What if you could design a career that gave you flexibility for your family, fulfillment in your work, and the freedom to follow your passions? That’s exactly what Elyse Sheeler did when she created her private practice, Speaking Life: Speech Therapy and Wellness, in Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin.

Elyse is a speech-language pathologist who began her career in skilled nursing, inspired by her grandmother’s journey with Alzheimer’s. After years of working across medical, outpatient, and school settings, she started to crave more control over her time and the freedom to integrate her interests — particularly wellness and Myofunctional therapy into her work.

When Elyse became a mom, her priorities shifted. Between long IEP meetings, school schedules, and a growing family, she began questioning if she could maintain her demanding school SLP job while being fully present at home.

Her turning point came after her son’s experience with a tongue-tie — a moment that ignited her passion for myofunctional therapy and holistic family wellness. Realizing how few local providers addressed these needs, she decided to build a practice where she could offer the kind of care she wished she’d had for her own family.

Starting small, Elyse launched Speaking Life while still working part-time in the schools. One referral led to another, and soon she was running her own practice full-time. With support from the Start and Grow Your Private Practice Programs, she created systems, clarified her mission, and built a business that reflected both her values and her lifestyle.

In this episode, we talk about how Elyse serves children and families through Speaking Life: Speech Therapy and Wellness, integrating speech-language pathology, Myofunctional therapy, and family wellness education. She also hosts the podcast Speaking Life into Motherhood, where she helps other moms find balance and purpose through mindful living and holistic health.

In Today's Episode, We Discuss:

• Transitioned from full-time school SLP to private practice owner
• Found her niche in Myofunctional therapy and holistic wellness
• Created a lifestyle practice that supports both her family and her purpose

Elyse’s story is a reminder that private practice isn’t just about leaving a job—it’s about designing a life. By following her instincts, defining her “why,” and building a mission-centered practice, she created the freedom to be both the mom and clinician she always wanted to be.

Want to build a private practice that gives you freedom, flexibility, and fulfillment—just like Elyse has? The Start Your Private Practice Program gives you the tools and guidance to get started. Learn more at www.StartYourPrivatePractice.com.

Whether you want to Start or Grow 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 Elyse on Apple and Spotify: Speaking Life Into Motherhood

Check out her website: speakinglife.co

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/

Follow Me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jena.castrocasbon/