The Speech Source

In this epside, hosts Kim and Mary welcom Jena Castro-Casbon, a speech therapist with her own private practice and creator of the Start Your Private Practice and Grow Your Private Practice programs. Jena shares her journey into the field of speech therapy, initially inspired by her father's experiences with stuttering and his positive feedback about speech therapy.  Despite her early aspirations to become an FBI agent, this personal connection led her to pursue speech pathology, and eventually creating The Independent Clinician. 

Jena credits her father's business mind for sparking her entrepreneurial spirit, leading her to start her own practice shortly after becoming certified. She developed educational programs to fill the gap in resources available for speech therapists looking to start and grow their private practices. Her initiatives, which began as an ebook, have evolved into comprehensive online courses assisting thousands of students across the country.

Jena also discusses how her programs have expanded to include occupational therapists (OTs), ensuring the content is inclusive for various disciplines. She emphasizes the importance of staying current with industry changes and integrating these lessons into her teachings.

Jena highlights the challenges of insurance and reimbursements in healthcare, advocating for creative financing options like school contracts and state-funded grants. Her programs provide structured mentorship, offering real-world advice from experienced practitioners to those new to private practice.

She stresses the importance of robust legal and financial structures to protect and sustain private practices and strongly advocates for business education as essential to professional development in speech therapy.

We end this info-packed conversation with Jena sharing inspiring stories of the people she's mentored, underscoring the transformative impact of proper guidance in building successful private practices.

This episode is a must listen if you are ready to dip your toe into private practice or if you are ready to grow and multiply your practice!

Important Links:

Jena's Website - The Independent Clinician

Follow Jena on Instagram - Independentclinician

Start Your Private Practice Program

Grow Your Private Practice Program 

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 talk with Rachael Baethge as she shares how she created a flexible and sustainable business model that accommodates her roles as a mom and a speech therapist. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing personal and professional limits to avoid burnout, ensuring she remains effective in all her roles—business owner, mom, and speech therapist. Rachael highlights the value of sustainable growth over rapid expansion, accepting that not all goals need to be achieved immediately.

Transitioning from contracting in schools to starting her own business  (Texas Speech Mom) and later a private practice gave Rachael more control over her schedule and activities. She leverages platforms like Instagram and Pinterest effectively to market her products, maintaining engagement through authenticity rather than chasing trends. Rachael discusses adapting her product offerings in response to changes in market demands and consumer behavior, ensuring her products remain relevant and in demand. Despite changes in social media algorithms, she focuses on cultivating relationships with her audience to keep her business relevant.

Rachael's business activities are closely integrated with her personal life, allowing her to manage her roles as a single mom and entrepreneur effectively. She underscores the value of having a supportive community of fellow entrepreneurs and how this network has helped her navigate personal and professional challenges. She shares her approach to creating engaging, useful products for speech therapists, focusing on quality and practicality to ensure long-term usability. Rachael reflects on the journey of balancing entrepreneurship with personal life, emphasizing the importance of taking things slow to build a lasting and fulfilling business. She advocates for knowing one's limits and working within them to maintain health and happiness across all aspects of life.

Rachael's story is a great and encouraging example of how understanding one's limits and focusing on sustainable growth can lead to a successful business that complements personal life's demands.  We really enjoyed getting to know Rachael and are so excited to share her knowledge and resources! 

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 podcast episode, hosts Kim and Mary talk with Sydney Bassard, known as The Listening SLP, who shares her intriguing journey from a public health undergraduate to a successful speech therapist and entrepreneur. Sydney discusses her initial career aspiration in pharmacy, which shifted after a impactful summer at a literacy center. This experience, combined with her brother's ADHD and dyslexia diagnosis, steered her towards speech-language pathology.  Sydney's professional path was notably marked by her significant involvement in research and a key role on a cochlear implant team at a children's hospital, before she returned to her hometown, Charlotte, North Carolina, to embrace entrepreneurship.

Sydney’s venture, The Listening SLP, was born out of a desire to make health information accessible online, empowering individuals to make informed health decisions. This stemmed from experience and understanding of public health prior to going into the field of speech pathology.  She elaborates on the challenges of practicing in multiple states, the differences in licensing requirements, and the potential benefits of an interstate compact. Sydney emphasizes a holistic understanding of language and literacy over strict adherence to specific programs, advocating for adaptable approaches tailored to individual needs.

Throughout the episode, Sydney also discusses her engagement with the public through platforms like Instagram and her blog, where she combines professional insights with personal engagement. She reveals her ongoing projects, including a children's book inspired by her own childhood, "A Day With Mom," and stresses the importance of self-love and resilience in professional life. Sydney's focused experience with literacy as an SLP, working closely with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing population, her background in speaking and engaging audiences and her desire to share her resources and services in as many areas as possible has made her a force in our field!  This episode is not just a narrative of professional achievement but also of personal growth and innovative engagement in speech-language pathology.

For more information about Sydney and her services, check out her website, The Listening SLP, here.

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 of the Speech Source Podcast, hosts Mary Brezik and Kim Dillon, interview SLP Erin Larson, the dynamic force behind Speech Tea. Erin shares her fascinating journey from aspiring pharmacist to passionate speech therapist. 

Erin's career took shape in a private practice setting, where she faced the challenge of working at a new, under-resourced location. This experience spurred her creativity, leading her to start making her own materials and eventually putting her creations on her own Teachers Pay Teachers Page. Through hard work and dedication, Erin built a successful TPT store, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, originality, and customer experience. She discusses how branding and repeat buyers have played a crucial role in her success and highlights the transition from social media marketing to the critical role of an email list.

Balancing work and family life, Erin transitioned to early intervention settings, finding joy and flexibility in working with the birth-to-three age group.

Erin's resource creation process is driven by customer needs and her passion for delivering high-quality materials. She offers insights into pricing strategies, the benefits of bundling products, and occasional sales to attract buyers while maintaining the value of her resources. Additionally, she emphasizes continuous learning and collaboration with other SLPs as key components of her business strategy.  With this thought process, she created The Speech Therapy Toolbox, a comprehensive membership library of pediatric speech therapy tools. 

To share her extensive knowledge, Erin developed an early intervention course, Early Intervention Academy for SLPs.  She invested in Amy Porterfield's Digital Course Academy to help walk her step by step through the process. She explains her decision not to seek ASHA CEUs, focusing on providing valuable content that meets professional development requirements without the additional costs.

We learned so much talking with Erin in this episode.  Her dedication to creating valuable resources and fostering a collaborative community offers invaluable insights for SLPs and aspiring entrepreneurs alike. 

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/

Kim and Mary get to sit down for a second time for insight, ideas, tips and laughs with the incredible Lindsey Hockel, SLP and founder of Speechy Things.  We've had her on previously to talk about all things "R," but this time she talks us through how she went from her clinical fellowship to digital resource and course creator and niching down in the field of speech pathology.

The Path to Speechy Things: Lindsey’s journey began almost by chance. Initially a clinical fellow at a clinic, the idea for "Speechy Things" popped into her mind one night, leading to the creation of a blog and later, a TPT (Teachers Pay Teachers) store. Lindsey shares the evolution of her blog into a thriving business platform, emphasizing how accidental beginnings can lead to purposeful futures.

Turning Passion into Profit: As Lindsey’s engagement with her TPT store deepened, her entrepreneurial spirit took flight. She discusses the shift from treating it as a side hustle to recognizing it as a full-fledged business. Her focus narrowed down to specializing in the 'R' sound, a niche that drastically boosted her business's profile and effectiveness.

Building a Business While Balancing Life: Lindsey speaks candidly about the challenges of managing a growing business, being a mother, and maintaining personal well-being. She highlights the importance of setting boundaries to prevent work from consuming her life, especially after the birth of her daughter.

Marketing Insights: Despite the competitive landscape, Lindsey focuses heavily on Instagram for outreach, advocating for a platform-focused approach to marketing. She believes in the power of persistence and staying true to one's unique offerings rather than getting lost in comparison.

Networking and Collaboration: Lindsey credits much of her growth to networking with other SLPs and engaging in collaborations, which have expanded her reach and brought diversity to her business activities.

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Highlighting the importance of continuous learning and adapting, Lindsey recommends resources like Amy Porterfield’s podcasts and courses to help new entrepreneurs navigate the business landscape effectively.

Tools of the Trade: Lindsey utilizes tools like Asana for project management and Calendly for scheduling to streamline operations and keep her business organized.

Lindsey's story is a testament to the potential within the SLP community for entrepreneurial growth. Her blend of professional tips and personal anecdotes provides invaluable insights for any SLP looking to explore the business side of their profession. Whether you're an established SLP or just starting out, Lindsey’s journey offers motivation and practical advice for transforming passion into a sustainable business.

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/

This episode will have you captivated, motivated and in awe!  Kim and Mary feature Barbara Fernandes, an SLP, author, CEO of Smarty Ears and Smarty Symbols, advocate, and educator.  To say she has taken her business and created something so unique and on her own terms is an understatement.  She is a testament that staying true to who you are and on the path that you believe in will create a life full of joy and meaning.  

Barbara's educational journey began in Brazil, where she pursued speech-language pathology. She moved to the US as part of an exchange program at Temple University, focusing on Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), and completed her education in Philadelphia. During this time she mastered learning Spanish and English simultaneously as she was finishing her graduate studies.  She then relocated to Texas for a master's program emphasizing bilingual education, setting the stage for her later entrepreneurial ventures.

Barbara started her professional career in Texas public schools, catering mainly to Spanish-speaking students. This job was particularly challenging as she had not experienced the American school system as a child in Brazil. Her transition into entrepreneurship was sparked by a practical need to improve her teaching tools, leading to the development of her first app. This initiative grew into Smarty Ears, a company that now offers over 70 educational products. She managed to cover her initial app development through personal savings and gradually expanded her business without a formal marketing team, relying on direct educational efforts and word of mouth.

Initially interested in focusing on voice therapy in Brazil and working with famous singers, Barbara's career path took a significant turn when she moved to the US and landed in the world of AAC. Throughout the episode, she shares insights into the organic growth of her business, from solving immediate practical needs with basic apps to developing a comprehensive web platform integrating all her apps. She also discusses the process of creating an app, highlighting the increasing complexity and the different elements involved as her business expands.

Barbara's entrepreneurial philosophy emphasizes authenticity and aligning business practices with personal values. She advocates for the use of high-quality, modern visual aids in special education, which led her to start her second company, Smarty Symbols, to provide updated visual resources for SLPs. Her story highlights the importance of adapting and innovating in response to market needs and personal experiences, including her perspective on why the special education industry seems to be lagging behind in technology.

She also shares her views on how SLPs should be using AI, stressing the importance of understanding its capabilities and limitations to enhance their practices effectively. Barbara's approach to business and decision-making often involves taking steps without fully knowing the process, a reflection of her dynamic and intuitive management style. This has also influenced how she organizes her teams, deciding when to bring people on based on the evolving needs of her projects.

Barbara believes strongly in the value of self-awareness and authenticity, encouraging others to learn who they are to better understand what they want to do. This philosophy has shaped her business practices and her advice to others in the field. The size of her teams varies depending on the project, illustrating her flexible approach to business management.

This episode illustrates Barbara Fernandes's journey as a blend of adaptation, innovation, and the pursuit of passion in the field of speech-language pathology. Her experiences underscore the challenges and opportunities for SLPs transitioning into business ownership, providing valuable insights for current and aspiring SLP&

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, hosts Mary Brezik and Kim Dillon discuss all things AAC, podcasting (The Speechie Side Up Podcast), presenting and more with guest Venita Litvack, a speech therapist and entrepreneur. Venita details her progression in specializing in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and her eventual roles including an AAC consultant (where she helped numerous SLPs get insurance approvals for devices) and an assistive technology specialist. She shares her experiences in private practice, exploring various areas of speech therapy before returning to her passion for AAC.  Venita also discussed co-authoring a book focused on social stories and the acceptance of differences in children, her deep engagement with podcasting which she finds fulfilling in providing value through courses, trainings, and events for SLPs, and the significant role a business coach has played in her professional life.

Venita highlights her journey in starting Tassel and the lengthy process to become a CEU provider for the American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA), and emphasizing the necessity of perseverance in podcasting to eventually profit from it. Venita's development of interviewing skills and her strategic approach to increasing diversity on her podcast by opening guest submissions reflect her commitment to representing diverse client populations. She also discusses the growth of a podcast network, her thoughts on improving podcast organization, and the vital importance of creating efficient systems and processes. Venita reflects on the challenges she faced when starting as an entrepreneur, the distinctions between service-based and product-based businesses, and her reliance on essential subscriptions like Asana, Zapier, and Calendly.

Venita has really taken her experience in the world of speech pathology and crafted a unique and ideal work life that is perfect for her season in life.  She demonstrates the ability to change the dynamic of work as these life seasons and interests change, something that the field of speech pathology is well known for. 

Kim and Mary learned so much in this interview with Venita and know listeners will walk away with both encouragement and knowledge.

Check out Venita's website and her IG Account!
The Speechie Side Up Podcast
The Speechie Side Up YouTube Channel
Tassel Courses and Information

Ohter subscriptions Venita loves:
Calendly
Asana
Zapier

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/

SLP Annie Gist joins us this week to share her remarkable journey from an employee to a proud owner of the speech therapy practice, Play on Words.  After working for a private practice for several years, Annie was staying home with her 2 little girls and living the mom life when she found herself in a position as a single mom needing to bring in income.  Annie shares about the growth from seeing kids in her neighborhood to running a successful brick-and-mortar practice in an old home that offers a curiosity for kids and endless language opportunities.  It's a path that might have blossomed out of necessity, but when in a conversation with Annie you realize there is no mistake in where she has landed.  She has a passion not only for serving kids and their families for speech therapy, but also in creating and guiding a team of employees that are happy and fulfilled.  

Annie delves into her process for hiring therapists, including the interview process and finding the right candidates. She prides herself in taking care of her team and making sure they all feel connected, keeping a close-knit environment through team lunches and closing the office during lunch hours.  She shares her decision-making process around taking insurance and how partnering with a credentialing company helped streamline the process.  

Additionally, Annie talks about her experience participating in the Independent Clinician's Start Your Private Practice course for independent clinicians. She highlights the importance of her admin team, consisting of a receptionist and front office manager, in keeping her practice running smoothly.

We really enjoyed this interview with Annie, so tune in for practical tips and inspiration to pursue your dreams!  Annie is kind, focused and knowledgeable and will leave you smiling as you listen to the interview.  

Check out Annie's website - Play on Words and her IG Account!

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/

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/

Ashley Christensen, an experienced speech language pathologist with a background in educational settings, leveraged her expertise to create My Magic Words Speech Sound Academy, a digital speech course born out of a successful Zoom session.  The name of the program stems from affirmations she would consistently use at the beginning of each speech session with her students, which were a central part of her teaching approach. In episode 6 of our "How I Built My Speech Path Business,"  Ashley shares the comprehensive journey of developing and launching her digital course. She discusses the process of filming content, marketing, and the challenges of re-engaging with social media after years of absence.

The My Magic Words course is designed for parents who want to offer additional speech support strategies or as a primary intervention approach before a speech evaluation.  It's broken down into modules that teach each sound, uses evidence-based approaches and offers a Magic Bag that provides all of the material support a parent or caregiver might need.  Ashley walks us through how she organized her course, the importance of making it affordable for each family, her guarantee for families and the importance of making the process convenient and valuable.  

Ashley highlights the tools and software she finds most useful, particularly for her course creation and website development, and shares her positive experience with a course specifically designed to aid digital course creators called Amy Porterfield's Digital Course Academy. This program helped keep her motivated and accountable throughout the development process. She emphasizes the importance of storytelling in her marketing strategy, sharing about what she has learned by Don Miller's Storybrand.  We also get some great insight into her thoughts on the role of the modern mom in today's society!

Ashely also told us about how her affiliate marketing program functions to broaden the reach of her course. Reflecting on her experience in the process of creating and marketing her course, she shares two significant lessons she has learned:  enjoying the journey and there being enough room at the table for everyone.   

Kim and Mary really enjoyed this conversation with Ashley as she offered practical wisdom and compassionate advice for parents navigating speech therapy, as well as aspiring entrepreneurs across any field.

Check out Ashley's website - My Magic Words and her IG Account!
Ashley's Speech Sound Academy Course

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/

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 our 6th episode of this season's "How I Built My Speech Path Business," Kim and Mary talk to Jenna Rayburn Kirk, a pioneer in the world of digital creation and blogging and owner of Speech Room News. Her story begins in graduate school, with a literacy intervention program that set the stage for her online venture.   Working as an SLP in the schools for many years, Jenna has created hundreds of resources that can be accessed by other speech therapists.  As she shares her experiences, you'll learn how crucial it is to keep publishing and nurturing connections within the SLP community—a powerful testament to the rapidly evolving digital landscape of resource sharing.

Jenna takes us through her process of creating resources that she personally needs for her clients, and then looking at the bigger picture on how that resource can be used for multiple kids by many different speech therapists.  This process has helped her create an online presence which offers much needed resources for therapists all over the world through Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT).  Jenna walks us through pricing resources, getting reviews, building a TPT store, using SEO for her business and website, and how her blog and other platforms generate income.  She also shares her go to subscriptions she couldn't live without for all of her creating processes. 

Jenna currently stays home with her 2 little boys (although she has taken over a maternity leave for a SLP at a school), and runs her Speech Room News business.  This consists of continued digital resource and course creation, blogging, speaking engagements, professional development and more.  She's focused on prioritizing her time with her family and is always open to new ideas and paths this field has to offer. 

You won't want to miss all of the information and details Jenna shares in this episode.  It's truly gold!   

Check out Jenna's website - Speech Room News and her IG Account!

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/

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/