In this episode of The Speech Source Podcast, Mary and Kim talk about why having strong attendance and cancellation policies is key to running a successful private speech therapy practice. These policies aren't just paperwork, they help support your mission, set clear expectations, and ensure clients make steady progress. They also bring consistency and professionalism, especially when working with multiple families or team members.

Mary and Kim share how using systems like Simple Practice allows them to customize policies, send reminders, and make sure families truly understand what they’re signing. They recommend encouraging families to review their schedules in advance and proactively cancel known conflicts. This helps keep communication open and your calendar manageable.

Enforcing policies isn’t always easy, but approaching situations with empathy and clear boundaries makes a big difference. Whether it's adjusting session frequency or offering referrals, having clear policies helps guide those decisions. The episode wraps with a reminder to download their free checklist of essential practice documents for anyone setting up or refining their private practice.

Simple Practice affiliate link and discount code!  

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In this episode Kim and Mary welcome special guest Daj Mitchell (@yourSLPDaj) to join in a conversation on podcasting with purpose. Together, they explore how podcasting can serve as a tool for business growth, collaboration, and audience engagement. Daj shares insights on her journey as a speech-language pathologist and entrepreneur, explaining how her podcast Co-Treat Corner was born from a desire to improve collaboration within therapy fields. The conversation touches on different podcasting styles, from solo hosting to co-hosting, and the skills required for effective interviewing.

The episode also delves into podcasting as a marketing strategy, emphasizing its ability to build trust and establish expertise over time. Unlike social media, podcast content remains evergreen, continuing to provide value long after its initial release. Daj, Mary, and Kim discuss the importance of setting podcasting boundaries to prevent burnout, recommending dedicated workdays for various tasks and strategic planning to maintain consistency.

Podcasting is a long-term strategy that builds credibility and consistency over time.  Tune in to this insightful episode to learn more about podcasting with purpose!

Also, if you haven't done so already, follow our podcast! You will be the first to know when new episodes release. We would also love for you to leave a review and rate our show. The Speech Source appreciates your feedback and support! Follow here!

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For more information on speech, language, feeding and play - visit The Speech Source Website - https://www.thespeechsource.com/

Kim and Mary wrap up this season of Changing the Game by featuring Taylor Paladino, an artist and entrepreneur whose story is as captivating as his art.

Taylor shares his story from growing up on a farm in Arkansas to attending Stanford, and eventually launching his successful art business.  Taylor’s business began as a hobby during a transitional period in his life. What started as small watercolor paintings sold to friends quickly evolved into greeting cards and other products. Selling this art at farmer's markets during the pandemic eventually led to partnerships with major retailers like the Container Store. Through trial and error, Taylor built his business from the ground up, bringing production in-house and growing his team with the help of family friends and retired schoolteachers.

Taylor’s shares about the importance of partnerships in his business. From his supportive godparents to the friends he has made with fellow vendors at holiday markets, Taylor thrives on the connections he’s made along the way. His collaborations, like designing custom Mahjong tiles and working with the Fort Worth Junior League, showcase his ability to create meaningful partnerships.

As an artist, Taylor draws inspiration from the natural beauty of places he’s lived, like Arkansas and California. His stunning ocean landscapes reflect his pursuit of calm amidst chaos—a theme that resonates in both his personal life and business journey.  He encourages others to trust their journey, even when plans fall apart, and to embrace the unexpected opportunities that arise.  This episode is packed with inspiration and a reminder that success often comes from the courage to follow your passions.  

Also, if you haven't done so already, follow our podcast! You will be the first to know when new episodes release. We would also love for you to leave a review and rate our show. The Speech Source appreciates your feedback and support! Follow here!

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For more information on speech, language, feeding and play - visit The Speech Source Website - https://www.thespeechsource.com/

In this episode of The Speech Source Podcast, hosts Kim and Mary talk with Kate Murphy, the founder of Nanda Yoga in Fort Worth, Texas.

Kate shares her incredible journey, beginning with her early involvement with movement as a gymnast, dancer, and cheerleader, and her discovery of yoga in college. After earning her children’s yoga certification in 2007, she dreamed of creating a space combining her love for children and movement. While living and traveling in Europe and experiencing several jobs that shaped this dream, she eventually landed a job working as a child life specialist in pediatric hospitals.  Here she witnessed the vital role of mental and emotional well-being in children’s lives.

Kate’s path to opening Nanda Yoga Studio in 2020 was filled with challenges and triumphs, including navigating the global pandemic only 3 weeks after her studio's launch. Through perseverance, adaptability, and community support, she transformed her vision into a reality. Nanda Yoga is a unique space dedicated exclusively to children aged six weeks to 12 years, offering yoga classes, sensory gym activities, and enriching play opportunities.  

Kate talks about the intentional design of her studio, inspired by her experiences working with children in medical and educational settings. The studio includes thoughtfully curated sensory play areas and a mural that sparks imagination and focus during yoga practice. The goal is to create a safe and nurturing environment where children can develop physical, emotional, and social skills.

Beyond the studio, Nanda Yoga extends its reach into schools, libraries, and community centers, providing accessible yoga programs to over 500 children weekly. Kate emphasizes the importance of equipping kids with mindfulness tools, coping mechanisms, and a love for movemen.

Kate also shares about her personal growth as a neurodivergent entrepreneur and the lessons learned from her supportive family. She encourages listeners to embrace their passions, persevere through challenges, and take bold steps toward their dreams. For her, Nanda Yoga is not just a business—it’s a legacy of connection, creativity, and holistic wellness for future generations.

Also, if you haven't done so already, follow our podcast! You will be the first to know when new episodes release. We would also love for you to leave a review and rate our show. The Speech Source appreciates your feedback and support! Follow here!

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For more information on speech, language, feeding and play - visit The Speech Source Website - https://www.thespeechsource.com/

In this episode, Kim and Mary interview Mallory Dougherty, founder of Glitter&Gold, a unique jewelry and accessories business.  Mallory grew up in a small town near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, and later studied advertising and marketing at the University of South Carolina. Her career took unexpected turns, from selling wedding gowns to discovering her passion for accessories that transform simple outfits into statement looks. Inspired by her bridal styling days, Mallory launched Glitter&Gold, a brand that reflects her love for unique, curated pieces and her commitment to supporting small businesses.

Mallory’s approach to sourcing and selling jewelry sets her apart. Instead of sticking to traditional wholesale markets, she partners with small creators worldwide, often finding them on platforms like Etsy or Instagram. Her meticulous buying process and dedication to quality ensure every piece she sells is unique and personal. Whether designing her own products or collaborating with creators, Mallory balances quality, fair pricing, and customer appeal. Every item she offers reflects her style and her deep connection to her customers. Beyond her business, Mallory actively involves her two daughters, who help with tagging products, running cash registers, and learning the ropes of entrepreneurship. While she dreams of one day opening a brick-and-mortar store, Mallory remains focused on flexibility and creating a life that works for her family.

Mallory encourages other entrepreneurs to stay true to themselves, avoid fleeting trends, and build businesses aligned with their values. Her story is a testament that inspires others to dream big and create lives they love.

You can follow Mallory on Instagram here and don't forget to check out https://www.glitterandgoldfw.com/about-us

Also, if you haven't done so already, follow our podcast! You will be the first to know when new episodes release. We would also love for you to leave a review and rate our show. The Speech Source appreciates your feedback and support! Follow here!

Follow Kim and Mary on IG here! - https://www.instagram.com/thespeechsource/
For more information on speech, language, feeding and play - visit The Speech Source Website - https://www.thespeechsource.com/

In episode 9 of The Speech Source podcast, hosts Kim and Mary are joined by  sisters MaryAnn Means-Dufrene and Emily McAnelly who share their story into the world of podcasting and self-discovery. Together, they recently launched The Great Noticing Podcast, encouraging listeners to pause, observe, and engage more deeply with the world around them.

MaryAnn shares how a casual conversation nine years ago planted the seeds for The Great Noticing. Emily recalls being invited into this dream by MaryAnn, noting her initial hesitation but expressing admiration for her sister’s vision and leadership. 

For MaryAnn and Emily, “noticing” is a transformative practice that helps break cycles, encourages nonjudgmental awareness, and allows for personal growth. MaryAnn developed this concept while working in leadership and coaching with her company Collective Growth Leadership.  Emily, too, finds herself using “noticing” to manage emotions, better understand relationships, and bring curiosity into her daily life.

Emily recently made the brave decision to step back from her tech career to focus on her family, a transition that has prompted self-reflection and a reevaluation of identity. This conversation between the sisters goes into the common struggle many women face in balancing career and family, as well as the societal pressures surrounding these choices.

Through The Great Noticing Podcast, they hope to inspire listeners to become “noticers” in their own lives, allowing mindfulness to guide their responses rather than reactions. Their ultimate goal? To help others gain insight into their experiences, build a deeper understanding of themselves, and foster growth in both personal and professional realms.

Tune in to hear more from MaryAnn and Emily about their journey and the lessons they’ve learned from each other and from those they interview. Plus, hear Kim and Mary reflect on their own personal experiences, illustrating the powerful impact of community and connection. Don’t miss out on these inspiring stories—subscribe to The Great Noticing Podcast and The Speech Source Podcast for more genuine conversations.

Also, if you haven't done so already, follow our podcast! You will be the first to know when new episodes release. We would also love for you to leave a review and rate our show. The Speech Source appreciates your feedback and support! Follow here!

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For more information on speech, language, feeding and play - visit The Speech Source Website - https://www.thespeechsource.com/

In this episode of our Changing the Game season, Meg Minter, founder of Studio of Movemint, shares her journey from competitive dancer to transformative studio owner in Fort Worth, Texas. Growing up in the world of competitive dance, Meg witnessed many challenges, from body image pressures to extreme competitiveness, that shaped her desire to create a different kind of dance environment: a safe, positive space where kids can experience movement, grow in confidence, and form genuine connections.

Starting from scratch in Fort Worth with no initial clientele, Meg and her husband took a leap of faith. They opened Studio of Movemint with just 50 students, but thanks to their community-centered approach and commitment to high standards, the studio has grown rapidly, now nearing 1,000 students. Meg emphasizes that the studio isn’t just about dance classes – it’s about building a community. She has introduced inclusive programs like adaptive dance for children with special needs and a dance class specific to those living with Parkinson's, ensuring that everyone can experience the joy of movement.

While the studio’s fast growth has been exciting, it has also brought challenges. Meg talks openly about the struggles of balancing an expanding business with her commitment to maintaining a welcoming and high-quality environment. To manage this, she relies on her team, whom she carefully hires to share her vision of inclusivity and excellence. Her passion for giving back to the Fort Worth community is evident through initiatives like “Pink Week” for breast cancer awareness and the “Dancing with Joy” scholarship, which supports students in need. Inspired by a former student, this scholarship is a deeply personal cause for Meg and is on its way to becoming a full non-profit.

Meg also reflects on the partnership with her husband, which has been crucial to balancing the demands of a successful business and family life. Clear communication and teamwork allow them to support one another, especially with a busy household. She speaks about the power of community, highlighting how word of mouth has fueled Studio of Movemint’s growth and reinforced its place in Fort Worth. With a strong commitment to her values and a heart for making dance accessible for everyone, Meg’s story is a powerful example of how passion, community, and inclusivity can transform not just a business, but an entire city. As she puts it, “It’s easy to give back to a city that has given so much to us.”

Don’t miss this inspiring episode that redefines success, as Meg shares her vision of making dance a joyful, welcoming experience for all. 

Also, if you haven't done so already, follow our podcast! You will be the first to know when new episodes release. We would also love for you to leave a review and rate our show. The Speech Source appreciates your feedback and support! Follow here!

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For more information on speech, language, feeding and play - visit The Speech Source Website - https://www.thespeechsource.com/

In this episode of the Speech Source Podcast, hosts Kim and Mary sit down with Sarah Calk, the creative mind behind Sadl's Designs. Sarah shares how her need to a creative outlet sparked a business that has grown alongside her journey as a mom, wife, and full-time professional. From learning to sew with her mom to creating custom pillows for designers and homes in Fort Worth, Sarah’s story beautifully illustrates the balance between creativity and life’s changing seasons.

Sarah began sewing as a creative outlet during the newborn phase with her first son. Wanting to break the monotony of caring for a baby, she called her mom for a sewing lesson, sparking a passion that quickly grew into a business. With no sewing machine or storefront of her own, Sarah started small, using her mom’s machine and selling her first creations at a local market. She emphasizes the importance of beginning where you are and reinvesting profits to grow steadily.

Throughout the episode, Sarah discusses the power of collaboration and community. Partnering with interior designers, artists, and monogrammers has allowed her to expand her business while learning from others. She explains how working with people who share her creative vision makes the process more rewarding. Sarah also touches on setting boundaries, explaining that managing a side hustle while raising a family requires intentional choices. Success, for her, isn’t about doing everything but focusing on what truly matters and staying aligned with personal values.

Sarah’s business journey is a reminder that success isn’t always measured by growth or profit. For her, joy comes from contributing creatively to her family’s life, whether by paying for a vacation or adding beauty to someone’s home. She encourages entrepreneurs to focus on what they can do instead of being overwhelmed by limitations. Staying in her own lane and avoiding unnecessary comparisons has helped her maintain balance and fulfillment.

Sarah reflects on how she loves having her creative outlet as a side hustle rather than a full-time commitment. She explains that not every business needs to grow endlessly and that scaling back has allowed her to rediscover joy in her work. 

Make sure to follow Sarah Calk and Sadl's Designs on Instagram to see her beautiful, custom-made pillows!

Also, if you haven't done so already, follow our podcast! You will be the first to know when new episodes release. We would also love for you to leave a review and rate our show. The Speech Source appreciates your feedback and support! Follow here!

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For more information on speech, language, feeding and play - visit The Speech Source Website - https://www.thespeechsource.com/

In this episode, Kim and Mary interview Sabrina Gebhardt with Sabrina Gebhardt Photography, a talented photographer, educator, and entrepreneur, who shares her journey from corporate America to launching a thriving photography business. Sabrina discusses how she balances motherhood, creative growth, business expansion, and personal well-being, offering valuable insights for aspiring creatives and entrepreneurs.

Sabrina’s passion for photography began early in life, growing up with parents who valued the art form. Her mother captured family moments, while her father focused on landscapes, both of which inspired her love for photography. However, she set the camera aside during college and a corporate career, only to rediscover her passion after the birth of her first child. 

Her journey into photography evolved organically, starting with capturing moments of her children, which soon led to friends requesting photos. Over time, Sabrina turned this passion into a business.

As her photography business grew, she realized the importance of delegating tasks and hired support for administrative work, such as invoicing and editing. Outsourcing allowed her to reclaim joy in her craft while balancing business growth and personal life. This shift in mindset not only enhanced her well-being but also improved the quality of her work.

Eight years into her photography career, Sabrina expanded into education and mentorship, which now forms a significant part of her business including mentorship programs, mastermind courses, retreats, and even launched her podcast, Shoot it Straight. Sabrina’s approach to education is not about teaching others to replicate her style but about empowering creatives to embrace their unique artistic voices.

A key theme throughout Sabrina’s story is her adaptability. She emphasizes the importance of aligning your business with the different seasons of life. As her family’s needs changed, she modified her business to fit those shifts, ensuring she could be present for her children while maintaining a thriving career. This flexibility has been instrumental in her personal and professional success.

Sabrina also touches on the importance of financial planning and legacy building. For her, success is not just about artistic achievement but also about creating a financial foundation for her children’s futures. Drawing on advice from her mother, Sabrina emphasizes the importance of maintaining an identity outside of motherhood. She wants her children to understand that they, too, can create fulfilling lives that align with their passions.

Throughout the conversation, Sabrina stresses that business should be fun and fluid, evolving naturally over time. She encourages entrepreneurs to experiment, take risks, and listen to their intuition when making decisions. By embracing change, setting boundaries, and trusting herself, Sabrina has built a business that supports her creative vision and personal happiness.

Also, if you haven't done so already, follow our podcast! You will be the first to know when new episodes release. We would also love for you to leave a review and rate our show. The Speech Source appreciates your feedback and support! Follow here!

Follow Kim and Mary on IG here! - https://www.instagram.com/thespeechsource/
For more information on speech, language, feeding and play - visit The Speech Source Website - https://www.thespeechsource.com/

In this episode, Kim and Mary interview the talented Katie Murray of "Katie Paintbrush," an artist, muralist, and teacher who's made a name for herself both locally in Fort Worth and nationally. Katie shares her journey from a passion for art that began as early as kindergarten to eventually establishing her own business, working on stunning murals and curating art projects.

Katie’s career path is full of twists and turns. She initially studied fashion merchandising, then switched to architecture before eventually earning her degree in graphic design. Her love for art, combined with her fascination for geometry, played a significant role in shaping her creative style. Despite working in graphic design and teaching, it wasn't until her friends in real estate encouraged her to paint murals that she discovered the unique niche in the city of Fort Worth. Creating the “Dream On, Dreamer” mural snowballed into multiple mural projects around Fort Worth. She also speaks about her work as a curator and how much she enjoyed collaborating with other artists, helping to make art more accessible and exciting in her community.

Katie's creative process involves a lot of intentional thought. Whether she's working on murals, portraits, or large-scale installations, she draws on her background in architecture and graphic design to create visually striking, meaningful pieces. One of her most intensive projects was a mural installation for an architectural trade show in Chicago, where she incorporated unique elements like screws, glass, and Legos to create a stunning impressionistic piece.

Throughout the episode, Katie reflects on the balance between being a business owner and an artist. She candidly shares her struggles with burnout and the constant demand of freelance work but also highlights the joy and satisfaction of working on projects that align with her artistic vision. She emphasizes the importance of art not just as a form of personal expression but as something that can inspire and beautify the community.

From managing clients and projects to finding ways to stay true to her style, Katie’s story is an inspiring example of how following your passion can lead to incredible success, both personally and professionally.

Also, if you haven't done so already, follow our podcast! You will be the first to know when new episodes release. We would also love for you to leave a review and rate our show. The Speech Source appreciates your feedback and support! Follow here!

Follow Kim and Mary on IG here! - https://www.instagram.com/thespeechsource/
For more information on speech, language, feeding and play - visit The Speech Source Website - https://www.thespeechsource.com/