What if you could build a private practice with your spouse, create flexibility for your family, and serve your community at the same time? That’s exactly what Morgan and Connor Randel have done with their private practice, Speak, Play, Love, in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Morgan has been a speech-language pathologist for 8 years in which she had the privilege working with diverse infants, toddlers, and school age children. Her passion for working with kids started when she was just 12, babysitting and dreaming of a career helping children. After exploring teaching and nursing, she discovered speech pathology in college—a perfect blend of her interests. Connor, her husband, brought a lifelong entrepreneurial spirit and a background in finance and accounting. Together, they realized they could combine their skills to create something truly unique.

After moving to Charlotte and navigating the challenges of finding her first job as a new graduate, Morgan started working as an independent contractor. She began to see firsthand the possibilities of private practice. When Morgan became pregnant with their first child, she and Connor decided it was the perfect time to take the leap—launching Speak, Play, Love while growing their family.

Starting small, Morgan began seeing 5–10 clients a week, primarily through existing relationships with local daycares. By the time they had their second child, their practice had grown to 18 clients and 26 weekly sessions. Connor stepped in to manage the business side—billing, onboarding, and growth strategy—allowing Morgan to focus on therapy and client care.

Over the next several months, Morgan and Connor continued to hire therapists, expand services, and grow their caseload. By creating a mobile-based practice, they kept overhead low, maximized their reach across Charlotte, and made therapy accessible to families who might otherwise face barriers to care.

Morgan and Connor’s story highlights the power of partnership. Morgan leads in therapy and client care, while Connor manages the business operations and growth. Their complementary skills, mutual trust, and shared vision allow them to operate a practice that works for their family, serves the community, and supports other therapists in their professional growth.

• Transitioning from traditional employment to private practice while starting a family
• Building a mobile-based practice to serve the community efficiently
• Partnering with a spouse to balance business growth and personal life
• Hiring and onboarding therapists to scale services without sacrificing quality
• Creating systems that allow for flexibility, sustainability, and growth

Morgan and Connor’s journey is a reminder that private practice is more than just a job—it’s about designing a life. By combining their strengths, embracing the challenges, and thinking creatively about their model, they’ve built a thriving practice that supports their family, their clients, and their therapists.

If you’re ready to create a private practice that works for you and your family—whether solo or with a partner—the Start Your Private Practice Program can give you the tools and step-by-step guidance to get started. Learn more at www.StartYourPrivatePractice.com.

Whether you want to start a practice, grow an existing one, or explore unique practice models, Morgan and Connor’s story shows that with vision, support, and determination, it’s possible to create the freedom, flexibility, and fulfillment you’ve been dreaming of. Visit www.independentclinician.com to learn more.

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Check out their website: https://www.speakplayloveclt.com/

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What if you could start building a private practice this January—without quitting your job or working 60-hour weeks?

On today’s episode of the Private Practice Success Stories podcast, I want to start with an important truth: you don’t have to grow fast, go all in, or do it alone. 

Today, I’m walking you through what a simple, life-aligned private practice can actually look like, and why now is one of the smartest times to take your first step. If you’re a speech-language pathologist or occupational therapist and feel overwhelmed by what you think private practice is supposed to look like, this episode is for you. 

Plus, I’ll tell you about something brand new starting next week: the Plan Your Private Practice Bootcamp—our free 3-day event designed to help you go from curious to confident about whether private practice is right for you in 2026 and beyond.

• What a simple, life-aligned private practice can actually look like
• Why right now is a really smart time to take your first step
• Plan Your Private Practice Bootcamp

Starting small with one client, virtual sessions, or weekend hours isn't a compromise—it's a brilliant strategy. It creates financial breathing room, professional confidence, and a clear path forward on your terms.

If you've been waiting for a sign to explore private practice without pressure, this is it.

Ready to take your first step with clarity? Join me for the free Plan Your Private Practice Bootcamp. In just three days, you'll go from curious to confident with a real plan. Register now at PlanYourPrivatePractice.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.

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What if private practice wasn’t about escaping burnout — but about creating stability, flexibility, and breathing room in an increasingly unpredictable world?

This year, many clinicians felt the pressure. Workloads increased while pay stayed the same. Financial uncertainty lingered. And more people began asking a hard but honest question: Is this sustainable for the next one, two, or five years? If you’ve been wondering that too, you’re not imagining it. 

The system is shifting. And what I've seen firsthand from hundreds of practice owners in 2025 tells me something important: private practice is becoming a mainstream strategy for creating stability, flexibility, and breathing room in a world that feels increasingly unpredictable.

• Five major shifts I’ve seen in private practice in 2025
• What they actually mean for you
• How you can think about your next step

This episode is a reminder that private practice doesn’t require burning down your life or a dramatic leap. You don’t need everything figured out. You need clarity, a plan, and permission to move forward.

The most successful transitions I’ve witnessed this year started small, slow, and thoughtful—not from desperation, but from intention.

As we head into 2026, I invite you to take a breath and start imagining what a private practice designed for you could look like.

Want to know more on how we can work together at all stages of the private practice journey? Visit PrivatePracticeSchool.com to learn more.

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.

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What if you could create a private practice that fits your lifestyle, allows you to work from anywhere, and gives you the freedom to serve families in a way that truly works? That’s exactly what Christina Burnham did when she founded CloudSpeech, a fully virtual teletherapy practice serving clients across multiple states. Christina is a bilingual speech-language pathologist who began her career in the public schools in a district in Houston, Texas.

Christina offers a fully virtual pediatric speech therapy across California, New York, and Texas. Christina specializes in pediatric speech sound disorders for kids 4 years and up, including childhood apraxia of speech (CAS), phonological delays, and late articulation sounds R-S-L. Her approach is dynamic, engaging, and culturally responsive—designed to help children build real-world communication skills through personalized care across the screen.

Christina’s pivot to teletherapy became even more timely with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. While many clinicians were forced online, she had already been thinking critically about how to deliver therapy effectively through technology. This foresight positioned her to thrive in a world suddenly reliant on virtual services. Through careful planning, Christina also tackled the challenge of time zones. Licensed in California, New York, and Texas, she structured her schedule to meet the needs of families in multiple states while maintaining her own balance.

While many teletherapy providers rely on larger companies or complicated insurance systems, Christina built systems that allow her to take insurance when needed, but mostly operate independently, creating a high-quality experience for families.

Christina’s journey demonstrates that private practice is not just about serving clients—it’s about creating a practice that works for you, your life, and your values. By embracing teletherapy, strategically expanding across states, and prioritizing her own boundaries, Christina has built a thriving, sustainable practice that supports families and gives her the autonomy she always wanted.

1. Taking the leap into private practice with just five years of clinical experience
2. Building a teletherapy model that works for her, her clients, and their families
3. Strategically obtaining licenses in multiple states to maximize flexibility
4. Balancing work-life boundaries while serving a wide-ranging caseload

Christina’s story is a reminder that private practice isn’t just about leaving a job—it’s about designing a career that aligns with your goals, values, and lifestyle. By following her instincts, learning through trial and error, and building a mission-centered practice, she created the freedom to be the clinician—and the person—she wanted to be.

If you want to create a private practice that allows you to work from anywhere, serve families effectively, and maintain your personal balance, Christina’s journey is proof that it’s possible. 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.

Follow her on Instagram: instagram.com/cloudspeech

Check out her website: www.cloudspeech.com

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Have you ever wondered if your love for music and voice could turn into a thriving private practice? Today’s guest shows us it’s possible—and how to do it while keeping flexibility and control over your life.

Joining me is Rachel Goldenberg, a speech-language pathologist, clinical voice specialist, and singing teacher based in Montclair, New Jersey. Rachel’s private practice, My Inspired Voice, combines her passion for singing with her expertise in voice therapy, helping clients with everything from vocal health to respiratory challenges.

In this episode, Rachel shares her journey from opera-obsessed child to clinical voice expert, how she built a private practice that fits her family and lifestyle, and her tips for anyone ready to take the leap into private practice.

Rachel’s love for music started early. She began piano lessons at 7 and memorized operas like Carmen and Tosca by age 12, performing them dramatically in her living room. She went on to study at Westminster Choir College in Princeton, New Jersey, where she fell in love with the science of the voice, learning from pioneers in vocal pedagogy.

Her career took her through teaching, research on singing and respiratory health, and work with clients with lung disease in Canada. Along the way, she realized that to help clients fully, she needed to expand her skills, which led her to pursue speech-language pathology. Now, her dissertation focused on the use of singing lessons as an adjunctive airway clearance technique for adult cystic fibrosis patients.

Through all these experiences, Rachel’s passion for voice never wavered—but she also learned the importance of adaptability, continuous learning, and following the right opportunities when they appear.

• How her passion for singing led her into voice therapy
• What it was like to return to grad school during COVID
• How she built her private practice and referral network
• Why flexibility has been essential for her family

With her practice, Rachel has full control over her schedule, enabling her to see clients during traditional hours, early mornings, or late evenings, while still making time for her children and other priorities. Her story is a perfect example of how passion, expertise, and a willingness to take the leap can create a private practice that’s both fulfilling and flexible. 

Whether you’re interested in voice, pediatrics, or another specialty, her journey shows that with the right mindset, mentorship, and action, you can build a practice that fits your life and allows you to thrive both professionally and personally.

Ready to take control of your career and start your own private practice—just like Rachel did? The Start Your Private Practice Program gives you the roadmap, resources, and support to get started. Learn more at www.StartYourPrivatePractice.com.

Whether you’re just starting or ready to grow, I can help you create a practice that gives you freedom, flexibility, and fulfillment. Visit www.IndependentClinician.com to learn more.

Follow Rachel on Instagram: instagram.com/myinspiredvoiceslp/

Check out her website: www.myinspiredvoiceslp.com

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Have you ever wondered how starting your own private practice could bring vital services to families who need them most? Today’s guest proves that with determination, planning, and support, it’s not only possible—it can be life-changing for your community.

Joining me is Alaina Verkinnes, a speech language pathologist and owner of Minnesota Speech Therapy Solutions in Princeton, Minnesota. Over the past two years, Alaina has built a successful practice that meets a critical need in her community, providing accessible speech therapy to families who previously faced long drives or lengthy waitlists.

In this episode, Alaina shares her journey from school-based SLP to private practice owner, the challenges of balancing family and business, and the strategies she used to grow her caseload and make a real impact in her community.

Alaina has been a speech-language pathologist for over 15 years, gaining experience in private practice, home visits, and school-based early intervention. Early in her career, she discovered a passion for AAC, a specialty that few others wanted to take on. This expertise, along with her collaborative approach, laid the foundation for her thriving private practice today.

The idea to start her own practice came from her husband, who noticed her growing burnout while balancing a school SLP job and parenting two young children. Seeking to better serve families and maintain work-life balance, Alaina gradually built her practice while still working part-time in schools. She opened her private practice in 2022, serving a mix of pediatric clients and collaborating with local schools to ensure children receive the support they need.

As the only speech therapy provider in her area, Alaina has made a meaningful impact—families no longer travel long distances for care, and younger children benefit from home visits and natural-environment sessions. Alaina’s story shows that starting a private practice is about more than leaving a job—it’s about designing a life that balances professional fulfillment with family priorities, taking things step-by-step, and seeking support when needed.

• How her years of experience prepared her for private practice much more than she expected
• Why being “voluntold” to learn AAC ended up shaping her clinical passion and niche
• The moment her husband encouraged her to finally go for it
• What it was really like handling billing and insurance solo
• How serving a rural town opened up opportunities she never imagined

Whether you’re wondering if now is the right time to start your private practice, or if you’re nervous about building something from scratch, Alaina’s story is proof that it’s possible to make it work—no matter your location or circumstances. She shows that success comes from taking small steps, leaning on support, and prioritizing relationships and community needs.

Want to build a private practice that gives you freedom, flexibility, and fulfillment—just like Alaina 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.

Check out her website: www.mnspeechtherapysolutions.com

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What if moving to a new town could be the perfect opportunity to start over—not just personally, but professionally? That’s exactly what Courtney Welch, founder of Champion Speech Therapy in North Port, Florida, did when she decided to take control of her career and open her own private practice.

Courtney is a speech-language pathologist and owner of Champion Speech Therapy, she has been in the field for 9 years and nearly 2 years as a private practitioner. She specializes in adult rehabilitation, including clients with Parkinson’s disease, aphasia, swallowing disorders, and head and neck cancer recovery.

Her approach combines evidence-based treatment with compassion and accessibility, serving a population often overlooked in outpatient rehab.

Courtney always thought she’d be a teacher, but while working at a retirement community during college, she discovered her love for the older population and found her true calling in speech-language pathology. After years in skilled nursing and hospital-based outpatient care, multiple moves forced her to start over again and again—until she began to feel exhausted from jobs that limited her time off and schedule. That’s when she found the Private Practice Bootcamp and later the Start Your Private Practice Program, deciding it was time to build something of her own.

In this episode, Courtney shares everything starting from when she launched Champion Speech Therapy, she had no local connections. But she quickly realized her small town lacked any outpatient speech therapy services—making her the perfect person to fill that gap. With determination and a stack of flyers, she introduced herself to local doctors, OTs, PTs, and home health agencies. Within one week, she landed her first five referrals—proof that her leap of faith was exactly what her community needed.

• The moment she realized she couldn’t take “one more job” working for someone else
• What it’s like starting a practice in a brand-new community
• How she found her first clients with simple grassroots marketing
• Why she loves serving adults with Parkinson’s, aphasia, and cancer rehab
• Her journey from 100% mobile therapy to a co-working office space

Courtney’s story proves that you don’t need a marketing degree, a big city, or years of business experience to succeed—you just need the courage to start. By combining persistence, compassion, and a willingness to learn, she built a thriving private practice from the ground up in a brand-new town.

Ready to take control of your career and start your own private practice—just like Courtney did? The Start Your Private Practice Program gives you the roadmap, resources, and support to get started. Learn more at www.StartYourPrivatePractice.com.

Whether you’re just starting or ready to grow, I can help you create a practice that gives you freedom, flexibility, and fulfillment. Visit www.IndependentClinician.com to learn more.

Check out her website: championspeechfl.com

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What if you could turn your business mindset into a meaningful career helping others? That’s exactly what Abigail Meza, founder of Shout It Out Speech Therapy in Chino Hills, California, did when she followed her curiosity and courage — into the world of speech-language pathology.

Abigail didn’t take the traditional route to becoming an SLP as she got a bachelor's degree in business management and human resources first. But after trying out corporate internships, she quickly realized the 9-to-5 world wasn’t for her. 

When the pandemic hit, Abigail began substitute teaching, which introduced her to IEP meetings and, for the first time, speech therapy. Hearing SLPs collaborating with families and advocating for children sparked something in her and she decided to take a few prerequisite classes “just to see.” She fell in love instantly and soon earned her master’s degree in speech-language pathology.

Abigail worked in the school system, her dream job at the time. But even while thriving there, she couldn’t shake her entrepreneurial drive. With encouragement from her business-minded family and inspiration from a post, she joined the Start Your Private Practice Program in January and began building her business on the side. She started small — just a few pediatric clients between ages 2–9 seeing them in their homes, daycares, and private schools wherein her confidence grew with every session.

In this episode, Abigail shares how her business is built on accessibility and empowerment not just for families, but for her colleagues too. Many fellow SLPs and OTs have told her that seeing her take the leap has inspired them to believe they can do it, too. For Abigail, private practice isn’t just about extra income — it’s about freedom and flexibility. She is intentionally designing her future. While she still enjoys her school-based job, she’s setting goals to gradually scale back and grow her private practice into a full-time business.

• Discovered speech therapy and fell in love with it
• Used her business background to confidently launch her practice
• Started seeing private clients on the side while thriving in her school job
• How her vision for future family life and flexibility inspired her to build something now that supports the life she wants later

Ready to Start Your Own Private Practice? You can design a private practice that fits your life, just like Abigail did. The Start Your Private Practice Program walks you step-by-step through building a business that gives you freedom, fulfillment, and flexibility. Visit www.StartYourPrivatePractice.com to learn more. 

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.

Follow Abigail on Instagram: instagram.com/shoutitoutspeechtherapy/

Check out her website: shoutitoutspeech.com

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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.

• 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.

Follow Elyse on Apple and Spotify: Speaking Life Into Motherhood

Check out her website: speakinglife.co

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What if you could stop feeling stretched thin and finally focus on the clients—and the kind of work—you love most? That’s exactly what Jackie Larsen-Robinson did when she launched her adult-focused private practice, Livewell Speech Therapy, in Provo, Utah.

Jackie is a speech-language pathologist who started her career later in life—returning to school at nearly 40. Like many SLPs, she entered the field with a desire for balance and impact, but soon found herself overwhelmed by the demands of school-based therapy. With an impossible caseload and too many diagnoses to juggle, she knew something had to change.

After moving to Utah, Jackie transitioned into the medical side of speech therapy, working PRN at a rehab facility. There, she discovered her love for adult neuro and swallowing disorders—and her confidence grew. One day, a patient with Parkinson’s disease specifically requested to work with her. Not wanting to let him down, Jackie dove into specialized training and became certified in SPEAK OUT! therapy for Parkinson’s.

That decision changed everything. Soon after, referrals started flowing in from support groups and local providers. But it wasn’t until her daughter faced health challenges that Jackie realized she needed more control over her time and income. That’s when she joined the Start Your Private Practice Program, determined to take small, confident steps toward business ownership.

In this episode, Jackie shares how she runs Livewell Speech Therapy, serving adults with Parkinson’s disease, swallowing disorders, and voice difficulties. She is certified in SPEAK OUT! and VitalStim and is passionate about helping clients regain their independence and confidence through compassionate, evidence-based care.

• How one determined patient with Parkinson’s sparked her path to specialization
• The moment she realized she could serve her community and her family better by starting her own private practice
• How she built her confidence step-by-step
• The inspiring quotes that keep her motivated every single day

Jackie’s practice is more than a business—it’s a lifestyle that gives her the flexibility to care for her daughter, set her own hours, and never again have to ask permission for a day off. Her story proves that it’s never too late to reinvent your career—or to build a business that truly aligns with your life. By taking one small step at a time, she created a thriving private practice that brings her joy, freedom, and purpose every single day.

Ready to start your own private practice and build a career that fits your life—just like Jackie did? The Start Your Private Practice Program gives you the roadmap, resources, and support to begin. Visit StartYourPrivatePractice.com to learn more.

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.

Follow Jackie on Instagram: instagram.com/livewellspeechtherapy/

Check out her website:  livewellspeechtherapy.com

Send her an email: [email protected]

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