Private Practice Success Stories

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/

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/

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/

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/

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/

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/

If you want to offer private pay packages in your future or existing private practice to better serve your clients (and yourself!), tune in to this episode!

Today I’m talking with SLP Lauren Thompson, owner of Well-Fed Feeding and Swallowing Therapy in Londonderry, New Hampshire. I’ve loved watching Lauren flourish after going through our programs and I’m so excited for her to share the one thing that has recently transformed her business.

In this episode, Lauren shares how transitioning to private pay packages helps her balance accessibility for her clients and sustainability for her business.

Lauren Thompson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, is a Speech-Language Pathologist, Certified Lactation Counselor, and the owner of Well Fed Feeding and Swallowing Therapy. Lauren founded Well Fed to offer families expert, evidence-based feeding support—without the red tape of insurance delays or the frustration of waitlists stretching for months.

Realizing that simply being out of network wasn’t enough to distinguish her practice from traditional in-network clinics, Lauren reimagined her service model to better meet the needs of families. She introduced visit packages that provide transparency around both cost and time commitment, allowing caregivers to invest in their child’s feeding journey with clarity and confidence.

These flexible packages enable her to offer semi-intensive therapy, gradually taper services as families build skills and confidence, or front-load support before major life transitions, such as vacations or milestones.

Through this innovative approach, Lauren has not only built a sustainable, thriving practice but has also empowered families with individualized feeding therapy that fits their needs—not a rigid, one-size-fits-all schedule.

In Today's Episode, We Discuss:

• Lauren’s original plan to be a physical therapist and why she switched to SLP
• Providing personalized in-home care for families
• Shifting her business model to private pay packages
• When to think about having patients come to see you in your own space
• How packaged pricing creates financial security and predictability
• Improving client commitment (which results in fewer no-shows!)

Refining your pricing model is just another way to bring flexibility to your practice, from how you treat your clients, to easing the stress that comes with running the business side of things.

If you would like to learn more about how to offer Packages for your private practice, please visit www.LifestylePrivatePractice.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:

Learn more about offering packaged pricing: www.LifestylePrivatePractice.com

Follow Lauren on Instagram: www.instagram.com/wellfedfeedingtherapy

Lauren’s website: www.wellfedfeedingtherapy.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 run the private practice in the personalized way you’ve always dreamed of? Today’s guest was once just like you and is now truly living her dream!

I’m joined today by Kristen Weitz, SLP and owner of Neurokids Therapy in Folsom, California. I got to know Kristen as she worked through the Start Your Private Practice Program. Since then, she and her practice have truly taken off!

In this episode, Kristen reflects on her engaging therapy sessions as a child, what pushed her to start her own practice, and how she’s established a successful practice that is a dream come true.

Kristen Weitz has been an SLP for over 16 years. She knew she wanted to be an SLP by the time she was 7 years old. Early on, she worked mostly in private practices (leadership & management), in hospitals, and taught at the undergrad and graduate levels. After growing tired of red tape and dealing with dissatisfaction at work, she finally took the leap and started her very own practice.

In Today's Episode, We Discuss:

• The moment Kristen realized she wanted to be an SLP
• What finally pushed her to start her own practice
• The strategic steps she took to get started and the role models that helped her
• Kristen’s commitment to providing compassionate client-centered care
• What she’s learned as she’s made her childhood dream come true

After going through our programs and just taking a leap, Kristen is serving her community on her own terms and finding fulfillment for herself and her family as well.

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:

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

Check out Kristen’s website: neurokidstherapy.com

Follow her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557138232453

Follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neurokidstherapies/

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/

Can you imagine having the flexibility in your career to take a month-long vacation with your family? This is the reality for today’s guest thanks to her private practice that practically runs itself.

After working in the schools and feeling like the traditional system was not the right fit for her, Britt Meropoulis decided to explore private practice and started taking on clients. I got to know Britt in the Grow Your Private Practice Program. She’s since built up a thriving practice and business, Dream Pediatric Services, that serves her clients, family, and passions.

In this episode, Britt shares how she started and grew her private practice and how she continues to grow her career around her passions and values.

Britt Meropoulis has been an SLP in Edmonton, AB, for 10 years and is a busy mom to two little girls. After completing her graduate studies in Sydney, Australia, she returned home and gradually built her private practice, transitioning from part-time client work to a full-time clinic.

Today, she runs a brick-and-mortar clinic with a growing team, providing sensory-based, child-led, and neuroaffirming therapy, with a focus on autism, speech and language disorders, and early language development. They’re also expanding their services to include OT and PT, with a mission of delivering heart-centered, interdisciplinary care to help children grow and achieve their unique dreams.

In Today's Episode, We Discuss:

• Britt’s background and early years in SLP
• How to shift your mindset when the timing doesn’t seem right
• Using private practice to fill her cup as a new mom who wanted to work
• How she utilized the Grow Program to build her caseload and finally let go of her contracts
• What her multi-disciplinary team looks like today and how they support families
• Attracting the right applicants who share similar values

Britt has made private practice exactly what she wants it to be to fit the needs of her family, clients, team members, and of course her creativity as well!

If you would like to know more about our programs and how we help support SLPs and OTs like Britt 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:

Learn more about our programs: www.privatepracticeschool.com

Follow Britt on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brittmeropoulis.slp/

Check out her practice: https://www.instagram.com/dreampediatric/

Sensory Products: https://www.instagram.com/dreamdoughplay/

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 to transition into private practice in a way that aligns with your true passion and lifestyle, you will love this episode’s guest!

Christina Noon went from a career in musical theater to now owning a private practice as an SLP. Going through the Start Your Private Practice Program gave her the guidance and confidence to launch a business that included her passion for music.

In this episode, Christina discusses how her background in performing arts shaped her love for communication and language, and led her to pivot into speech therapy.

Christina Noon is an SLP, founder of Happy Talk Song and Sign, and private practice owner of Noon Speech Therapy. She lives outside of Buffalo NY with her husband and two girls. Before SLP, Christina received a degree in music theater and performed professionally for 5 years. Christina is a neurospicy therapist who strives to bring more joy, creativity, and fun into everything she does.

In Today's Episode, We Discuss:

• Christina’s struggle to find a traditional job she loved
• How the Start Program helped her launch with confidence
• Starting a practice in New York and navigating complicated PLLC requirements
• How her new flexibility allows her to make her schedule work for her lifestyle and family needs
• More about her music class and how thinking out of the box helps her business and especially her community

Christina is in her zone of genius! She has truly built a career she loves by combining her passions and talents. You can do this too!

If you’re an SLP or OT looking for guidance on starting or growing your own practice, we’re here to help! Learn more about our programs at www.IndependentClinician.com/resources

Resources Mentioned:

Follow Christina on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/happytalk.song.and.sign/

Learn more about teaching your own classes: https://www.happytalksongandsign.com/learnmore

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/