Private Practice Success Stories

What if the thing holding you back from starting your private practice isn't a lack of skills or money, but simply waiting for the "perfect moment" that never comes? Today's guest is proof that confidence doesn't come before you start, it comes from starting. I'm so excited to share her story with you!

I'm introducing you to Rebecca Bequer, a pediatric speech-language pathologist and the founder of Free 2 Be Me Therapy, a private practice serving children and families throughout South Florida. Rebecca specializes in language disorders, autism, social communication, articulation, and AAC, providing services in homes, schools...

What if the job that was burning you out became the push you needed to build something better? Today's guest turned clinic burnout, health struggles, and an intense work environment into the foundation for a thriving mobile practice and she did it with an abundance mindset that completely reframed how she thinks about marketing. I'm so excited to share her story with you!

I'm introducing you to Isabel Swartz, a Speech-Language Pathologist and the founder of Cali Kids Speech Therapy, an in-home pediatric private practice serving children and families throughout the South Bay cities of Los Angeles...

What if the end of one career chapter was actually the beginning of your most fulfilling one yet? Today's guest turned a sudden leadership shakeup into the push she needed to finally bet on herself.

I'm introducing you to Destinee Lopez, a bilingual Speech-Language Pathologist, provides evaluations and services in English and Spanish, and the founder of Find Your Voice Speech Therapy, serving Katy, Texas.

Destinee started her career with an externship in advance voice Center and then moved to Pediatric outpatient rehab. After 2 years in the rehab setting, she moved to the school district...

What if the scariest leap of faith became your greatest freedom? Today's guest turned a grueling commute and a passed-over promotion into a thriving multi-disciplinary clinic, all while raising her kids and earning her MBA. I'm so excited to share her story with you!

I'm introducing you to Tiffany Fairdosi, an SLP with over 13 years of experience and the founder of Kinetic Speech Services, a private speech and OT clinic serving Pearland and the greater Houston area.

Tiffany's career began in skilled nursing and inpatient rehab, where she specialized in stroke rehab and Parkinson's disease...

What if the moment you felt most defeated was actually the push you needed to build something extraordinary? Today's guest turned an ultimatum on her living room couch into a multi-faceted clinic that serves families, schools, and the next generation of SLPs. I'm so excited to share her incredible journey with you!

I'm reintroducing you to Samantha Taylor, a passionate speech-language pathologist, advocate, and the founder of Olive Speech Therapy and the Empowered Parent Network. With over 17 years of experience, Samantha has dedicated her career to empowering families of children with unique needs through expert guidance, strong...

What if the career you trained for didn’t have to feel like a countdown to retirement? Today's guest turned professional dissatisfaction and a family health scare into the motivation she needed to build a private practice that truly serves her life, not the other way around. I'm so excited to share her story with you!

I'm introducing you to Bianca Gizzi Fusco, a certified Speech-Language Pathologist and the founder of BG Speech Therapy, a private practice serving families in Woburn, Massachusetts.

Bianca's path to speech-language pathology wasn't a straight line. She actually started out wa...

What if you could build a private practice that fits your family's needs, gives you the flexibility you crave, and allows you to grow a team of passionate clinicians? Today's guest is doing exactly that, and I can't wait for you to hear her journey!

I'm thrilled to introduce you to Sarah Landry, a speech-language pathologist with 22 years of experience and the founder and owner of Talk Blossom, a speech therapy practice serving families across the Treasure Valley in Meridian, Idaho.

In this episode, Sarah shares how she went from saying “never” and doubting herself to c...

What if you could start your private practice with just one client and let it grow naturally from there? No massive leap of faith, no expensive brick-and-mortar lease just one step at a time. Today’s guest is doing exactly that, and I can’t wait for you to hear her story!

I’m so excited to introduce you to Becca Vilsaint, a speech-language pathologist and the owner and founder of Clear Therapy Connections, based in Greenville, South Carolina. Becca has been a student of my Start Your Private Practice program, and I’ve had the privilege of watch...

What if you could trade the burnout of the school system for a flexible schedule, a slower pace, and time to actually enjoy your work? Today's guest did exactly that and her story is proof that it's never too late to design a career that truly fits you.

I'm so excited to introduce you to Heather Danielkiewicz, a speech-language pathologist and the founder of Momma D. SLP, based in Plainwell, Michigan. Heather is also a member of our Next Level program, and let me tell you, her energy, her heart, and her clinical expertise are absolutely inspiring.<...

What if the worst career news you've ever received turned out to be the push you needed to build the career you actually deserve? Today's guest took an unexpected layoff right before the holidays and turned it into the flexible, fulfilling private practice she never knew she wanted. I can't wait for you to hear her story!

I'm thrilled to introduce you to Megan Jimeno, a seasoned Speech-Language Pathologist with 23 years of clinical expertise spanning both adult and pediatric populations. She is the owner and founder of Winsome Speech, a mobile private practice based in Spokane, Washington.<...

What if your biggest setback became your greatest catalyst for growth? Today's guest turned a traumatic brain injury into a turning point that transformed her private practice and her life. I'm so excited to share her story with you!

I'm introducing you to Karissa Gussmann, a certified Speech-Language Pathologist and the founder of Speech Pathways of St. Johns, a private speech and occupational therapy clinic serving Jacksonville and St. Johns, Florida.

Since becoming an SLP in 2011, Karissa has dedicated her career to helping children, teens, adults, and families discover the power of communication. With a...

What if you could build a private practice that fits your life and not the other way around? Today’s guest is using her private practice to see medically complex clients of all ages on her own terms. And her story might just be the push you’ve been waiting for.

I’m excited to introduce you to Carly Kloack, a speech-language pathologist and the owner and founder of Climbing Mountains Therapies in Denver, Colorado.

Carly has specialized interests and experience in medically complex therapeutic services for feeding, swallowing, neurodevelopment, speech, language, and cognitive-communication. She has wo...

What if you could build a private practice that actually fights burnout instead of causing it? Today’s guests are doing just that, and they're serving adults in the process.

I'm thrilled to introduce you to Jane Hohman and Josie Friedman, two speech-language pathologists and co-owners of Comprehensive Communication Partners, PLLC, based in the Chicagoland area.

Switching from hospital systems to private practice was the key that unlocked not just better care for their patients, but also better lives for themselves. Jane and Josie now see clients in their homes, in a shared clinic space, an...

What if you could choose exactly which days you work, which clients you see, and even when you’re home for your kids after school? Today’s guest did exactly that.

I’m thrilled to introduce you to Heidi Miller, a speech-language pathologist and the founder of HMS & Associates in New Jersey. Heidi has built a boutique, multi-location private practice known for its highly specialized, relationship-driven care with clinics in Florham Park, Park Ridge, and most recently Oakland.

But here’s what makes her story so different: She didn’t start with a grand vision of multipl...

What if insurance billing didn’t keep you up at night? What if you had a billing partner who actually taught you the process – instead of just sending claims into a black box? Today’s guests are here to show you exactly how that works, and I’m so excited for you to hear their story.

I’m introducing you to Rebecca Ingram Rowe and Sarah Morris. Rebecca has been a Speech Language Pathologist for 16 years and has owned her private practice, ACT Therapy Services, for ten years. Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, ACT provides neurodiversity-affirming speech and occupa...

For so many clinicians, the dream of starting a private practice feels like something you do “one day.” But what if that day could be today – without quitting your job, without burning out, and without turning your life upside down?

Today’s guest is Anaya Ruiz, a pediatric speech-language pathologist and the founder of Wonder Wings Pediatric Therapy, LLC in Central Florida. After working in schools and clinical settings, Anaya realized she wanted more freedom, flexibility, and the ability to design a practice that truly puts children and families first. That led her to take the leap into pri...

What if the career you've been dreaming of has been waiting for you all along even after years of burnout and doubt? Today's guest is proof that it's never too late to start. Her journey began long before she officially launched her practice with a quiet but persistent vision of doing therapy differently.

I'm excited to introduce you to Angela Ruiz, a speech-language pathologist and private practice owner whose journey into entrepreneurship was years in the making. She is the owner of Angela Ruiz SLP Services, PLLC in Houston, Texas.

Long before she officially launched...

What if you could build a practice that serves not just kids, but their parents too—all under one roof? Today’s guest launched her business during maternity leave, and now she owns a multidisciplinary clinic, supports other therapists, and even created a virtual parenting library. I can’t wait for you to hear her story.

I’m thrilled to introduce you to Jacklin Bloodgood, a speech-language pathologist, business owner, and one of the amazing students of the Start Your Private Practice program. Jacklin is a Jersey Shore native based in Manahawkin, New Jersey, and she is the owne...

What if you didn't have to choose between being a present parent and a passionate clinician? For today’s guest, that dream became reality. She’s a mom of two young boys, a pediatric speech-language pathologist, and the owner of a growing private practice.

I’m so excited to introduce you to Jennifer Travis, a pediatric speech-language pathologist, a member of the Start Your Private Practice program and the owner and founder of Rise Pediatric Therapy Services in Nashville, Tennessee.

After years of working in clinics, schools, and outpatient settings and feeling more and more deplet...

What if you could walk your kids to school and build a thriving private practice? For most school-based therapists, mornings mean rushing out the door before the kids even wake up. But what if your workday could start with a slow walk to school with your children—and end with you picking them up from class? Today’s guest is doing exactly that. And I can’t wait for you to hear how she made it happen.

I’m introducing you to Alyse Dillon, a speech-language pathologist with over 10 years of experience and the owner of Small Talk Spe...

What if you've been an OT for 27 years and you're starting to wonder if you're done? Not done with the profession—just done with other people's systems. Today's guest felt exactly that way, and she did something about it.

I'm introducing you to Tanya Glass, an occupational therapist and the owner and founder of her private practice, Grow and Thrive OT, based in the San Antonio area of Texas.

Tanya is a 27-year veteran OT who has practiced in many areas but has specialized in pediatrics and feeding therapy for the last 19 years. After moving fr...

What if you could build a private practice that evolves with you through rebranding, new niches, and even public speaking? Today's guest is back for her third appearance on the show, and every time she comes on, her practice looks completely different in the best way possible.

I'm so excited to reintroduce you to Vanessa Alcala, a first-generation college graduate, bilingual speech-language pathologist, and founder of TheraVolve Wellness Co., a private practice serving children and adults across Tampa Bay through clinic, in-home, school, and telehealth services.

Once told by a guidance counselor she wasn't "college...

What if your private practice could move with you—across state lines, through life changes, and into a future you’re building with the people you love? Today’s guest turned a cross-country move into a multi-state practice that works for her life.

I’m introducing you to Sarah Gober, a speech-language pathologist and a dedicated member of the Next Level Private Practitioner program. She is the founder and CEO of Hope Talks, a private practice serving families in Texas, Florida, and Mississippi through in-person and virtual therapy.

For Sarah, starting a practice wasn't about escaping...

What if you could build a private practice rooted in love, flexibility, and meaningful community impact while still staying deeply connected to the families you serve? That question has shaped the journey of today's guest, and I can't wait for you to hear her story.

I'm thrilled to introduce you to Rose Herring, owner of Evolve Therapy Solutions in Valdosta, Georgia. From a tiny closet-sized room to a thriving clinic with three offices and a new hire on the way, Rose has built a practice that feels like home for her families and for herself. And she...

What if the job you loved stopped feeling like you? For so many therapists, the passion that drove them into the field gets buried under productivity requirements and a lack of autonomy. Today’s guest knows that feeling well and she did something about it. I’m so excited to share her story!

I’m sitting down with Sarah Wilson, a speech-language pathologist and graduate of my Start Your Private Practice Program. Sarah is the owner and founder of Enrichment Therapy Services, based in Scranton, Pennsylvania.

Sarah earned her Master’s degree from Misericordia University in 2013...

Have you ever had a client (or caseload) that made you think “I could do this so much better if I just have my own space”? For today’s guest, building her own private practice wasn’t just about clinical freedom—it was about finally doing therapy the way she always knew it should be done. And the best part? She did it all while keeping her dream role within the school system.

I’m so excited to introduce you to Sheila Cina, a speech-language pathologist and a valued member of the Grow Your Private Practice Program. Sheila is th...

What if you could build a private practice so strong, you could retire early—without letting go of the clients you love? Today's guest is a speech-language pathologist who turned decades of specialization into a thriving practice, a legacy plan, and a roadmap to hiking the Amalfi Coast while still staying connected to the field she's passionate about.

I'm thrilled to introduce you to Maureen Neukirch, a speech-language pathologist and the owner of Little Speech Boutique in the greater Nashville area. Maureen provides in-home, preschool, and community-based services but she's not your average generalist.

With ov...

What if you could build a private practice that actually fits your life and not the other way around? Today's guest is an occupational therapist who intentionally built a solo practice around her family, and her community. And she's proving that you don't need a giant sensory gym or a million-dollar buildout to create a thriving practice.

I'm thrilled to introduce you to Emily Vernon, an occupational therapist and a student of the Grow Your Private Practice Program community. Emily is the owner and founder of Spectrum Connections, based in Fort Smith, Arkansas.

What makes...

What if you could build a practice that fits your life, not the other way around? What if you could transition from feeling burnt out and lost in your career to becoming a thriving practice owner and mentor to others? Today’s guest did exactly that, starting her journey during one of the messiest seasons of her life.

I’m thrilled to reintroduce you to Amanda Modrowski, a speech-language pathologist and one of our incredible mentors inside the Start Your Private Practice Program. Amanda is the owner and founder of her private practice, Enhancing Communication, based in Pari...

What if the salary ladder you’re climbing is actually the slowest route to the top?

On today's episode of the Private Practice Success Stories podcast, I’m pulling back the curtain on a topic that often feels off-limits: money. If you’re a school-based clinician—an SLP or OT who has done everything right, checked every box, and climbed every rung—this episode will challenge everything you thought you knew about your income potential.

We’re taught to believe that hard work and time naturally lead to financial comfort. But for so many in the school s...

What if the reasons you're not starting a private practice aren't reasons at all—they're lies?

On today's episode of the Private Practice Success Stories podcast, I'm tackling the misconceptions that keep school-based clinicians stuck for years. If you're working in a school right now—if you've been thinking about private practice but haven't taken action—this episode will change how you see your path forward.

I'm naming the three biggest lies that school clinicians believe about private practice. Not myths. Not misconceptions. Lies. They sound true. They feel true. And they are the only thing...

What if the job you've been dreaming of already exists—you just have to build it yourself? Today's guest started her career wanting to work in hospitals with adults, but a perfect storm of timing and self-discovery led her somewhere entirely different. Now she's using her clinical skills to serve kids and families in a way that actually works—and I can't wait for you to hear her story!

I’m thrilled to introduce you to Rebecca Wellons is speech-language pathologist and the owner and founder of Little Seeds Speech Therapy, serving families in Durham, North.

Reb...

What if the next step in your career was simply saying "yes" to yourself? For many clinicians, the idea of starting a private practice feels like a "someday" dream. But for today’s guest, "someday" arrived a lot sooner than she expected — and it completely changed her career.

I’m thrilled to introduce you to Kara Nelson, a pediatric speech-language pathologist, mom, and the founder of Sahuarita Speech Spot, a private practice serving families in a rural-suburban community in Southern Arizona, just 20 miles north of the Mexico border.

Kara specializes in gestalt language processing and neurod...

What if your private practice could be a platform for change—for your clients and yourself?

Today’s guest didn't just start a private practice; she built a mission-driven business that blends speech therapy with fierce advocacy. She traded burnout for autonomy and now uses her voice to empower families navigating the complex world of IEPs.

I’m so excited to introduce you to Colleen Ashford, a speech-language pathologist and one of the dedicated clinicians inside our Grow Your Private Practice Program. Colleen is the owner and founder of Ashford Speech and Advocacy PC, a mobile...

What if your private practice could not only fill a critical gap in your community but also give you the freedom to design your ideal work week? Today’s guest turned a lifelong personal connection into a thriving practice that serves an often-overlooked population, and her journey from side hustle to clinic owner is packed with wisdom!

I’m thrilled to introduce you to Grace Hedgecock, a pediatric speech-language pathologist and the passionate owner of Hedgehog Speech Therapy in Saratoga in the Bay Area in California.

For Grace, private practice was more than a career goal...

What if building a thriving private practice meant creating a place where families feel seen, supported, and truly cared for—while also building a life where you can finally make it to your kids’ basketball games? Today’s guest grew a multi-location practice from the ground up, navigated immense challenges, and came out stronger on the other side.

I’m introducing you to Christina Galeano, a Speech-Language Pathologist and the inspiring founder and CEO of Kidspeak Speech-Language Therapy Services Inc, a growing pediatric private practice known for its child-centered approach, strong clinical excellence, and a team culture that the...

What if your previous career—completely unrelated to therapy—held the exact keys you needed to unlock a successful private practice? For Denise Smith, running an auto body shop taught her the administrative, financial, and client-relations skills that gave her the confidence to launch Speak Up Speech Therapy in Southern California.

Denise is a speech-language pathologist with over 20 years of experience whose journey to private practice was anything but linear. Born and raised in Beirut, Lebanon, she discovered the field almost by accident when university programs reopened after war. What began as a curious joke with friends beca...

What if the path you thought you were on could lead you somewhere completely unexpected—and completely fulfilling? That’s exactly what happened for San Juanita Reed, founder of Thriving Roots Speech Therapy in Houston, Texas.

What started as a teaching career to children eventually blossomed into a thriving private practice, where San Juanita now serves children and adults with a wide range of speech therapy needs.

San Juanita’s journey into speech-language pathology began in the classroom. She spent years teaching preschool and working with infants and toddlers, but she often found herself wondering how sh...

What if you could build a private practice with your spouse, create flexibility for your family, and serve your community at the same time? That’s exactly what Morgan and Connor Randel have done with their private practice, Speak, Play, Love, in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Morgan has been a speech-language pathologist for 8 years in which she had the privilege working with diverse infants, toddlers, and school age children. Her passion for working with kids started when she was just 12, babysitting and dreaming of a career helping children. After exploring teaching and nursing, she discovered speech pathology in co...

What if you could start building a private practice this January—without quitting your job or working 60-hour weeks?

On today’s episode of the Private Practice Success Stories podcast, I want to start with an important truth: you don’t have to grow fast, go all in, or do it alone.

Today, I’m walking you through what a simple, life-aligned private practice can actually look like, and why now is one of the smartest times to take your first step. If you’re a speech-language pathologist or occupational therapist and feel overwhelmed by what you t...