Private Practice Success Stories

Are you feeling undervalued or underpaid in a current situation, but are still hesitant about trying out private practice? This episode will help take the uncertainty out of the transition!

Today we’re diving into the inspiring journeys of three entrepreneurs who transitioned to private practice after going through the Start Your Private Practice Program. Meet Kaitlyn Palermo of Wild Blossom Speech Therapy, Megan Bartley of Clothed In Compassion (OT practice), and Tiffany Skaggs of More Than Words Therapy.

In this episode, our guest panelists discuss their diverse paths to starting private practices, what they loved most about the Start Your Private Practice, and real-world tips and encouragement to those looking to get started.

These women were once just like you! I know their stories will inspire you to take the first step you’ve been putting off, so you can find freedom and flexibility just like they did.

In Today's Episode, We Discuss:

• Where the panelists were working before getting into private practice
• Recognizing the moments that led them to pursue more independence in their careers
• The initial steps of launching a private practice
• Why you shouldn’t be overwhelmed by startup costs
• Figuring out what payer sources work best for you and your community
• How private practice has changed the quality of life for each of the panelists
• What they loved most about the Start Program

Want help starting your private practice? Head to www.StartYourPrivatePractice.com to learn more and get started on your journey!

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.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/

Today’s episode is a special one! Guests Marissa and Roshni remind us that the journey to private practice looks different for everyone, you just have to do what works for you!

Marissa Joy and Roshni Patel are Start Your Private Practice alums who transitioned from demanding high-pressure environments to their own thriving practices. Their stories are just like yours and I’m excited for them to share their advice and successes with you!

In this episode, Marissa and Roshni share everything about getting started in private practice, from navigating new challenges to how it’s changed their lives and careers for the better.

Marissa Joy is the owner and Speech-Language pathologist at Ripple Speech Services, LLC - a practice that serves children and adults to speak, swallow, and breathe better. In her 11 years as an SLP Marissa has served in a number of settings, and even a brief hiatus from being an SLP, but found her passion through personal experience with her youngest son. Marissa is a Pennsylvania Licensed and ASHA certified speech pathologist and always strives to provide collaborative, personalized therapy for every person that walks through her doors.

Roshni Patel is a certified Speech-Language Pathologist and the founder of Succeed Speech, Language & Feeding Therapy. She received her Bachelor's and Master's Degree from Kean University in Union, NJ. She holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language Hearing Association and an Illinois Speech Language Pathology professional license. She is also a bilingual Speech Language Pathologist who speaks English & Gujarati. In her free time she enjoys traveling, spending time with family, reading, and exploring new restaurants.

In Today's Episode, We Discuss:

• How Marissa and Roshni started the transition to private practice from their regular day jobs
• Where they’re finding most of their clients
• Deciding to go the private pay vs. insurance route
• Marissa’s and Roshni’s favorite part of being in private practice
• Why you don’t have to be afraid of dealing with competition in your area

Marissa and Roshni were once just like you and so many SLPs and OTs out there. Success like theirs awaits you, all you have to do is get started!

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, just like we helped Marissa and Roshni, please visit 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:

Get started on your own journey: www.StartYourPrivatePractice.com

Marissa’s practice: www.ripplespeechservices.com

Roshni’s practice: https://succeedspeech.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 want to get into private practice with purpose and confidence, this episode is for you!

My guest today is Eliana Provenzano-Lewis. Eliana is a bilingual speech-language pathologist with a pediatric private practice in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She started Monarch Speech and Language Therapy in 2023 after feeling determined to explore different work environments.

Using what she learned in the Grow Your Private Practice program, Eliana is expanding her services to include parent coaching, educational workshops, and plans for hiring other therapists to grow her reach.

In this episode, Eliana shares the challenges and triumphs of private practice, as well as how she's creating a flexible career that aligns with her values and family life.

Eliana is a nationally certified and state licensed Bilingual Speech-Language Pathologist in the state of Oklahoma. She received a double bachelor's degree in Communication and Sciences Disorders and Spanish. She then completed her Master's degree of Science, in Communication Sciences & Disorders. Eliana earned all her degrees at Oklahoma State University, in Stillwater, Oklahoma.

Eliana's area of special interests include working with Early Intervention and Bilingualism (Spanish/English). Additionally, Eliana is very passionate about using a whole-child, and family-centered approach by teaching, advocating, and assisting caregivers with getting their child all the support they need across multiple environments (home, school, community) as soon as possible.

During her free time, Eliana enjoys spending time with family and friends, enjoying time outdoors, exercising, listening to audiobooks, cooking, being a plant and dog mom, and trying new restaurants in the Tulsa area with her Husband, Dereck.

In Today's Episode, We Discuss:

• Eliana’s background in SLP and what it was like graduating during the pandemic
• How she embraced her niche of bilingual therapy
• Eliana’s advice for balancing school contracts and private clients
• How a client-first approach takes the pressure off of marketing yourself
• The inspiration behind Eliana’s practice and what it means to her and others

I hope Eliana’s story inspires you to take the first steps toward building a practice that will give you the kind of life you’ve always wanted!

If you’d like to learn more about our programs and how we support SLPs and OTs in starting and growing their practice, just like Eliana did on her journey, 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 Private Practice Programs: www.independentclinician.com/resources

Check out Eliana’s practice: www.monarch-tulsa.com

Follow Monarch Speech on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monarchtulsa/

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 working harder than ever but making less of a difference than you imagined you would? It’s time to go from burnout to living the life you dreamed about in grad school!

In this episode, I’m sharing how private practice will change everything for you by helping you take control of your career and bring more balance to your life.

In Today's Episode, We Discuss:

• Why you shouldn’t be ashamed if life post-grad school isn’t what you thought it would be
• Jena’s favorite “F” words of private practice that will change your life
• What daily life could look like with private practice (and why it doesn’t just have to be a fantasy!)
• The first few steps to take to get started with private practice

Remember, you are more ready than you think to get into private practice! The life you want is not just possible, it’s waiting for you!

Want help getting started on your private practice journey? Visit www.StartYourPrivatePractice.com to immediate access to our comprehensive, step-by-step Program!

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:

Let’s start your private practice together: 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/

If you’ve wanted to get into private practice for a while now, but something keeps holding you back, this episode is exactly what you need to hear!

In this episode, I'm busting the five biggest myths that keep SLPs and OTS stuck in jobs that they've frankly outgrown, when they could be thriving in private practice.

In Today's Episode, We Discuss:

• How starting small can change your finances, career, and even your whole life
• The 5 myths holding you back and why they’re completely untrue
• Case studies from students whose lives have changed through private practice

Remember, you already have the clinical skills to help your future clients, the business side can be learned step by step. Ready to take your first step and start seeing private clients? Visit www.StartYourPrivatePractice.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:

Take the first step and learn more: 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/

If you’ve been feeling stuck recently, it may be time to bet on yourself and explore what other options are available to you!

My guest today, Daj Mitchell, is a true go-getter! Daj is an SLP and also owns a coaching business, Co-Treat Corner. She is a great example of someone who had a dream, went for it, continues to go for it, and is now also showing other people what's possible.

In this episode, Daj and I discuss how she contributes to our field outside of seeing clients and how therapists can evolve themselves to get more out of their careers.

Daj Mitchell grew up in Chicago, Illinois. She currently lives in a little town next to Springfield. Daj works in the school system and also has her own private practice. Besides coaching other SLPs, she does additional online business work like giving presentations, promoting time-saving tools, website design, and much more.

In Today's Episode, We Discuss:

• Daj’s background with SLP and how she got into private practice
• Her advice to those who keep putting off private practice
• The different projects Daj is working on outside of seeing clients
• What happens when you allow yourself to evolve
• A preview of what Daj’s week looks like
• A slow approach to using more tech as an SLP

There are so many different ways to be in private practice, to have a business, and to live your life as an SLP or OT. I hope this episode inspires you to evolve beyond where you are right now so you can have a fulfilling career and life.

If you want to be with like-minded clinicians who are starting their own practices, then come join the Start Your Private Practice Program to start seeing private clients. Please visit: startyourprivatepractice.com to learn more and enroll.

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 Daj on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourslpdaj/

Listen to Daj’s podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/co-treat-corner/id1679178092

Follow Daj’s podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cotreatcorner/

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/

My DMs and inbox have been flooded with the same question lately…What is it going to take for private practices to thrive (and not just survive) in 2025?

I’ve noticed many private practice owners in our community are working great hours, making great money, and enjoying freedom to spend time with their families. On the other hand, others are burning out, barely breaking even, and are still missing out on precious family time. So what’s the difference between these two groups, and how can you be part of the former?

In this episode, I’m sharing five predictions that can transform your private practice and help you thrive in the coming year.

In Today's Episode, We Discuss:

• How our profession is finally catching up in the gig economy
• The cost of DIYing your business instead of using a proven solution
• Tracking business metrics and why it’s as important as tracking patient progress
• What happens when you automate your workflows and set systems in place
• How stream stacking sets your business up for sustainable income

Which side of these predictions do you want to be on in 2025? I would love to make sure your practice is on the right track for sustainable success next year!

If you're ready to build a practice that thrives and allows you to make $500 - $2000 or more on the side of your job visit StartYourPrivatePractice.com to begin your private practice journey step-by-step.

If you already have a practice and you’re ready to level up your practice and your life so you can make more, help more and work less - I’m talking 3 day work weeks and six-figure plus years… Head to GrowYourPrivatePractice.com and let’s help you transform your practice and your life from good to great.

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:

Start a thriving private practice: http://StartYourPrivatePractice.com

Grow your existing private practice: http://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/

Working through lunch, missing precious family moments, waiting for a Christmas bonus that will never come…Does any of this sound familiar?

I’m sharing a short Christmas story that might resonate with you. The reality is, it’s not just my story, it represents the stories of so many hard-working SLPS.

In today’s episode, I’m sharing how you can create your own path to freedom by joining the Start Your Private Practice Program, including a special bonus if you join this week!

In Today's Episode, We Discuss:

• The point in my early career when I realized things needed to change
• How much I made when I started seeing clients on the side
• Stories from my students who have gained more freedom (and money!) through private practice

So give yourself the Gift of Private Practice today! Head to StartYourPrivatePractice.com and get our Marketing to Doctors System completely free!

I can’t wait to see you inside the program!

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:

Give yourself the Gift of Private Practice: http://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/

Feeling burned out and stressed? This episode is especially for you!

Today I am joined by burnout expert Dr. Angelyn Franks. Dr. Franks is the owner of the SLP Self-Care Society and specializes specifically in early career burnout.

In this episode, Dr. Angelyn Franks offers essential advice for private practice owners to combat stress and achieve sustainable work-life balance.

In addition to being an expert in burnout prevention strategies and stress management for SLPs, Dr. Franks has been a speech language pathologist for over 14 years.

Through the SLP Self-Care Society, she’s developed comprehensive support programs, including 1:1 coaching and group programs. Her mission is to share practical wisdom and tools to help struggling SLPs prioritize self-care, manage stress effectively, and set healthy boundaries.

In Today's Episode, We Discuss:

• Why burnout often stems from a lack of self-care education
• Unrealistic expectations SLPs develop in graduate school
• The importance of understanding personal values and how to align them with your work
• What to do if you feel your actions are not aligned with your values or if you have a hard time identifying your values
• Dr. Franks’ burnout strategies specifically for private practice owners

Don’t let burnout push you out of a career you once loved. I hope Dr. Franks’ insights inspire you to better manage your life and career to stay free from burnout!

If you would like to know more about our programs and how we help support SLPs and OTs who want to start or grow a private practice that aligns with your values, 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:

Connect with Dr. Franks on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.angelynfranks/

Get help building a private practice that aligns with your values: 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/

Want to improve the pricing model for your private practice? This episode contains groundbreaking information so be sure to tune in!

My guest today is Melonie Reiter, occupational therapist and owner of Arrows Therapy in Albuquerque, New Mexico. In her private pay practice, Melonie uses a pricing model that not only brings in consistent cash flow but also prevents burnout and reduces the time and money needed for marketing.

In this episode, Melonie shares her background in OT and breaks down the packaged pricing model that has transformed how she operates her business and serves her clients.

Melonie Reiter was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from UNM and my Master's in Occupational Therapy from the University of New Mexico School of Medicine. Her journey to motherhood shaped her aspirations, and while she always dreamed of being a mom, it took nearly a decade after graduating from OT school to finally pursue her goal of starting a private practice.

Melonie is grateful for her husband, Ian, and their four young children- ages 10, 6, 3, and 8 months. They cherish their time outdoors, enjoy road trips, and participate in community events, holding annual memberships to our local zoo, aquarium, children’s museum, and dinosaur museum.

In her practice, she views the families they serve as an extension of her own family. Building strong, supportive relationships with them is essential to their mission. Her business model reflects this commitment to nurturing community and family values.

In Today's Episode, We Discuss:

• Melonie’s journey to occupational therapy and private practice
• A detailed breakdown of Melonie’s packaged pricing model
• How packaged pricing leads to consistent and predictable revenue
• Insights into her practice’s growth and hiring process
• Balancing personal and professional life

Melonie is the perfect example of working smarter. If you are looking to implement creative solutions in your own practice, I love her approach and know you can adapt it to work for you as well!

If you would like to work with us to Start Or Grow Your Private Practice - please visit www.StartYourPrivatePractice.com or www.GrowYourPrivatePractice.com right now to learn more and sign up.

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 Melonie’s practice: www.arrowstherapy.com

Email Melonie directly: [email protected]

Text Melonie on her business line: 505-219-1260

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/