Do you want to start a private practice but feel overwhelmed by the logistics or your lack of business knowledge? If so, this episode is for you! 

Joining me in this episode is Francesca Hernandez, a speech-language pathologist and the proud owner of Chihuahuan Desert Speech Therapy in El Paso, Texas. After filling her schedule with four PRN jobs right out of graduate school, Francesca realized that starting her own practice would give her greater control over her career.

Francesca joined the Start Your Private Practice Program in 2022, but waited over a year before actually diving into it. She had the same frustrations with her job that so many SLPs experience, and has not looked back since going through the Start Program!

In this episode, Francesca shares how her clinical skills and experience gave her the confidence to slowly build her own business and go into private practice full-time.

Francesca was born and raised in El Paso, TX. She attended the University of Texas at El Paso to pursue her undergraduate studies with the financial support of a full-ride scholarship from the Terry Foundation. Her personal life experiences led her to develop a strong passion for treating individuals with neurological disorders. She has always valued giving back to the El Paso community, which ultimately motivated her to start her private practice.

In Today's Episode, We Discuss:

• Francesca’s introduction to speech-language pathology after her father’s TBI
• What it was like working four PRN jobs to get experience after grad school
• The thought pattern that so many SLPs face when dealing with job dissatisfaction
• Why getting word-of-mouth referrals is easier than you think it is
• Francesca’s day-to-day schedule working with an adult population

Francesca is like so many SLPs who want to leave their jobs, but don’t know if they have what it takes to go into private practice. I hope her story helps you realize you already have what it takes, and the flexibility and job autonomy you want are just a leap of faith away!

If you would like to know more about our programs and how we help support YOU in starting or growing your practice, just like we supported Francesca, 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: 

Follow Francesca on Instagram: www.instagram.com/chihuadesertspeech/

Francesca’s website: https://www.chihuadesertspeech.com

Get support in starting or growing your practice: http://www.IndependentClinician.com/resources

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:

Save Money on All Independent Clinician Resources during Private Practice Week! www.PrivatePracticeWeek.com

If you’re tired of feeling underappreciated and held back by the school system, this episode is for you!

Joining me today is Kim Willard, SLP and founder of Empower YOU Speech and Language Therapy in Spring Hill, Tennessee. After a new school position did not live up to her expectations following a move, Kim realized something had to change.

Kim decided to open her private practice after joining the Start Your Private Practice Program back in 2023, and it’s been amazing to watch her create success on her own terms. 

In this episode, Kim shares what it's like to run a mobile private practice that reflects her priorities and gives her the job satisfaction she’s always wanted.

As a speech therapist with over 18 years of experience and a graduate of stuttering therapy, Kim Willard believes that everyone can become a confident communicator, regardless of their differences. 

Her practice, Empower YOU, is centered around making speech and language therapy a meaningful and joyful experience for all types of learners. She takes a child-centered approach to therapy sessions, supporting connection over compliance. Her greatest pleasure is to see a child fall in love with learning, share their unique thoughts with the world, and feel as special as they are. 

In Today's Episode, We Discuss:

• Dealing with career disappointment following an exciting move 
• Navigating private practice while working full-time, and when she realized she could quit her job
• What Kim’s day-to-day looks like running her own practice
• Learning to believe in your skillset and charge what you’re worth
• Developing working relationships that lead to referrals (and not competition!)

I hope Kim’s inspiring story reminds you it’s never too late to pivot and start calling the shots yourself. You have so much to offer, and you deserve to charge your worth!

If you would like to know more about our Programs and how we help support SLPs and OTs (like Kim) 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: 

Check out Kim’s website: www.empoweryouspeech.com

Follow Kim on Instagram: www.instagram.com/empoweryouspeech

Learn more about our programs: www.IndependentClinician.com/resources

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:

Save Money on All Independent Clinician Resources during Private Practice Week! www.PrivatePracticeWeek.com

Does the idea of starting a private practice from scratch make it seem too out of reach? If this is you, you’ll love this episode!

Joining me today is Hayley Hughston, SLP and founder of Honey Speech Therapy Services in Vidalia, Georgia. 

I got to know Hayley during her time in the Grow Your Private Practice Program, and it has been so incredible to watch her grow from someone who wasn't even sure if private practice was the right path to now running a full and thriving caseload.

In this episode, Hayley shares how she went from feeling overwhelmed and burned out to now loving her life as a confident private practice owner.

Hayley Hughston lives in a small town in South Georgia. After spending a few years in various settings, she became more in tune with her strengths, weaknesses, and passions. She realized the only way to truly be happy in her career was to make it her own. 

At 29 years old, this meant starting her own business so she could focus on the passions that make her a better therapist. Her practice is currently centered around early intervention with goals to niche down to literacy. With an alarming decline in reading proficiency across the country, Hayley plans to provide much-needed literacy support to her rural area.

In Today's Episode, We Discuss:

• The moment Hayley realized something had to change
• Starting and growing a thriving practice in a small town
• Using Facebook as a marketing tool to fill her caseload
• How working for herself has brought balance to her family

Hayley’s story is proof that if she can do it, you can do it too! Even if you’re starting from nothing, a future of flexibility and financial stability is waiting for you.

Join our Free Training Series on how YOU can start seeing private clients this summer: www.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: 

Join our Free Training: http://www.PlanYourPrivatePractice.com

Follow Honey Speech Therapy on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Honey-Speech-Therapy-Services/61565474491685/#

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:

Save Money on All Independent Clinician Resources during Private Practice Week! www.PrivatePracticeWeek.com

If you've been feeling stuck, stretched thin, or dreaming of finally starting your private practice, then this episode is your summer nudge!

Stop waiting for the perfect time, it’s already here! You don’t need to quit your job, you just need a plan! And that’s exactly what I’m talking about today.

In this episode, I’m talking about why summer is the best time to start seeing private clients and what you need to put in place now to make it happen.

In Today's Episode, We Discuss:

• Why summer is the best time to start your private practice
• What you need (and don’t need) to get started
• My free 3-day training series taking place in May

When fall comes around, I don’t want you to be filled with the usual dread. This is your time to build your dream practice, and I am here to help you! 

To register for my free 3-day training, See Clients This Summer, head over to planyourprivatepractice.com.

Resources Mentioned: 

Want to see clients this summer? Join our free, 3-day training series: 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:

Save Money on All Independent Clinician Resources during Private Practice Week! www.PrivatePracticeWeek.com

Feeling “too young” to start a private practice? My guest today is proof that success in private practice is doable for anyone thinking about it!

Today I’m talking with Aurora Baraiolo, SLP and founder of Aurora B's Communication Device Evaluations & SLP Services. Since joining the Start Your Private Practice program in August 2024, Aurora has built a robust caseload while balancing her doctoral studies and growing her AAC-focused private practice that serves both Rhode Island and Massachusetts.

The best part is, Aurora only works three and a half days each week! She is doing what she loves, earning a great income, and finding time for rest and recharging her batteries. 

In this episode, Aurora shares the steps she took to start her private practice, how she grew her caseload, and how private practice has given her the flexibility she’s always dreamed of.

Aurora Baraiolo is from Massachusetts. She attended Emerson College for graduate school and completed her clinical fellowship in a well-known pediatric outpatient center. After about a year and a half, Aurora was exhausted from the setting and decided to do travel therapy for about another year or so. Upon starting her clinical doctorate, she decided it was time to come home and focus on her long-term goal of having her own practice. She started her private practice journey at the end of August 2024, and in just 6 months, has generated a full caseload seeing her preferred population! 

Aurora is passionate about AAC and getting students devices that best fit their needs. Taking her career into her own hands was the best decision she could have made and she is grateful for she did!

In Today's Episode, We Discuss:

• How Aurora filled her caseload lightning fast
• Learning about the business side of private practice
• The reality of balancing entrepreneurship and academia
• Why she left traditional roles to serve a much-needed niche in ASC
• How she helps fellow generalist SLPs feel more empowered with their ASC clients

The kind of success and balance Aurora has found is what so many people are craving. I hope her story inspires you to take the leap and see how that success in private practice is possible for you too!

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: 

Follow Aurora on Instagram: www.instagram.com/abcde_slp/

Aurora’s TPT: www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/abcde-slp-store

Learn more about starting a private practice: www.IndependentClinician.com/resources

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:

Save Money on All Independent Clinician Resources during Private Practice Week! www.PrivatePracticeWeek.com

Do you want to build a private practice around your passions, but aren’t sure what that could look like? This episode will help you see that anything is possible!

Today I am joined by Ellen Lettrich, SLP and founder of The Performer’s Lab based in Richmond, Virginia. I got to know Ellen in the Grow Your Private Practice Program and have been blown away by her ability to combine her background in musical theater with speech-language pathology. 

In this episode, Ellen shares how she found her calling through voice therapy and what it looks like to build a practice that doesn’t fit the traditional mold.

Ellen Lettrich is an educator, SLP, theater vocal coach, and dog mom. In addition to her practice, she is the founder of The Fund for College Auditions & MTCA (Musical Theater College Auditions).

In Today's Episode, We Discuss:

• Ellen’s passion for musical theater and how it changed her college path
• Discovering speech-language pathology, and specifically, voice therapy
• Creating a practice to fit her multi-passionate personality and serve a specific niche
• Ellen’s advice about starting small, whether you’re new or seasoned in the profession

The beauty of private practice is making it work for you! Ellen is the perfect example of someone who took a winding path that turned into a truly amazing and meaningful career. 

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 www.independentclinician.com to learn more.

Resources Mentioned: 

Learn more about our programs: www.IndependentClinician.com/resources

Follow Ellen on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elettrich4voice/

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:

Save Money on All Independent Clinician Resources during Private Practice Week! www.PrivatePracticeWeek.com

If you feel like you’re being called to a dream that seems too big, I know this episode will inspire you to move forward!  

My guest today is Anne Tarwater, an SLP of 12 years and founder of iShine Pediatric Therapy Clinic in Boerne, Texas. Anne is dedicated to creating a nurturing and supportive environment where children can grow, learn new skills, and gain independence. 

I got to know Anne in the Grow Your Private Practice Program. In addition to her amazing practice, she is opening a preschool specifically designed for children with disabilities. 

In this episode, Anne shares how she got into SLP, the mindset that pushes her to take real steps toward her ambitions, and how her practice and other dream projects are improving her community and family life. 

Before opening her own pediatric therapy clinic, Anne spent seven years working in Boerne ISD, where she was a key member of the preschool program for children with disabilities assessment team. This experience strengthened her commitment to early intervention and the importance of family involvement in a child's development.

Believing that every child deserves a personalized, holistic approach to learning, she co-founded The Bloom School, a child-led preschool that focuses on the whole child. Through engaging, play-based methods, she strives to make learning fun while fostering confidence, communication, and independence.

Anne has two college-aged children and 3 dogs that keep her busy in her off time.

In Today's Episode, We Discuss:

• Annes's original career and how she made the pivot to SLP
• What her practice looks like and what kind of clients she serves
• The inspiration behind her new project and how she got started
• How she stays organized through it all and what systems she has in place
• Anne’s advice for other single parents who want to turn their dreams into a reality

Anne is a great example of someone who took bold action to better serve her community and family. I know if she can do it, you can too!

If you’d like to know more about how we help SLPs and OTs like Anne start and grow successful 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: 

Get help starting your private practice: http://www.IndependentClinician.com/resources

Check out Anne’s Practice: https://ishinepediatrictherapy.com/

Follow iShine on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560361318161

Follow iShine on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ishine_pediatric_therapy/

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:

Save Money on All Independent Clinician Resources during Private Practice Week! www.PrivatePracticeWeek.com

If you want to start a private practice but feel held back by fear or uncertainty, this episode is for you!

Joining me today is Gaella Doutis, a speech-language pathologist and the founder of Speech Box in Las Vegas. After starting through the Start Your Private Practice Program, Gaella found the confidence and support she needed to take the leap and start her practice. 

In this episode, Gaella shares her journey of overcoming self-doubt and imposter syndrome to build a thriving private practice and also expand into special education tutoring. 

Gaella Doutis is a licensed speech-language pathologist in Nevada and a member of the American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA). She has been providing speech therapy for individuals with autism spectrum disorder, ADHD/ADD, learning and intellectual disability, cognitive communication disorders, speech sound disorders and developmental delay for 11 years. 

Gaella obtained her master's degree in special education at Concordia University in Portland, Oregon and master’s in speech language pathology at Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts. When she’s not working, she spends her time with her 2 boys, TJ and Hunter, and her husband, Tyler. She enjoys CrossFit, Olympic weightlifting,  playing golf on the weekends, and participating in marathons.

In Today's Episode, We Discuss:

• Gaella’s educational background and her introduction to SLP
• Recognizing others’ confidence in you as a testament to your skills
• Learning to put blinders on when imposter syndrome creeps in
• Setting boundaries to find balance as a business owner
• How she finds support and connection with fellow Start students in Las Vegas
• Gaella’s growth plans for her practice and tutoring program

I loved listening to Gaella’s experiences about building a business that supports her interests and serves her clients! I hope she inspires you to push past your doubts and take the next step toward the career you’ve always dreamed of.

If you want help to get your private practice started - just like we helped Gaella - 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: 

Learn more about starting your private practice: www.IndependentClinician.com/resources

Learn more about Gaella’s practice: www.myspeechbox.com

Speech Box Academy: https://speechboxacademy.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:

Save Money on All Independent Clinician Resources during Private Practice Week! www.PrivatePracticeWeek.com

If you’ve wanted to start a private practice while navigating another job or learn more about serving bilingual clients, don’t miss out on this episode! 

Joining me today is Esmeralda Sánchez, a bilingual and bicultural native Spanish-speaking Speech-Language Pathologist located in Chicago.  She is the founder of Bilingual and Brilliant Speech Therapy LLC.

Esmeralda joined the Start Your Private Practice program in 2023 and began building her own caseload, starting with four private-pay clients. As her business grew, she transitioned into the Grow Your Private Practice Program to scale her practice further.

In this episode, Esmeralda shares why she decided to start her own private practice and talks about her experiences in becoming a mother and struggling to find bilingual services for her own son.

Esmeralda Sanchez has twelve years of experience in early intervention, public schools, and private practice. She earned dual Bachelor’s degrees in Speech-Language Pathology and Spanish from Saint Xavier University in Chicago followed by a Master’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Indiana University’s where she focused on bilingual therapy. 

Her practice, Bilingual and Brilliant Speech Therapy LLC, combines growth mindset principles, social-emotional wellness, and family-centered practices. Esmeralda specializes in treating receptive and expressive language disorders, late talking, stuttering, articulation disorders, speech clarity, and post-stroke rehabilitation.

In Today's Episode, We Discuss:

• Esmeralda’s personal experiences with speech therapy and how she got into the field
• Getting started with private clients while maintaining her job in the schools
•  How private practice has increased her control of income, clients, and schedule
• Esmeralda’s natural and easy marketing strategies  that anyone can do

Esmeralda turned her own struggles and experiences into a driving force for her to serve her community through private practice. I hope she inspires you to take the next step toward the life you deserve as a hard-working clinician!

If you want our help to start or grow your private practice (just like we helped Esmeralda!), 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 www.independentclinician.com to learn more.

Resources Mentioned: 

Learn more about starting or growing your private practice: www.independentclinician.com/resources

Esmeralda’s website: www.bilingualandbrilliantspeechtherapy.com

Follow Esmeralda on Instagram: www.instagram.com/bilingualandbrilliantspeech

Check out Esmeralda’s Youtube channel: www.youtube.com/@bilingualandbrilliantspeech

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:

Save Money on All Independent Clinician Resources during Private Practice Week! www.PrivatePracticeWeek.com

The future of private practice is here! It’s time to leave the traditional private practice behind and build a lifestyle private practice instead.

Over the last few years, I’ve seen many clinicians grow a private practice in a traditional way that ultimately turns into a job they want to escape.  I’m excited to share that there is a different way to build a practice. It involves creating a business and practice around your life (and not the other way around!).

In this episode, I’m sharing what a lifestyle private practice is and how it leads to better profitability and sustainability and allows you to live the life you imagined as a private practice owner.

In Today's Episode, We Discuss:

• Why more clients and staff don’t always equal growth
• What is a lifestyle private practice?
• The three pillars of a lifestyle private practice
• More about my new program and where to get more information

Don't make the mistake of creating a job you’ll one day try to escape. Let's build you a private practice that you're excited about! 

Interested in building a Lifestyle Private Practice? DM me the word LIFESTYLE on Instagram @independentclinician 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: 

DM me the word LIFESTYLE on Instagram: www.instagram.com/independentclinician

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:

Save Money on All Independent Clinician Resources during Private Practice Week! www.PrivatePracticeWeek.com