What if starting your own private practice meant more time with your kids, a healthier work-life balance, and the freedom to create a career that truly fits your values? That’s exactly what today’s guest, Erin West, set out to do and her journey is going to inspire you.

Today I’m introducing you to Erin West, a speech-language pathologist and the owner of Wildflowers Pediatric Therapy in Bradenton, Florida. Erin has been in the field for over 15 years, specializing in pediatrics, feeding, AAC, and neurodiversity-affirming care.

She joined the Start Your Private Practice Program and has since built a thriving practice that allows her to be present for her two children while also serving her community in a way that aligns with her values.

Although Erin loved her hospital job and the colleagues she worked with, she found herself increasingly drained by the demands of the environment. As a highly sensitive person and single mom, she needed more balance and flexibility to pour into both her clients and her kids.

That’s when she decided to take the leap into private practice. With the support of her son and the Start Your Private Practice program, Erin transitioned from full-time employment into running her own business. Now, she sets her own schedule, collaborates with other professionals in her community, and enjoys more time with her family.

Outside of her practice, she is a mom of two, enjoys collaborating with other therapists in her community, and is even pursuing certification to teach Music Together® classes as another way to support families through connection and creativity.

In Today's Episode, We Discuss:

• Taking the leap without a financial safety net
• Building a niche around feeding, autism, and sensory needs
• Finding unexpected community support and collaboration
• And how her 13-year-old son literally helped her run the numbers to get started

Erin’s story shows that you don’t have to hate your job to know it’s time for a change. Sometimes it’s about recognizing misalignment, valuing yourself, and choosing to build something that better supports both your family and your clients. Her journey is proof that with the right mindset and support, you can create a private practice that’s fulfilling, flexible, and financially sustainable.

Want to build a private practice that gives you freedom, flexibility, and fulfillment—just like Erin has? Learn more about our Start Your Private Practice Program, where Erin and so many other SLPs and OTs have gotten the tools, systems, and confidence to make the leap. Visit www.GrowYourPrivatePractice.com to learn more.

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 Erin on Instagram: www.instagram.com/wildflowers_pediatric_therapy/

Check out her website: https://www.wildflowerspediatrictherapy.com/

Learn more about growing your practice: www.GrowYourPrivatePractice.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/

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

What if going to work was as easy as opening up your computer? From your office, home, or even somewhere more exotic? Today’s guest is using teletherapy to work from Mexico, and I can’t wait for you to hear her story!

I’m reintroducing you to Samantha Rothman, an occupational therapist and one of the amazing coaches inside the Grow Your Private Practice Program. Samantha is the owner and founder of her private practice, Play and Purpose, based in Phoenix, Arizona.

Switching to teletherapy was key in helping Samantha create a lifestyle practice that fits her wants and dreams. She is able to meet with clients and work poolside in Mexico with her dog! 

In this episode, Samantha discusses how switching to teletherapy helps her better serve her clients, maintain her mental health, and enjoy more freedom to do what she wants.

Samantha Rothman is a licensed and board-certified pediatric occupational therapist and DIR Floortime provider. She holds a Bachelors of Science in Community Health and a Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy from Florida Gulf Coast University.

She enjoys using a "whole child" approach, including all aspects of being human-especially focusing on emotional and mental health. She is passionate about using child-led and non-compliance based techniques to promote engagement and self-advocacy skills.

Outside of patient care, Samantha is devoting time to mentoring new therapists and supporting our team. In her free time, she enjoys reading, kayaking, traveling, and weight lifting.

In Today's Episode, We Discuss:

• The types of clients that benefit from teletherapy sessions
• How teletherapy has improved her mental health and given her a sense of balance
• What it’s like running a practice from another country
• Samantha’s advice for those who want to achieve the same level of freedom

Samantha is truly living her dream! We are so lucky to have her as a mentor in our Grow Program. Her story does not have to be the exception; you, too, can achieve the career of your dreams if you simply start taking steps to get there.

Want to build your private practice to the point where YOU can work from abroad - just like Samantha has? Learn more about our Grow Your Private Practice Program - where Samantha and our other coaches can help you set up systems as you shift from clinician to CEO. To learn more, please visit www.GrowYourPrivatePractice.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: 

Follow Samantha on Instagram: www.instagram.com/playandpurposeaz/

Check out her website: www.playandpurposeaz.com

Learn more about growing your practice: www.GrowYourPrivatePractice.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/

Have you wondered if it’s possible to launch your private practice sooner than planned? Today’s guest will encourage you to trust your gut and go for it! 

Joining me is Laura D’Surney, SLP and owner of Play on Words Speech Therapy, her private practice just outside of Richmond, VA. Laura, an alum of the Start Your Private Practice Program, was hit with the curveball of losing her job shortly after returning from her honeymoon! She chose to go all in and launch her practice, despite not feeling as ready as she’d planned. 

In this episode, Laura shares how she turned her unexpected job loss into a thriving practice and offers tips for setting boundaries and marketing as a small business owner.

Laura D'Surney is a licensed speech pathologist and private practice owner of Play on Words Speech Therapy. She currently provides mobile speech, language, and reading services to the Richmond, VA area. She also develops and sells speech therapy materials on TPT and has provided professional development for other SLPs on speech sound disorders. 

In Today's Episode, We Discuss:

• The boundaries Laura has built into her business to protect her personal needs
• How to take the scary feeling out of marketing by taking a natural approach
• Laura’s advice for those who are unsure if they can really start their practice right now
• Taking time to step back from comparison syndrome and acknowledging your progress

Whether you’re wondering if now is the right time or if life forces your hand, don’t be afraid to take the next step toward private practice! I hope Laura’s story inspires you to follow your heart and lean in to the support and help available to you.

If you want help to start your private practice step-by-step (just like we helped Laura!) please visit www.StartYourPrivatePractice.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: 

Laura’s website: www.playonwordsrva.com

Follow Laura on Instagram: www.instagram.com/lauratheslp

Laura’s TPT: www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/laura-the-slp

Find support and start your private practice: www.StartYourPrivatePractice.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/

Are you worried that starting a private practice will be too much work and take you away from your family life? Today’s guest is proof that you can build a career on your own terms and make it work for you!

Joining me is Ricki Klein, someone I’ve actually known for a while! Ricki is an SLP, mom, and owner of Kid Speak Easy, her private practice in Sudbury, Massachusetts. 

Ricki left the workplace during the pandemic as her young family experienced a lot of change. After constantly giving out free advice at the park, Ricki realized she missed working and wanted to figure out a way to dip her toe back into clinical work. 

In this episode, Ricki shares how she created a private practice that is professionally fulfilling, fits her family’s needs and schedule, and gives her the balance that so many family-oriented SLPs are searching for.

Ricki Klein is licensed in the state of Massachusetts and holds a certificate of clinical competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. She graduated from Hamilton College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, then went on to Emerson College, where she obtained her Masters of Science in Communication Disorders. 

Ricki supports children of all ages, with a focus on preschool and school-age children, who have a range of speech and language difficulties. Ricki enjoys working closely with families and teachers in a collaborative manner to develop treatment plans that allow children to make progress across all contexts. Ricki lives in Sudbury, MA, with her husband and two young children. 

In Today's Episode, We Discuss:

• Ricki’s hesitancy toward the logistics of starting a private practice 
• How her first paying client gave her enough fulfillment to go all in 
• Learning to get over fear and network organically 
• How Ricki gives back to her community through her business
• Why you shouldn’t worry if your area is oversaturated with providers

Even though Ricki’s journey started differently than what she had planned, she was able to grow her practice intentionally while maintaining balance at home. 

If Ricki’s story inspired you and you're thinking, “I want to do that…” — you can. We help SLPs and OTs get set up, start seeing clients, and build sustainable businesses through our Start Your Private Practice Program. If you're ready to take the next step, head over to www.IndependentClinician.com to learn how we can support you.

Resources Mentioned: 

Check out Ricki’s practice: https://www.kidspeakeasy.com/

 Find support to start your private practice: http://www.IndependentClinician.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/

Wondering how you can market to medical private practices?

In this episode of Private Practice Success Stories, I spoke with Meaghan Arnold, a speech-language pathologist with an adult and geriatric-focused private practice in Tyler, Texas. She began her career working in skilled nursing facilities and home health and quickly realized the need for continued care. This prompted Meaghan to start her own private practice in 2020. 

We discuss how being passionate about your niche and patient population is key to success. Meaghan shares why she is so passionate about physician and community education and emphasizes the importance of both clinical care and business aspects in running a healthcare practice.

Meaghan Arnold is a speech-language pathologist and owner of Speech Swallowing and Neurological Rehabilitation, a private practice in Tyler, Texas. SSNR exclusively serves the adult and geriatric populations across voice, speech, memory, cognition, language, and swallowing deficits. 

Meaghan received her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Arizona and her Master of Arts degree from the University of Texas at Austin. Meaghan has worked in skilled nursing facilities, home health, and the outpatient setting in Texas for the last eight years. Meaghan is a three-time ASHA ACE award recipient and is passionate about the importance of lifelong continuing education. 

She prioritizes her participation in community outreach events and patient education. Meaghan has presented at local conferences, support groups, universities, and physician offices across topics including dysphagia management in the head and neck cancer population, deviations from typical in the aging swallow, communication changes in the dementia population, and risk mitigation and decision-making in dysphagia.

In Today's Episode, We Discuss:

• Meaghan’s story of how she became a private practice owner 
• The importance of selling your services
• How having a private practice allows you to prioritize what matters with your patients
• Ways to find referrals for your practice 
• The key to successful word-of-mouth marketing 
• What you need to know if you struggle with a fear of failure 
• The mindset shift from selling to advocating 
• How to perfect your elevator pitch when asking for referrals from medical practices
• The importance of thinking and acting like a business owner
• What it’s like to own a private practice as a mom 

I hope you enjoyed your conversation with Meaghan! She is a perfect example of someone who turned her niche clinical interests into a thriving business where she has full control over which populations she works with. 

If you would like to know more about how we can help you start your private practice (just like we helped Meaghan!) please visit www.StartYourPrivatePractice.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: 

Visit Meaghan’s website: https://ssnrtx.com/

Follow Meaghan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ssnr_tx/

Follow Meaghan on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068718896885

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/

Trying private practice may feel scary and uncomfortable, but it’s worth the risk when you consider the alternative: staying stuck in a less-than-ideal (maybe even toxic!) work environment!

Joining me today is Kylie Danfelt, SLP and owner of Berry Sweet Speech and Language. Within a year of joining the Start Program, Kylie went from stressful and tear-filled work days, to a full caseload and flexibility to be with her family.

In this episode, Kylie shares how she got into private practice, what helped her grow her caseload in a short amount of time, and how she makes a bigger difference in her community without spending more time at work.

Kylie Danfelt is nationally certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and state-certified in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and California.  She earned her bachelor’s degree from Bloomsburg University (2017) and her master’s degree from Towson University (2019). She has worked in public schools in both states for the majority of her career. She also briefly worked at a private practice in Maryland before COVID. She has worked with children aged 18 months to 18 years old. Her clinical interests and specialties include articulation disorders, phonological disorders, and childhood language disorders. She also has experience treating fluency disorders and social communication disorders. 

Aside from being a speech-language pathologist, Kyle is the wife of a blueberry farmer and a mother of two boys. She enjoys spontaneous adventures and traveling, especially to warm places, exercising, and being with my family and friends.

In Today's Episode, We Discuss:

• Why staying put in a toxic environment is a bad move for everyone
• The marketing “avalanche effect” that led her to a full caseload
• Growing her team to support the huge demand in the community
• What it’s like being in a family of entrepreneurs

Instead of going to a stressful job each day, Kylie can drop her son off at school and participate in so many of her kids’ activities thanks to the flexibility of her private practice. You deserve to enjoy your work AND life, don’t sell yourself short!

Want our help to get out of a toxic job? Visit www.IndependentClinician.com/Resources to learn more about how we can support you, just like we promised Kylie.

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 support starting your next chapter: http://www.IndependentClinician.com/Resources

Check out Kylie’s practice: https://www.berrysweetspeech.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/

How do you know if you’re in the messy middle of private practice growth? 

In this episode of Private Practice Success Stories, I’m going solo to speak to the people who are in the growth phase of their private practice journey, and not just the beginners. 

The growth phase starts after you get five private practice clients or more. Why? Because most people can see five private clients on the side of their job relatively easily. 

However, once you get to five clients and beyond, time becomes tighter and you have to decide whether to stay small or to grow your private practice in terms of more clients, which of course requires more time, but also lets you to be able to do more services. 

The problem is, some people get stuck there! That’s where I come in. My job as a private practice business coach is to help you get through the messy middle as quickly and easily as possible. 

So in today's episode, I'm going to be talking about what the messy middle is, how to know when you're there, and if you're already in the messy middle and are feeling completely overwhelmed, the steps you need to take to get through it as quickly and easily as possible.

In Today's Episode, We Discuss:

• What the messy middle of private practice is 
• The real reason so many private practitioners get stuck in the messy middle
• The difference between working on your business and working in your business
• The key to avoiding burnout as your private practice grows 
• How the Grow program will help you tackle these challenges head-on 

If you're in The Messy Middle of private practice growth and want help navigating through it as quickly and easily as possible... please visit www.GrowYourPrivatePractice.com to learn more about how we can help support you.

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 how to grow your private practice: www.GrowYourPrivatePractice.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/

Do you want to start your private practice, but feel intimidated by the financial aspect of starting a business? This episode is for you!

Today I’m joined by Becky Spence, an SLP who made an incredible pivot from owning a thriving private practice to becoming a certified tax advisor specifically for healthcare professionals and small business owners. 

Becky started her private practice, Achieve Therapy, back in 2014. After business boomed during the pandemic, thanks to her teletherapy, she experienced a bit of sticker shock despite paying estimated taxes throughout the year. She decided to head in a new direction to help SLPs, OTs, and other small business owners understand their finances, maximize tax deductions, and more!

In this episode, Becky shares financial tips for setting up your business to thrive financially, including what our community needs to know about tax savings! 

As a speech-language pathologist turned tax advisor, Becky has a unique perspective on problem-solving and empowering others to succeed. Her journey into tax advising began when she faced the challenges of understanding tax systems and deduction strategies for her own private practice. It became clear that many start-ups and small business owners needed tailored, accessible support in this area. Motivated by this, she earned her tax advising certification to help fill this gap. 

Now, Becky combines her passion for helping others with an expertise in tax advising to support small business owners. Her goal is to simplify financial complexities, assist in maximizing deductions, and help create effective business plans and growth strategies. By offering personalized guidance and practical implementation, she helps business owners gain the confidence and clarity they need to focus on what matters most: growing and thriving in their ventures.

In Today's Episode, We Discuss:

• Bridging the gap between clinician and CEO
• Experiencing major growth during the pandemic
• Who Becky works with and what exactly she helps with
• Two tax deductions SLPs may not know about
• Creating your own retirement plan so you can comfortably leave your job 

If Becky’s story resonated with you and you’re feeling curious (or maybe even a little panicked) about your finances, I highly recommend booking a free 15-minute discovery call with her at SpenceTaxAdvising.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: 

Connect with Becky: http://SpenceTaxAdvising.com

Find Becky on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spencetaxadvising

Follow Becky on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spencetaxadvising

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/

If you want a flexible schedule that works with your family’s needs and doesn’t leave you feeling constantly behind, this episode has the answers! My guest’s private practice gives her the freedom to build her career around her family, and not the other way around!

Joining me today is Katie LaVoi, SLP and owner of As We Speak, her private practice located in O’Fallon, Missouri. Katie joined the Start Your Private Practice Program after juggling family life and the rigid school schedule at work became too much for her. 

After doubling her client goal by the end of summer, Katie was able to leave her job at the school and pursue sustainable growth at her practice full-time. She continued through the Grow Program and has built a career she loves!

In this episode, Katie shares how she was able to build her private practice one step at a time (even with three kids!) and gain flexibility, balance, and fulfillment at home and at work.

Katie LaVoi is a speech language pathologist with 12 years of experience working in pediatrics. While most of her career was spent as a public school SLP, she recently opened her own mobile private practice, As We Speak.  As We Speak provides speech and language therapy services to children, ages 18 months to 18 years.  Katie is a busy mother to three active, young children, ages 8, 5, and 3.  Her desire to open a private practice was fueled by the freedom to schedule based on her own family needs and priorities. 

In Today's Episode, We Discuss:

• How Katie shifted her career plans as her family grew
• Getting started with the Start Program between school years
• Using organic marketing to boost her client load
• What her schedule looks like and how it helps her stay balanced with work and home life

Want to see clients through your own private practice, just like we helped Katie? We would love to help you get set up and started! 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: 

Find support starting your own practice: http://www.IndependentClinician.com/resources

Follow Katie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aswespeakslp/

Find Katie on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aswespeakslpmo

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/

If you've been thinking about starting your private practice later in life or after you've worked as an SLP, this episode is for you! Today’s guest proves it’s never too late to make your dreams a reality.

Joining me is Christine Zinn, SLP and owner of The Speech School in Las Vegas, Nevada. I’ve known Christine throughout her time in the Start and Grow Your Private Practice Programs and have seen her amazing growth as a clinician and business owner.

After going to grad school much later in life than she had planned, and doing some serious soul searching, Christine realized private practice was a way of creating something for herself (instead of for a demanding employer!).

In this episode, Christine talks about going to grad school later on in her career and how she found the confidence to build a lifestyle private practice that reflects her professional and personal values.

Christine "Miss Chris" Zinn is a pediatric Speech Pathologist in the Las Vegas area. Her practice, The Speech School LLC, focuses on caregiver coaching/education, small groups for "Purposeful Play," and 1:1 treatment. She combines quality, evidence-based clinical practice with reassuring, practical communication strategies for our youngest communicators and their caregivers.

In Today's Episode, We Discuss:

• Finding the courage to go to grad school later on in life
• Overcoming limiting beliefs to follow your passion
• How imagining her “ideal day” helped her realize private practice was a good fit
• Adding Medicaid to her practice to serve more clients
• Christine’s support community of other private practice owners in the Las Vegas area
• Using what you want to move away from and what you want to move toward as a guide to decision-making in your career

Christine has built a business that perfectly matches her lifestyle and values! It’s never too late to realize what you want and to make it come to pass. I hope her story inspires you to take the next step toward what you want and try something new!

If you would like to know more about our programs and how we help you start or grow their practice, just like we helped Christine, 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 Christine’s practice: http://www.thespeechschool.com

Follow The Speech School on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespeechschoollv

Get support starting or growing your private 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/