Private Practice Success Stories

What if your private practice could finally give you the money, freedom, and balance you’ve always wanted—without the endless hustle or burnout?That’s exactly what today’s guest, Ellie Richter, created for herself. Ellie is the owner of The Essential Teletherapist, and she’s transformed her career from driving all over town for clients to running a thriving telepractice on her own terms.Ellie has been an SLP since 2010, working primarily as a bilingual therapist in nonprofits. In 2022, she decided to step away from traditional roles and test out private practice with just a handful of clients. By 2024, she went all in—rebranding, creating clear systems, and designing a practice that aligned with her values and family’s needs.At first, Ellie took any client she could, driving around for home visits. But as a mom and primary parent, the stress of being on the road was unsustainable. Around the same time, health challenges within her family pushed her to rethink her income, schedule, and priorities.With support

What if you could combine your passion for helping people with the freedom to serve the clients you love most? That’s exactly what Anne Quirk discovered when she launched True Self Speech Therapy in Providence, Rhode Island.Anne is a speech-language pathologist specializing in neurological conditions, voice disorders, and gender-affirming voice therapy. After years in nonprofits and hospitals, she began craving more balance, control, and the chance to serve her ideal clients.With encouragement from colleagues, Anne took the leap into private practice. Now she helps stroke survivors communicate again, supports transgender clients in finding affirming voices, and has built a thriving caseload through word-of-mouth referrals.In this episode, you’ll hear how Anne has embraced the flexibility of private practice to shape a career that truly reflects her values. By expanding her team and creating resources like her newsletter, News for the Affirming SLP, she’s found ways to support both her clients and her family—w

What if the career you thought you’d never leave ended up being the springboard into something even better? That’s exactly what happened to Amanda Smith, who turned years of hospital experience into her own private practice, Lasting Language Therapy Services, in Woodstock, Georgia.Amanda is a speech-language pathologist specializing in adults with neurological conditions. After starting her career in a large neuro clinic outside of Atlanta, she built a reputation for her clinical skills and strong professional network. Amanda loved her work in hospital systems and juggled multiple PRN roles for years. But when her child struggled in public school, she knew she needed more control over her schedule and income to better support her family.At first, the idea of private practice felt intimidating—especially the business side. But after joining the Start Your Private Practice Program, Amanda realized she could use her existing clinical skills and professional connections to take the leap. Within weeks of signing u

What if the hardest moment in your life became the spark that pushed you to finally follow your dream? That’s what happened for Andrea Gingras, who turned loss, burnout, and a desire for freedom into the driving force behind her private practice, Love Without Words: Speech Therapy, in Concord, California.Andrea is a speech-language pathologist who has always loved working with kids. After years in schools, nonprofits, and private practices, she found herself burned out by compliance-heavy approaches and the daily grind of long hours away from her family.When a former client’s family reached out to tell Andrea that their son Ben — who had inspired her early passion for strength-based, child-led communication was entering hospice, something shifted. Love Without Words was born — a name and mission inspired directly by Ben. With the support of the Start Your Private Practice Program, Andrea learned the logistics of setting up her business.Today, Andrea creates her own schedule, chooses the clients she wants to s

What if starting private practice this fall could change your career — without quitting your job?This episode is all about why fall is the perfect time to start seeing private clients. Many clinicians have been thinking about private practice for months or even years, but something keeps holding them back: timing, confidence, or clarity.In today’s podcast, I’m sharing 5 reasons why fall is the absolute best time to start building your private practice, even if you’re still working your regular job — and I can tell you this: starting small now can create massive momentum by spring.In Today's Episode, We Discuss: Why fall is a strategic season to launch your practiceHow parents and teachers are actively seeking supportWays to start small without quitting your jobHow to build an exit strategy on your termsHere’s what I want you to remember: you don’t have to wait for “perfect timing” or “someday.” Every month you hesitate is a month you could have been building income, confidence, and freedom. Starting smal

What if the very thing you think will burn you out… is actually the thing that saves your career?Burnout is everywhere in our field. And here’s the hard truth: burnout is the single greatest threat to you staying in this profession — the very profession you spent years of your life and tens of thousands of dollars in grad school to join.That’s why today’s episode is such an important one. We’re talking about how private clients aren’t the cause of burnout — they’re actually the path out of it.So many SLPs and OTs believe that adding private clients would just stretch them thinner. But here’s the truth: it’s not the therapy that’s exhausting you — it’s the system. Overloaded caseloads, endless paperwork, lack of flexibility, and feeling undervalued are what’s draining you.Instead of running on empty, you finally get to create a career that fuels you, both personally and professionally.Inside the Start Your Private Practice Program, I’ve seen this transformation over and over again. So many students came in rea

What if starting your own private practice meant more time with your kids, a healthier work-life balance, and the freedom to create a career that truly fits your values? That’s exactly what today’s guest, Erin West, set out to do and her journey is going to inspire you.Today I’m introducing you to Erin West, a speech-language pathologist and the owner of Wildflowers Pediatric Therapy in Bradenton, Florida. Erin has been in the field for over 15 years, specializing in pediatrics, feeding, AAC, and neurodiversity-affirming care.She joined the Start Your Private Practice Program and has since built a thriving practice that allows her to be present for her two children while also serving her community in a way that aligns with her values.Although Erin loved her hospital job and the colleagues she worked with, she found herself increasingly drained by the demands of the environment. As a highly sensitive person and single mom, she needed more balance and flexibility to pour into both her clients and her kids.That’

What if going to work was as easy as opening up your computer? From your office, home, or even somewhere more exotic? Today’s guest is using teletherapy to work from Mexico, and I can’t wait for you to hear her story!I’m reintroducing you to Samantha Rothman, an occupational therapist and one of the amazing coaches inside the Grow Your Private Practice Program. Samantha is the owner and founder of her private practice, Play and Purpose, based in Phoenix, Arizona.Switching to teletherapy was key in helping Samantha create a lifestyle practice that fits her wants and dreams. She is able to meet with clients and work poolside in Mexico with her dog! In this episode, Samantha discusses how switching to teletherapy helps her better serve her clients, maintain her mental health, and enjoy more freedom to do what she wants.Samantha Rothman is a licensed and board-certified pediatric occupational therapist and DIR Floortime provider. She holds a Bachelors of Science in Community Health and a Masters of Science i

Have you wondered if it’s possible to launch your private practice sooner than planned? Today’s guest will encourage you to trust your gut and go for it! Joining me is Laura D’Surney, SLP and owner of Play on Words Speech Therapy, her private practice just outside of Richmond, VA. Laura, an alum of the Start Your Private Practice Program, was hit with the curveball of losing her job shortly after returning from her honeymoon! She chose to go all in and launch her practice, despite not feeling as ready as she’d planned. In this episode, Laura shares how she turned her unexpected job loss into a thriving practice and offers tips for setting boundaries and marketing as a small business owner.Laura D'Surney is a licensed speech pathologist and private practice owner of Play on Words Speech Therapy. She currently provides mobile speech, language, and reading services to the Richmond, VA area. She also develops and sells speech therapy materials on TPT and has provided professional development for other S

Are you worried that starting a private practice will be too much work and take you away from your family life? Today’s guest is proof that you can build a career on your own terms and make it work for you!Joining me is Ricki Klein, someone I’ve actually known for a while! Ricki is an SLP, mom, and owner of Kid Speak Easy, her private practice in Sudbury, Massachusetts. Ricki left the workplace during the pandemic as her young family experienced a lot of change. After constantly giving out free advice at the park, Ricki realized she missed working and wanted to figure out a way to dip her toe back into clinical work. In this episode, Ricki shares how she created a private practice that is professionally fulfilling, fits her family’s needs and schedule, and gives her the balance that so many family-oriented SLPs are searching for.Ricki Klein is licensed in the state of Massachusetts and holds a certificate of clinical competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. She graduated fro

Wondering how you can market to medical private practices?In this episode of Private Practice Success Stories, I spoke with Meaghan Arnold, a speech-language pathologist with an adult and geriatric-focused private practice in Tyler, Texas. She began her career working in skilled nursing facilities and home health and quickly realized the need for continued care. This prompted Meaghan to start her own private practice in 2020. We discuss how being passionate about your niche and patient population is key to success. Meaghan shares why she is so passionate about physician and community education and emphasizes the importance of both clinical care and business aspects in running a healthcare practice.Meaghan Arnold is a speech-language pathologist and owner of Speech Swallowing and Neurological Rehabilitation, a private practice in Tyler, Texas. SSNR exclusively serves the adult and geriatric populations across voice, speech, memory, cognition, language, and swallowing deficits. Meaghan received her Ba

Trying private practice may feel scary and uncomfortable, but it’s worth the risk when you consider the alternative: staying stuck in a less-than-ideal (maybe even toxic!) work environment!Joining me today is Kylie Danfelt, SLP and owner of Berry Sweet Speech and Language. Within a year of joining the Start Program, Kylie went from stressful and tear-filled work days, to a full caseload and flexibility to be with her family.In this episode, Kylie shares how she got into private practice, what helped her grow her caseload in a short amount of time, and how she makes a bigger difference in her community without spending more time at work.Kylie Danfelt is nationally certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and state-certified in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and California.  She earned her bachelor’s degree from Bloomsburg University (2017) and her master’s degree from Towson University (2019). She has worked in public schools in both states for the majority of her career. She also bri

How do you know if you’re in the messy middle of private practice growth? In this episode of Private Practice Success Stories, I’m going solo to speak to the people who are in the growth phase of their private practice journey, and not just the beginners. The growth phase starts after you get five private practice clients or more. Why? Because most people can see five private clients on the side of their job relatively easily. However, once you get to five clients and beyond, time becomes tighter and you have to decide whether to stay small or to grow your private practice in terms of more clients, which of course requires more time, but also lets you to be able to do more services. The problem is, some people get stuck there! That’s where I come in. My job as a private practice business coach is to help you get through the messy middle as quickly and easily as possible. So in today's episode, I'm going to be talking about what the messy middle is, how to know when you're there, and i

Do you want to start your private practice, but feel intimidated by the financial aspect of starting a business? This episode is for you!Today I’m joined by Becky Spence, an SLP who made an incredible pivot from owning a thriving private practice to becoming a certified tax advisor specifically for healthcare professionals and small business owners. Becky started her private practice, Achieve Therapy, back in 2014. After business boomed during the pandemic, thanks to her teletherapy, she experienced a bit of sticker shock despite paying estimated taxes throughout the year. She decided to head in a new direction to help SLPs, OTs, and other small business owners understand their finances, maximize tax deductions, and more!In this episode, Becky shares financial tips for setting up your business to thrive financially, including what our community needs to know about tax savings! As a speech-language pathologist turned tax advisor, Becky has a unique perspective on problem-solving and empowering others

If you want a flexible schedule that works with your family’s needs and doesn’t leave you feeling constantly behind, this episode has the answers! My guest’s private practice gives her the freedom to build her career around her family, and not the other way around!Joining me today is Katie LaVoi, SLP and owner of As We Speak, her private practice located in O’Fallon, Missouri. Katie joined the Start Your Private Practice Program after juggling family life and the rigid school schedule at work became too much for her. After doubling her client goal by the end of summer, Katie was able to leave her job at the school and pursue sustainable growth at her practice full-time. She continued through the Grow Program and has built a career she loves!In this episode, Katie shares how she was able to build her private practice one step at a time (even with three kids!) and gain flexibility, balance, and fulfillment at home and at work.Katie LaVoi is a speech language pathologist with 12 years of experience working

If you've been thinking about starting your private practice later in life or after you've worked as an SLP, this episode is for you! Today’s guest proves it’s never too late to make your dreams a reality.Joining me is Christine Zinn, SLP and owner of The Speech School in Las Vegas, Nevada. I’ve known Christine throughout her time in the Start and Grow Your Private Practice Programs and have seen her amazing growth as a clinician and business owner.After going to grad school much later in life than she had planned, and doing some serious soul searching, Christine realized private practice was a way of creating something for herself (instead of for a demanding employer!).In this episode, Christine talks about going to grad school later on in her career and how she found the confidence to build a lifestyle private practice that reflects her professional and personal values.Christine "Miss Chris" Zinn is a pediatric Speech Pathologist in the Las Vegas area. Her practice, The Speech School LLC, focuses on caregiv

Do you want to start a private practice but feel overwhelmed by the logistics or your lack of business knowledge? If so, this episode is for you! Joining me in this episode is Francesca Hernandez, a speech-language pathologist and the proud owner of Chihuahuan Desert Speech Therapy in El Paso, Texas. After filling her schedule with four PRN jobs right out of graduate school, Francesca realized that starting her own practice would give her greater control over her career.Francesca joined the Start Your Private Practice Program in 2022, but waited over a year before actually diving into it. She had the same frustrations with her job that so many SLPs experience, and has not looked back since going through the Start Program!In this episode, Francesca shares how her clinical skills and experience gave her the confidence to slowly build her own business and go into private practice full-time.Francesca was born and raised in El Paso, TX. She attended the University of Texas at El Paso to pursue her undergradua

If you’re tired of feeling underappreciated and held back by the school system, this episode is for you!Joining me today is Kim Willard, SLP and founder of Empower YOU Speech and Language Therapy in Spring Hill, Tennessee. After a new school position did not live up to her expectations following a move, Kim realized something had to change.Kim decided to open her private practice after joining the Start Your Private Practice Program back in 2023, and it’s been amazing to watch her create success on her own terms. In this episode, Kim shares what it's like to run a mobile private practice that reflects her priorities and gives her the job satisfaction she’s always wanted.As a speech therapist with over 18 years of experience and a graduate of stuttering therapy, Kim Willard believes that everyone can become a confident communicator, regardless of their differences. Her practice, Empower YOU, is centered around making speech and language therapy a meaningful and joyful experience for all types of lear

Does the idea of starting a private practice from scratch make it seem too out of reach? If this is you, you’ll love this episode!Joining me today is Hayley Hughston, SLP and founder of Honey Speech Therapy Services in Vidalia, Georgia. I got to know Hayley during her time in the Grow Your Private Practice Program, and it has been so incredible to watch her grow from someone who wasn't even sure if private practice was the right path to now running a full and thriving caseload.In this episode, Hayley shares how she went from feeling overwhelmed and burned out to now loving her life as a confident private practice owner.Hayley Hughston lives in a small town in South Georgia. After spending a few years in various settings, she became more in tune with her strengths, weaknesses, and passions. She realized the only way to truly be happy in her career was to make it her own. At 29 years old, this meant starting her own business so she could focus on the passions that make her a better therapist. Her prac

If you've been feeling stuck, stretched thin, or dreaming of finally starting your private practice, then this episode is your summer nudge!Stop waiting for the perfect time, it’s already here! You don’t need to quit your job, you just need a plan! And that’s exactly what I’m talking about today.In this episode, I’m talking about why summer is the best time to start seeing private clients and what you need to put in place now to make it happen.In Today's Episode, We Discuss:Why summer is the best time to start your private practiceWhat you need (and don’t need) to get startedMy free 3-day training series taking place in MayWhen fall comes around, I don’t want you to be filled with the usual dread. This is your time to build your dream practice, and I am here to help you! To register for my free 3-day training, See Clients This Summer, head over to planyourprivatepractice.com.Resources Mentioned: Want to see clients this summer? Join our free, 3-day training series: www.PlanYourPrivatePractice.comWhe