Private Practice Success Stories

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 the owner and founder of The Talking Place, based in Minneapolis, Minnesota.Sheila’s journey into private practice is a masterclass in intentionality. Through a mix of side gigs, cold calls, and a leap of faith, she built a practice that not only serves her ideal clients but also allows her to mentor over 100 SLPs in her district.In this episode, Sheila discusses how she went from doing books in her husband’s basement to building a thriving practice, all while maintaining a flexible schedule

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 over 25 years of experience across a variety of early childhood settings, Maureen’s journey is built on a deep foundation. Her research background in sensorimotor integration, prerequisites for early reading success, and rural service delivery via teletherapy has always set her apart. After decades in the field starting in schools, transitioning to neurodegenerative work during COVID, and learning what kind

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 Emily's story so unique? She's a self-described "ADHD, Type B, big picture thinker" who has built her practice on her own terms.Emily Vernon has 15 years of pediatric OT experience, specializing in apraxia, sensory-motor skills, group therapy, and spelling to communicate. She accepts a mix of insurance, private pay, and Arkansas's Education Freedom Act funds. Beyond one-on-one sessions, Emily runs groups year-round and has recently expanded i

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 Parisburg, Ohio.Starting her practice in 2019 was the key to Amanda rediscovering her love for the field and creating a schedule that put her family first. She went from managing a caseload of 70 in the schools to designing a fulfilling career on her own terms.In this episode, Amanda discusses how she started her practice against all odds, her non-salesy approach to marketing that actually worked, and how her practice has evolved to include a spe

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 system, that comfort never quite arrives. Today, I’m naming the invisible ceiling that keeps talented clinicians stuck on a treadmill, and I’m showing you exactly the other path.In Today's Episode, We Discuss:The honest reality of a 20-year school-based salary trajectory The conservative math of private practiceWhy you don’t have to choose—and how keeping your school job while adding private clients on the side is the ultimate strategyStarting with just a few clients a

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 standing between you and the practice you could be building right now.In Today's Episode, We Discuss:Why "I need more experience" is keeping you from starting (and what you actually need instead)The truth about financial risk and why waiting is actually the most expensive decision you're makingHow to find the time when you feel like you have none (hint: you need less than you think)Starting small with a few clients, virtu

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. Rebecca’s journey proves that you don’t have to make a dramatic, overnight leap to build a thriving practice. By embracing a slow, steady transition and leveraging powerful, simple strategies, she crafted a business that gives her control, flexibility, and deep professional satisfaction.In this episode, Rebecca discusses how starting slow, following her clinical curiosities, and designing a schedule that led to more peace, more purpose, and a practice she tru

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 neurodiversity-affirming therapy, supporting children from first words through early literacy. She has grown her practice beyond traditional speech therapy by adding reading tutoring, school contracts, and community partnerships, all while raising her family and figuring out how to scale a business without losing the heart of the work. She is a shining example of what happens when you combine clinical expertise with a leap of fait

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 and virtual private practice based in Vista, California where she provides evaluations, treatment, consultations, and advocacy at IEP meetings.For Colleen, starting her own practice was about more than flexibility and income—it was about authentic, values-driven work. She has created a unique model that allows her to serve early intervention clients and act as a special education advocate, ensuring families are supported at every step.In

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—it was a calling rooted in family. Inspired by her autistic brother, Grace has spent her career specializing in autism, social communication, gestalt language processing, AAC, and supporting autistic teens and young adults with real-life skills in work, relationships, and identity. She is also passionate about literacy after discovering her own dyslexia as an adult.By embracing flexibility and a client-centered approach, she has built a practi

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 therapists rarely want to leave, serving families across Southern California.Christina’s journey is a masterclass in resilience, “failing forward,” and building with heart. She started her practice in 2020, just days before the world shut down, with a laptop, a home office space, and a wildly unrealistic idea of how many things one person can accomplish in a day. And has since grown to mu

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 became a lifelong calling after she moved to the United States.Denise is also the co-host of the Heal Yourself Podcast, where she and her co-host lead powerful conversations on self-healing, emotional mastery, and elevating your relationship with yourself from the inside out.After years as a school-based SLP, Denise never saw herself as a business owner. But a pivotal stint managing her th

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 she could do more to help her students. A chance encounter with a speech-language pathologist opened her eyes to a new path—one that combined her love of working with children with the desire to make a deeper impact on their lives. After navigating personal tragedy and taking a detour to care for herself, she pursued a master’s degree in speech-language pathology and began her career in outpatient therapy and h

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 college—a perfect blend of her interests. Connor, her husband, brought a lifelong entrepreneurial spirit and a background in finance and accounting. Together, they realized they could combine their skills to create something truly unique.After moving to Charlotte and navigating the challenges of finding her first job as a new graduate, Morgan started working as an independent contractor. She began to se

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 think private practice is supposed to look like, this episode is for you. Plus, I’ll tell you about something brand new starting next week: the Plan Your Private Practice Bootcamp—our free 3-day event designed to help you go from curious to confident about whether private practice is right for you in 2026 and beyond.In Today's Episode, We Discuss:What a simple, life-aligned private practice can actually look likeWhy right now is a really smart time to take your fi

What if private practice wasn’t about escaping burnout — but about creating stability, flexibility, and breathing room in an increasingly unpredictable world?This year, many clinicians felt the pressure. Workloads increased while pay stayed the same. Financial uncertainty lingered. And more people began asking a hard but honest question: Is this sustainable for the next one, two, or five years? If you’ve been wondering that too, you’re not imagining it. The system is shifting. And what I've seen firsthand from hundreds of practice owners in 2025 tells me something important: private practice is becoming a mainstream strategy for creating stability, flexibility, and breathing room in a world that feels increasingly unpredictable.In Today's Episode, We Discuss:Five major shifts I’ve seen in private practice in 2025What they actually mean for youHow you can think about your next stepThis episode is a reminder that private practice doesn’t require burning down your life or a dramatic leap. You don’t need eve

What if you could create a private practice that fits your lifestyle, allows you to work from anywhere, and gives you the freedom to serve families in a way that truly works? That’s exactly what Christina Burnham did when she founded CloudSpeech, a fully virtual teletherapy practice serving clients across multiple states. Christina is a bilingual speech-language pathologist who began her career in the public schools in a district in Houston, Texas.Christina offers a fully virtual pediatric speech therapy across California, New York, and Texas. Christina specializes in pediatric speech sound disorders for kids 4 years and up, including childhood apraxia of speech (CAS), phonological delays, and late articulation sounds R-S-L. Her approach is dynamic, engaging, and culturally responsive—designed to help children build real-world communication skills through personalized care across the screen.Christina’s pivot to teletherapy became even more timely with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. While many clinicians

Have you ever wondered if your love for music and voice could turn into a thriving private practice? Today’s guest shows us it’s possible—and how to do it while keeping flexibility and control over your life.Joining me is Rachel Goldenberg, a speech-language pathologist, clinical voice specialist, and singing teacher based in Montclair, New Jersey. Rachel’s private practice, My Inspired Voice, combines her passion for singing with her expertise in voice therapy, helping clients with everything from vocal health to respiratory challenges.In this episode, Rachel shares her journey from opera-obsessed child to clinical voice expert, how she built a private practice that fits her family and lifestyle, and her tips for anyone ready to take the leap into private practice.Rachel’s love for music started early. She began piano lessons at 7 and memorized operas like Carmen and Tosca by age 12, performing them dramatically in her living room. She went on to study at Westminster Choir College in Princeton, New Jersey, w

Have you ever wondered how starting your own private practice could bring vital services to families who need them most? Today’s guest proves that with determination, planning, and support, it’s not only possible—it can be life-changing for your community.Joining me is Alaina Verkinnes, a speech language pathologist and owner of Minnesota Speech Therapy Solutions in Princeton, Minnesota. Over the past two years, Alaina has built a successful practice that meets a critical need in her community, providing accessible speech therapy to families who previously faced long drives or lengthy waitlists.In this episode, Alaina shares her journey from school-based SLP to private practice owner, the challenges of balancing family and business, and the strategies she used to grow her caseload and make a real impact in her community.Alaina has been a speech-language pathologist for over 15 years, gaining experience in private practice, home visits, and school-based early intervention. Early in her career, she discovered a

What if moving to a new town could be the perfect opportunity to start over—not just personally, but professionally? That’s exactly what Courtney Welch, founder of Champion Speech Therapy in North Port, Florida, did when she decided to take control of her career and open her own private practice.Courtney is a speech-language pathologist and owner of Champion Speech Therapy, she has been in the field for 9 years and nearly 2 years as a private practitioner. She specializes in adult rehabilitation, including clients with Parkinson’s disease, aphasia, swallowing disorders, and head and neck cancer recovery.Her approach combines evidence-based treatment with compassion and accessibility, serving a population often overlooked in outpatient rehab.Courtney always thought she’d be a teacher, but while working at a retirement community during college, she discovered her love for the older population and found her true calling in speech-language pathology. After years in skilled nursing and hospital-based outpatient ca