Private Practice Success Stories

Feeling “too young” to start a private practice? My guest today is proof that success in private practice is doable for anyone thinking about it!Today I’m talking with Aurora Baraiolo, SLP and founder of Aurora B's Communication Device Evaluations & SLP Services. Since joining the Start Your Private Practice program in August 2024, Aurora has built a robust caseload while balancing her doctoral studies and growing her AAC-focused private practice that serves both Rhode Island and Massachusetts.The best part is, Aurora only works three and a half days each week! She is doing what she loves, earning a great income, and finding time for rest and recharging her batteries. In this episode, Aurora shares the steps she took to start her private practice, how she grew her caseload, and how private practice has given her the flexibility she’s always dreamed of.Aurora Baraiolo is from Massachusetts. She attended Emerson College for graduate school and completed her clinical fellowship in a well-known pediatric

Do you want to build a private practice around your passions, but aren’t sure what that could look like? This episode will help you see that anything is possible!Today I am joined by Ellen Lettrich, SLP and founder of The Performer’s Lab based in Richmond, Virginia. I got to know Ellen in the Grow Your Private Practice Program and have been blown away by her ability to combine her background in musical theater with speech-language pathology. In this episode, Ellen shares how she found her calling through voice therapy and what it looks like to build a practice that doesn’t fit the traditional mold.Ellen Lettrich is an educator, SLP, theater vocal coach, and dog mom. In addition to her practice, she is the founder of The Fund for College Auditions & MTCA (Musical Theater College Auditions).In Today's Episode, We Discuss:Ellen’s passion for musical theater and how it changed her college pathDiscovering speech-language pathology, and specifically, voice therapyCreating a practice to fit her multi-passio

If you feel like you’re being called to a dream that seems too big, I know this episode will inspire you to move forward!  My guest today is Anne Tarwater, an SLP of 12 years and founder of iShine Pediatric Therapy Clinic in Boerne, Texas. Anne is dedicated to creating a nurturing and supportive environment where children can grow, learn new skills, and gain independence. I got to know Anne in the Grow Your Private Practice Program. In addition to her amazing practice, she is opening a preschool specifically designed for children with disabilities. In this episode, Anne shares how she got into SLP, the mindset that pushes her to take real steps toward her ambitions, and how her practice and other dream projects are improving her community and family life. Before opening her own pediatric therapy clinic, Anne spent seven years working in Boerne ISD, where she was a key member of the preschool program for children with disabilities assessment team. This experience strengthened her commi

If you want to start a private practice but feel held back by fear or uncertainty, this episode is for you!Joining me today is Gaella Doutis, a speech-language pathologist and the founder of Speech Box in Las Vegas. After starting through the Start Your Private Practice Program, Gaella found the confidence and support she needed to take the leap and start her practice. In this episode, Gaella shares her journey of overcoming self-doubt and imposter syndrome to build a thriving private practice and also expand into special education tutoring. Gaella Doutis is a licensed speech-language pathologist in Nevada and a member of the American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA). She has been providing speech therapy for individuals with autism spectrum disorder, ADHD/ADD, learning and intellectual disability, cognitive communication disorders, speech sound disorders and developmental delay for 11 years. Gaella obtained her master's degree in special education at Concordia University in Portland,

If you’ve wanted to start a private practice while navigating another job or learn more about serving bilingual clients, don’t miss out on this episode! Joining me today is Esmeralda Sánchez, a bilingual and bicultural native Spanish-speaking Speech-Language Pathologist located in Chicago.  She is the founder of Bilingual and Brilliant Speech Therapy LLC.Esmeralda joined the Start Your Private Practice program in 2023 and began building her own caseload, starting with four private-pay clients. As her business grew, she transitioned into the Grow Your Private Practice Program to scale her practice further.In this episode, Esmeralda shares why she decided to start her own private practice and talks about her experiences in becoming a mother and struggling to find bilingual services for her own son.Esmeralda Sanchez has twelve years of experience in early intervention, public schools, and private practice. She earned dual Bachelor’s degrees in Speech-Language Pathology and Spanish from Saint Xavier Uni

The future of private practice is here! It’s time to leave the traditional private practice behind and build a lifestyle private practice instead.Over the last few years, I’ve seen many clinicians grow a private practice in a traditional way that ultimately turns into a job they want to escape.  I’m excited to share that there is a different way to build a practice. It involves creating a business and practice around your life (and not the other way around!).In this episode, I’m sharing what a lifestyle private practice is and how it leads to better profitability and sustainability and allows you to live the life you imagined as a private practice owner.In Today's Episode, We Discuss:Why more clients and staff don’t always equal growthWhat is a lifestyle private practice?The three pillars of a lifestyle private practiceMore about my new program and where to get more informationDon't make the mistake of creating a job you’ll one day try to escape. Let's build you a private practice that you're excited abo

If you want to offer private pay packages in your future or existing private practice to better serve your clients (and yourself!), tune in to this episode!Today I’m talking with SLP Lauren Thompson, owner of Well-Fed Feeding and Swallowing Therapy in Londonderry, New Hampshire. I’ve loved watching Lauren flourish after going through our programs and I’m so excited for her to share the one thing that has recently transformed her business.In this episode, Lauren shares how transitioning to private pay packages helps her balance accessibility for her clients and sustainability for her business.Lauren Thompson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, is a Speech-Language Pathologist, Certified Lactation Counselor, and the owner of Well Fed Feeding and Swallowing Therapy. Lauren founded Well Fed to offer families expert, evidence-based feeding support—without the red tape of insurance delays or the frustration of waitlists stretching for months.Realizing that simply being out of network wasn’t enough to distinguish her practice from t

Do you want to run the private practice in the personalized way you’ve always dreamed of? Today’s guest was once just like you and is now truly living her dream!I’m joined today by Kristen Weitz, SLP and owner of Neurokids Therapy in Folsom, California. I got to know Kristen as she worked through the Start Your Private Practice Program. Since then, she and her practice have truly taken off!In this episode, Kristen reflects on her engaging therapy sessions as a child, what pushed her to start her own practice,  and how she’s established a successful practice that is a dream come true.Kristen Weitz has been an SLP for over 16 years. She knew she wanted to be an SLP by the time she was 7 years old. Early on, she worked mostly in private practices (leadership & management), in hospitals, and taught at the undergrad and graduate levels. After growing tired of red tape and dealing with dissatisfaction at work, she finally took the leap and started her very own practice.In Today's Episode, We Discuss:The mo

Can you imagine having the flexibility in your career to take a month-long vacation with your family? This is the reality for today’s guest thanks to her private practice that practically runs itself. After working in the schools and feeling like the traditional system was not the right fit for her, Britt Meropoulis decided to explore private practice and started taking on clients. I got to know Britt in the Grow Your Private Practice Program. She’s since built up a thriving practice and business, Dream Pediatric Services, that serves her clients, family, and passions.In this episode, Britt shares how she started and grew her private practice and how she continues to grow her career around her passions and values.Britt Meropoulis has been an SLP in Edmonton, AB, for 10 years and is a busy mom to two little girls. After completing her graduate studies in Sydney, Australia, she returned home and gradually built her private practice, transitioning from part-time client work to a full-time clinic. Today

If you want to transition into private practice in a way that aligns with your true passion and lifestyle, you will love this episode’s guest! Christina Noon went from a career in musical theater to now owning a private practice as an SLP. Going through the Start Your Private Practice Program gave her the guidance and confidence to launch a business that included her passion for music.In this episode, Christina discusses how her background in performing arts shaped her love for communication and language, and led her to pivot into speech therapy.Christina Noon is an SLP, founder of Happy Talk Song and Sign, and private practice owner of Noon Speech Therapy. She lives outside of Buffalo NY with her husband and two girls. Before SLP, Christina received a degree in music theater and performed professionally for 5 years. Christina is a neurospicy therapist who strives to bring more joy, creativity, and fun into everything she does. In Today's Episode, We Discuss:Christina’s struggle to find a traditiona

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 practiceRecogn

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 AS

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 Comm

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 beJena’s favorite “F” words of private practice that will change your lifeWhat 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 star

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 lifeThe 5 myths holding you back and why they’re completely untrueCase studies from students whose lives have changed through private practiceRemember, 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.independent

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 practiceHer advice to those who keep putti

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 economyThe cost of DIYing your business instead of using a proven solutionTracking business metrics and why it’s as important as tracking patient progressWhat happens when you automate your workflows and set systems in placeHow stream stacking sets your business up for sustainable income Wh

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 changeHow much I made when I started seeing clients on the sideStories from my students who have gained more freedom (and money!) through private practiceSo 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 th

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 educationUnrealistic expectations SLPs develop in graduate schoolThe importance of understanding personal va

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 practic