactive nature of traditional educational methods.

Our conversation covers the challenges and rewards of running a private practice, the importance of business knowledge for psychologists venturing into independent roles, and the innovative approaches Chris has developed to support children with autism through social skills groups. Additionally, Chris shares insights into his roles within the California Association of School Psychologists (CASP) and the Board of Behavioral Sciences, highlighting his efforts to advocate for the LEP profession and improve services for children and families.

We know you will find inspiration in Chris's passion for making a difference in the lives of children and his practical advice for professionals looking to make an impact in the field of educational psychology.

Join Jana and Bethany this week on the Empower LEP Collaborative Podcast as they welcome Misty Bonta, an LEP who recently opened her private practice based in San Diego. Misty shares her inspiring story of being a school psychologist for over 17 years and taking the bold step into private practice in July of 2023. 

With a passion for bridging the gap between the clinical and educational worlds, Misty discusses the evolution of her business, Get Psyched, and her focus on supporting and improving mental health programs in schools. She opens up about the challenges of starting a private practice, dealing with impostor syndrome, and the importance of believing in oneself.

She emphasizes the need for ongoing professional development and shares her approach to counseling, particularly her interest in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

Any LEP considering making the leap will want to listen in as Misty gets into the specifics of her services, including individual counseling, assessments, and professional training aimed at school-based mental health professionals. This episode offers a wealth of knowledge, encouragement, and practical advice for all you LEPs out there who dream of opening your own practice and exploring the entrepreneurial side of this career. 

Connect with Misty and learn more about her services at GetPsyched: 

Website: getpsychedllc.com 

Trainings: getpsychedllc.eventbrite.com

Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast for more inspiring stories and expert insights. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us grow and reach more people interested in this rewarding profession. 

Welcome to another episode of the Empower LEP Collaborative Podcast, where your hosts, Jana and Bethany, create a space dedicated to educating, inspiring, and collaborating with both aspiring and practicing licensed educational psychologists.

In this week’s episode, we’re joined by Justin Alt, a tax attorney with a unique connection to the LEP world through his wife, a practicing LEP. Justin brings his extensive tax expertise to the table, helping us understand the complexities of establishing a business entity in California for licensed educational psychologists. 

Justin shares his personal experience of unraveling the complex statutory scheme in California, providing clarity on why LEPs cannot operate as LLCs and what alternatives exist. You’ll learn the critical differences and legal limitations surrounding business entities for LEPs in California directly from a tax planning expert. 

Justin offers straightforward advice on how to transition to a compliant business structure without panic. Discover how choosing the right business entity affects your taxes, ongoing filing requirements, and why working with a qualified CPA is crucial for you and your practice's success.

This is a must-listen if you are just starting your journey as an LEP or looking to refine your private practice. Justin makes the complex more manageable - explaining the process, providing actionable solutions, and answering the confusing questions many LEPs have but often find it hard to get clear answers on.

Loved this episode? Subscribe to the Empower LEP Collaborative Podcast for more content designed specifically for licensed educational psychologists and our allies in the field.

Join hosts Jana Parker and Bethany Zoeller on the Empower LEP Collaborative Podcast, where they discuss the encouraging stories of licensed educational psychologists. 

This episode features an inspiring conversation with Stephanie Hewitt, a credentialed school psychologist and LEP. Listen in as she shares her story of working for school districts, advancing her career to become an LEP, and establishing her successful private practice, Learning Pathways.

Stephanie shares her thoughts about the importance of networking and finding a supportive community which played a crucial role in her transition. She highlights the challenges and rewards of starting a private practice, including the leap of faith required to move from a district position to working independently. Stephanie's story is a testament to the power of perseverance, collaboration, and the willingness to embrace change for personal and professional growth.

Tune in to learn about Stephanie's approach to diagnostic assessments, her commitment to neurodiversity-affirming practices, and how she navigates the balance between work and personal life. 

Whether you're an aspiring LEP, a practicing professional seeking inspiration, or someone interested in the field of educational psychology, this episode offers valuable insights into building a fulfilling career while making a meaningful impact on the lives of students and families.

Don't forget to subscribe, like, rate, and review us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube! 

Join hosts Jana Parker and Bethany Zoeller as they share stories from their professional journeys as licensed educational psychologists. 

This week, our conversation highlights Bethany’s beginnings as a CPS social worker and beginning her private practice school psychology journey from the moment she stepped off the stage at graduation. We get into the nitty-gritty with Bethany as she shares the challenges and rewards of her owning a practice, the importance of networking and building a community, and the evolving nature of her work, particularly in serving neurodiverse individuals and those with specific educational needs. 

Learn from her successes and setbacks as Bethany gives us valuable insight into the significance of setting goals and having a business plan and the value of offering a range of services to meet the diverse needs of her clients and the surrounding market. 

The podcast serves as an insightful discussion for aspiring and practicing LEPs, offering advice, encouragement, and a sense of community among professionals dedicated to empowering and supporting individuals through educational psychology.

Jana Parker
https://empowerlep.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/EMPOWERLEP
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EmpowerLEP
and the Empower LEP Facebook Group

Bethany Zoller 
https://lepcollaborative.com
and the LEP Collaborative Facebook Group

The website for this show is https://empowerlepcollaborative.com

In this Empower LEP Collaborative Podcast episode, your hosts engage in a candid conversation about Jana’s professional journey to becoming an LEP and founder of her private practice, Mind by Design, in Campbell, CA.

Jana explains her decision to focus on educational psychology, emphasizing a multidisciplinary approach that includes educational therapists, speech and language pathologists, and educational psychologists.

Jana also reflects on the challenges and rewards of transitioning from school psychology to private practice. She highlights the importance of networking, building a reputable presence in the community, and the value of each experience in her career. You’ll learn about Jana's approach to client services and even get a peek into the decision-making processes that shape her practice.

Additionally, Jana talks about her role as the new owner of Empower LEP, her plans for its future, and the resources available for educational psychologists.

It’s an episode filled with personal anecdotes, business milestones, and growth, providing a personal perspective of the world of educational psychology in private practice and offering valuable insights and inspiration for professionals in the field.

Jana Parker

• https://empowerlep.com
• https://www.instagram.com/EMPOWERLEP
• https://www.facebook.com/EmpowerLEP
• Empower LEP Facebook Group

Bethany Zoller 

• https://lepcollaborative.com
• LEP Collaborative Facebook Group

The website for this show is https://empowerlepcollaborative.com

Welcome to the first episode of the Empower LEP Collaborative Podcast, where hosts Jana Parker and Bethany Zoller share their experiences of becoming and evolving as Licensed Educational Psychologists.

Jana takes us on her transformative journey from being a school psychologist to becoming the founder of "Mind by Design," a thriving multidisciplinary practice. She shares her experiences, challenges, and triumphs along the way, offering valuable lessons and insights into building a successful business in the field.

Bethany recounts her own unique path as a sole proprietor school psychologist who made the transition to becoming a Licensed Educational Psychologist. She discusses the various opportunities and rewards of being an LEP, highlighting the importance of collaboration, both professionally and within the broader educational psychology community.

Join Jana and Bethany as they passionately discuss their shared commitment to collaboration, the intricacies of running a business in the educational psychology field, and the invaluable benefits of building a supportive community.

Tune in to learn, connect, and be part of a conversation that fosters growth and inspiration in the world of educational psychology.

Jana Parker

• https://empowerlep.com
• https://www.instagram.com/EMPOWERLEP
• https://www.facebook.com/EmpowerLEP
• Empower LEP Facebook Group

Bethany Zoller 

• https://lepcollaborative.com
• LEP Collaborative Facebook Group

Learn more about our show and sign up for new episode notifications at https://empowerlepcollaborative.com