Private Practice Success Stories

Hosted by Jena Castro-Casbon

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300

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Oct 2026

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About the show

My name is Jena Castro-Casbon, MS CCC-SLP (of The Independent Clinician and The Private Practice Solution). I am part of a group of private practitioners who have taken client care into our own hands. We are skilled clinicians who pride ourselves on providing high-quality care to our clients and their families. We are fighting against productivity requirements, administrative red tape and unnecessary restrictions. We started our own private practices to take control of our professional and personal lives. Of our schedules. Of our incomes. Of our future. We work hard for our clients but on our terms. We believe in helping others – but also helping ourselves. We’re not interested in competing with each other. We hope that we all make it. We are successful private practitioners and these are our stories. Thank you for taking the time to listen to this interview.

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October 12, 202633 min

She Was Burning Out in Year One Of Being an SLP - So She Built a Practice That Gives Her 5x More Time Off with Isabelle Swartz

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, including Redondo Beach and surrounding areas. Since becoming an SLP, Isabel has dedicated her career to helping children find their voice through a mobile, family-centered approach. She specializes in AAC, gestalt language processing, early intervention, language delays, and articulation and phonological disorders. She is deeply passionate about family-centered care and helping children build functional communication skills within their everyday environments because she believes the best therapy happens where kids feel most comfortable: in their homes, at their schools, and within their communities. After spending years working in multidisciplinary pediatric clinics, Isabel reached a breaking point. Rather than staying in a situation that was no longer serving her, she made the courageous decision to dive headfirst into private practice. No side hustle. No safety net. Just a belief that she could build something better. She invested in herself by taking the Start Your Private Practice program, spent six months thoughtfully building the backend of her business, and then leaned into marketing in a way that felt fun, creative, and authentic. And it worked. Her journey is proof that private practice doesn't have to look like a brick-and-mortar clinic. Sometimes, it looks like a car, a t-shirt, and a whole lot of heart . Outside of being an SLP and business owner, Isabel's favorite role is being a mom to her little one. Her mission, both professionally and personally, is to help kids communicate, empower families, and show other clinicians that they don't have to stay stuck in jobs that drain them. In Today's Episode, We Discuss: How burnout and a health scare finally pushed her to quit her job and go all in Creative, low-pressure marketing strategies that actually work without feeling pushy Why she chooses to remain mobile and how home visits lead to faster progress than clinic-based therapy Isabel is truly living proof that you don't have to stay in a job that's draining you. She didn't wait for the perfect moment, she created it. She leaned into her strengths, got creative with her marketing, and built a practice that fits her life, not the other way around. Her story does not have to be the exception. You, too, can build the private practice of your dreams even if you're starting from burnout, even if you're scared of marketing, even if you've never taken a business class in your life. If you're ready to stop waiting for the perfect setup and start building a practice that works for you, Practice Builder is here to help. We’ll walk you through setting up your practice, marketing it so the right families can find you, and managing it day to day, with coaching from me and my team every week. Join us at practicebuilder.io . Please visit www.PrivatePracticeSchool.com to learn more, and follow me on Instagram @independentclinician for more tips, inspiration, and resources to support your private practice journey. Resources Mentioned: Follow Isabelle on Instagram: instagram.com/calikidsspeechtherapy/ Check out her website: calikidsspeechtherapy.com Where We Can Connect: Follow the Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-practice-success-stories/id1374716199 Follow Me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/independentclinician/ Follow Me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jena.castrocasbon/

October 5, 202622 min

She Quit the Schools to Start Her Practice - And It Paid Off with Destinee Lopez

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 where she worked for 7 years. After seven years in the school district, including a role on an assessment team she truly loved, Destinee faced a crossroads when new leadership dissolved her team and a trusted mentor retired. With encouragement from her husband and discovering the Start Your Private Practice program, she took the leap. She started mobile, armed with business cards, a logo from a family member, and a belief that even small beginnings could lead to something great. Her practice was opened in 2022 and after a business negotiation that did not come to terms, she re-started the practice in 2024. In May of 2024, Destinee decided to take a course in Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders to add that to her expertise. Today, Destinee has a physical office location, sees clients in daycares and ABA centers, and is actively building her community presence, even sponsoring back-to-school supplies for local kids. She's still treating, juggling a busy schedule, and slowly shifting her mindset toward eventually hiring a team. Her journey is proof that private practice is challenging, but for those who believe in their purpose, it's absolutely worth it. Outside of work, Destinee is a wife and mom to two boys. She serves as PTO President at their charter school, sings for her church's worship team, and enjoys time with family and friends. In Today's Episode, We Discuss: How a leadership shakeup became her catalyst for change Why starting mobile with just business cards and social media worked How a personal tongue-tie release sparked her clinical passion The reality of juggling an office, daycares, and ABA centers Her honest fears and hopes about hiring Destinee is truly living proof that you don't need a perfect plan or a fancy website to start. You just need the courage to take the first step, a willingness to learn, and a heart for the mission. And that is enough to build something extraordinary. Her story does not have to be the exception. You, too, can build the private practice of your dreams, even when life throws you curveballs and you're not sure you can do it. If you're ready to stop waiting for the perfect setup and start building a practice that works for you, Practice Builder is here to help. We’ll walk you through setting up your practice, marketing it so the right families can find you, and managing it day to day, with coaching from me and my team every week. Join us at practicebuilder.io . Please visit www.PrivatePracticeSchool.com to learn more, and follow me on Instagram @independentclinician for more tips, inspiration, and resources to support your private practice journey. Resources Mentioned: Follow Destinee on: Instagram: instagram.com/findyourvoicespeech/ Facebook: facebook.com/share/1BdZ4tyZsB/ Where We Can Connect: Follow the Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-practice-success-stories/id1374716199 Follow Me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/independentclinician/ Follow Me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jena.castrocasbon/

September 21, 202626 min

She Spent 5 Years Too Scared to Start - Now She Has a 4-Room Clinic with Tiffany Fairdosi

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. While she remains passionate about adult care, her expertise spans all ages from early childhood through the golden years. She blends evidence-based practice with a family-centered approach, believing communication is the key to connection at every stage of life. After years of working across multiple settings, the breaking point came when she was passed over for a leadership role and faced a grueling 45-minute commute that stole time with her son. She decided to bet on herself. She started as a mobile provider, but after navigating the Texas heat with seven patients a day, she found a permanent home. What began as a solo practice has since expanded into a brick-and-mortar clinic offering both speech and occupational therapy, a natural response to a critical need in her community. In just three months, she has grown from a team of one to an SLP, SLPA, OT, and office manager, with more hires on the way. Her journey is proof that private practice isn't for the faint of heart but for those willing to jump in scared, it's absolutely worth it. Outside of work, Tiffany's favorite roles are wife and mom to her two boys. Her mission is to show that you can be a successful business owner, a present parent, and a leader who puts family first. In Today's Episode, We Discuss: How a passed-over promotion pushed her to go all-in Growing from a mobile provider to a 4-room clinic with speech and OT Why she hired an OT even though she was terrified How bringing her kids to work models success for other families Tiffany is living proof that you don't need perfect timing to start. She jumped in, did it scared, and built something extraordinary. Her story doesn't have to be the exception. You can build the private practice of your dreams too, even while juggling kids, a commute, and a full-time job. If you're ready to stop waiting and start building a practice that's truly aligned with your goals, Private Practice School is here to help. We start with a Personalized Private Practice Plan and then give you the tools, such as the Life First calendar and our Numbers Made Simple Calculators, and me in your corner every week, whether you're opening the doors or growing what you've already built. Please visit www.PrivatePracticeSchool.com to learn more, and follow me on Instagram @independentclinician for more tips, inspiration, and resources to support your private practice journey. Resources Mentioned: Follow Tiffany on: Instagram: instagram.com/kineticspeechservices Facebook: facebook.com/kineticspeechservices Check out her website: kineticspeech.com Where We Can Connect: Follow the Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-practice-success-stories/id1374716199 Follow Me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/independentclinician/ Follow Me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jena.castrocasbon/

September 7, 202635 min

She Started With Two Clients on the Side - Now She Has Nine SLPs and a Clinic with Samantha Taylor

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 community support, and a commitment to breaking down barriers in education and communication. But Samantha's path to private practice wasn't a straight line, it started with a positive COVID test, a conversation with her husband, and a sudden realization that she just couldn't go back to school. After working in the schools for years, she hit a wall with unrealistic expectations and burnout. In January 2021, while quarantined with COVID, she made the terrifying decision to leap. By day ten of her quarantine, she had built a website and was ready to go. She fully transitioned to private practice in June 2022, and the rest is history. Samantha blends evidence-based practices with a deeply personal, family-centered approach that focuses on empowering parents just as much as treating kids. In 2025, her exceptional courage, vision, and innovation were recognized when she received the Trailblazer Award, honoring a woman who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in her field. Today, Samantha has a growing practice with a team of 9 SLPs. She has successfully hired and mentored multiple clinical fellows, diversified her revenue streams with school contracts and CPSE services, and is now expanding into parent advocacy. Outside of being an SLP and business owner, Samantha's favorite roles are being a mom and an advocate. Her mission, both professionally and personally, is helping families recognize their strengths, find their confidence, and realize that they are the experts on their own children. In Today's Episode, We Discuss: How to use school contracts as a "security blanket" while you build your caseload The exact moment she realized she had to hire Why diversifying your income streams isn't just smart, it's survival The deeply personal story of how her own son's journey shaped her mission to empower parents, not just treat kids Samantha is truly living proof that you know way more than you're giving yourself credit for. She didn't have a perfect plan; she just had a desire to serve and a willingness to figure it out. And that was enough to build something extraordinary and earn recognition as a true trailblazer in the process. Her story does not have to be the exception. You, too, can build the private practice of your dreams even if you're starting from a place of burnout or fear. If you're ready to stop waiting and start building a practice that's truly aligned with your goals, Private Practice School is here to help. We start with a Personalized Private Practice Plan and then give you the tools, such as the Life First calendar and our Numbers Made Simple Calculators, and me in your corner every week, whether you're opening the doors or growing what you've already built. Please visit www.PrivatePracticeSchool.com to learn more, and follow me on Instagram @independentclinician for more tips, inspiration, and resources to support your private practice journey. Resources Mentioned: Follow Samantha on Instagram: instagram.com/olive_speech_language_therapy/ & instagram.com/parenthood.unscripted/ Facebook: @olivespeechtherapy Check out her website: www.olivespeechtherapy.org Where We Can Connect: Follow the Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-practice-success-stories/id1374716199 Follow Me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/independentclinician/ Follow Me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jena.castrocasbon/

August 31, 202632 min

From 2 Clients on the Side to Ready to Hire — Then She Decided She Didn't Want To with Bianca Gizzi Fusco

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 wanting to be a teacher but quickly realized she didn't enjoy the large groups and the rigid, over-planned structure of the classroom. While working as a paraprofessional in a preschool during graduate school where she was studying to become a reading specialist she discovered something she'd never even heard of before: speech therapy. It piqued her interest immediately, seeming to combine so many of her passions. So she took the necessary prerequisite classes, applied to grad school for speech, and never looked back. After earning her degree, Bianca started working in a middle school, the very one she attended as a child. She liked it at first, but she never loved it. And as the years went on, she became increasingly unhappy. She started questioning whether she was even good at her job, and whether she had chosen the right profession at all. One thing she noticed in the public schools haunted her: the constant question from colleagues, "How many years do you have left?" always referring to retirement. That question, she says, was deeply depressing. She knew she didn't want the best part of her career to be the end of it. Then came the turning point. During COVID, Bianca's father was hospitalized for a month and nearly didn't make it. She took time off work to help her mom run their family business while her dad was ill. That year, watching her family navigate a crisis, she had a reckoning: Life is too precious to have my career be a countdown to the end of it. With the support of her husband and parents who encouraged her with "Just take the course, what's the worst that can happen?" She signed up for the Start Your Private Practice course and never looked back. Today, Bianca runs a thriving clinic with a physical location specializing in working with young children, focusing on speech sound disorders, Gestalt language processors, early language development, and stuttering, a manageable caseload, and a schedule that prioritizes time with her two young sons. She sees clients back-to-back on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays and Saturday mornings. She's at capacity not because she has to be, but because she chooses to be. And right now, that feels exactly right. Bianca's story is proof that private practice doesn't have to look like a big, multi-disciplinary clinic with a long waitlist and a full staff unless that's what you want. For her, success looks like flexibility, balance, and the ability to say "not right now" to hiring, while still building a profitable and fulfilling practice. In Today's Episode, We Discuss: How to start small and use a stepwise approach to build your caseload without quitting your day job Why your idea of "success" in private practice can and should change with the seasons of your life How to use a cancellation list to fill your schedule without needing to hire staff Bianca is living proof that you don't have to be a Type-A and don’t have to be a brick and mortar owner to succeed in private practice. She calls herself a Type B+ SLP somewhere in between and that's exactly what works for her. Her favorite part of private practice? It swings with where she is in life. And that's something no pension can buy. Her story does not have to be the exception. You, too, can build the private practice of your dreams, whether that means a full clinic, a part-time side business, or something in between. If you're ready to stop waiting and start building a practice that's truly aligned with your goals, Private Practice School is here to help. We start with a Personalized Private Practice Plan and then give you the tools, such as the Life First calendar and our Numbers Made Simple Calculators, and me in your corner every week, whether you're opening the doors or growing what you've already built. Please visit www.PrivatePracticeSchool.com to learn more, and follow me on Instagram @independentclinician for more tips, inspiration, and resources to support your private practice journey. Resources Mentioned: Follow Bianca on Instagram: instagram.com/bgspeechtherapy/ Facebook: BG Speech Therapy LLC Check out her website: www.bgspeechtherapy.com Where We Can Connect: Follow the Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-practice-success-stories/id1374716199 Follow Me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/independentclinician/ Follow Me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jena.castrocasbon/

August 24, 202632 min

She Told Her Dad She’d Never Start a Private Practice - Now She Has a Successful Clinic and Growing Team with Sarah Landry

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 confidently leading a growing practice, driven by a desire to serve the whole family, not just the child in front of her. Sarah's therapeutic approach centers on family-centered therapy and a parent coaching model, built on the belief that lasting progress happens when parents are involved in the therapeutic process. Talk Blossom offers speech, language, and feeding therapy for pediatric clients of all ages, with sessions designed to be both effective and engaging for kids. Today, Sarah leads a team of five speech-language pathologists, fostering a collaborative culture where clinicians work together to support families and each other. Her work has earned her recognition as one of Idaho's Best in Specialty Medicine, and she's also an active advocate for the field, having recently spoken at her state capitol in support of Medicaid coverage for speech services. Outside of patient care, Sarah enjoys spending time with her family and supporting her team. In Today's Episode, We Discuss: How a move out of state gave her the reset she needed to finally take the leap The power of starting with just one private-pay client and growing from there What it really looks like to transition from solo provider to employer Why letting go of control and trusting your team is the secret to getting your freedom back Sarah is truly living proof that you don't have to have a master plan from day one. Her journey started with a simple desire for more freedom after her son was born, and it grew step-by-step into something far bigger than she ever imagined. That philosophy serving the whole family continues to shape everything about Talk Blossom today. She says it best herself: "You're more capable than you think you are." Whether you're a new clinician dreaming of private practice or an established owner looking to expand, Sarah's story shows that taking that first step even when it's scary is the most important thing you can do. If you're ready to stop waiting and start building a practice that's truly aligned with your goals, Private Practice School is here to help. We start with a Personalized Private Practice Plan and then give you the tools, such as the Life First calendar and our Numbers Made Simple Calculators, and me in your corner every week, whether you're opening the doors or growing what you've already built. Please visit www.PrivatePracticeSchool.com to learn more, and follow me on Instagram @independentclinician for more tips, inspiration, and resources to support your private practice journey. Resources Mentioned: Follow Sarah on Instagram: instagram.com/talk.blossom/ Facebook: facebook.com/talkblossom/ Check out her website: www.talkblossom.com Where We Can Connect: Follow the Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-practice-success-stories/id1374716199 Follow Me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/independentclinician/ Follow Me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jena.castrocasbon/

August 17, 202627 min

She Started at 26 With One Referral - Now She Has a Downtown Office and a 3-Year School Contract with Becca Vilsaint

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 watching her go from no practice to building a thriving business that she loves. What started as curiosity about private practice turned into a flexible, fulfilling career, one that allowed her to launch her business while living abroad and hit the ground running when she returned to the U.S. Becca’s journey proves that you don’t need a grand plan to get started, you just need to take that first step. In this episode, Becca discusses how she leaned into her curiosity, niched down into literacy, and grew her practice through word of mouth, school contracts, and a willingness to try new things. Becca Vilsaint is the founder and CEO of Clear Therapy Connections, a therapist-owned practice providing virtual and in-person speech therapy for school-age children and families across multiple states. She grew her practice from solo clinician to a small agency, balancing private clients, group programs, and school-based services. With a passion for client-centered care and building flexible, supportive teams, Becca shares her journey and the lessons she’s learning while growing her private practice. In Today's Episode, We Discuss: Leaning into curiosity and asking yourself why private practice appeals to you Building a practice while living abroad or during other life transitions How she used a school contract for stability while growing her private clients on the side Why niching into literacy has become her superpower and how she differentiates herself from tutors Becca’s story is proof that you don’t have to have it all figured out to get started. She began with one referral, built slowly, and now has a caseload, a school contract, and big plans for the future. Her journey is a reminder that private practice can look exactly the way you want it to, not the way anyone else says it should. If you're ready to stop waiting and start building a practice that's truly aligned with your goals, Private Practice School is here to help. We start with a Personalized Private Practice Plan and then give you the tools, such as the Life First calendar and our Numbers Made Simple Calculators, and me in your corner every week, whether you're opening the doors or growing what you've already built. Please visit www.PrivatePracticeSchool.com to learn more, and follow me on Instagram @independentclinician for more tips, inspiration, and resources to support your private practice journey. Resources Mentioned: Follow Becca on her: Personal Instagram (SLP tips & updates): instagram.com/beccavtheslp/ Business Instagram: instagram.com/cleartherapyconnections/ Facebook (updates & community): facebook.com/cleartherapyconnections LinkedIn (professional & school partnerships): linkedin.com/company/cleartherapyconnections Check out her website: cleartherapyconnections.com Where We Can Connect: Follow the Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-practice-success-stories/id1374716199 Follow Me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/independentclinician/ Follow Me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jena.castrocasbon/

August 10, 202633 min

She Didn't Hate Her Job BUT She Left to Start a Private Practice Anyway with Heather Danielkiewicz

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. After nearly two decades in the schools, Heather knew she needed a change. She was burning out, craving flexibility, and longing for space to breathe. Switching to private practice not as a full-time leap, but as a gradual, intentional shift has given her exactly that. Today, she works part-time in the schools and runs her own practice across the street from her home, with a schedule that actually allows her to think, create, and serve her clients the way she's always wanted to. In this episode, Heather shares how she got her start in speech pathology, how one moment literally shined for her as a sign, and why she finally took the leap into private practice. Heather has been an SLP for 24 years, with the majority of her career spent in school-based roles supporting preschool through elementary students. During that time, she developed a deep interest in the connection between oral language and literacy skills and received additional training to support language, writing, and reading development within her SLP role. Her experience also spans inpatient rehabilitation, private practice, and supervising graduate students for several summers at Western Michigan University. She is passionate about collaborative, relationship-centered care, and she is building an integrated private practice focused on meaningful communication and literacy outcomes for children and families. Outside of patient care, Heather is a proud mom who understands firsthand the importance of work-life balance and she's committed to mentoring the next generation of SLPs along the way. In Today's Episode, We Discuss: How a chance encounter with a graduate student and a book changed the trajectory of her career The power of investing in yourself and your business, even when it feels scary How she’s intentionally shrinking her life to create more white space, flexibility, and joy while still serving kids with DLD, autism, and ADHD in a deeply meaningful way Heather's story is such a beautiful reminder that you don't have to have it all figured out to start. You don't have to leave your full-time job overnight. You just have to take one small step and keep listening to what feels right for you and your nervous system. If you're ready to stop waiting and start building a practice that's truly aligned with your goals, Private Practice School is here to help. We start with a Personalized Private Practice Plan and then give you the tools, such as the Life First calendar and our Numbers Made Simple Calculators, and me in your corner every week, whether you're opening the doors or growing what you've already built. Please visit www.PrivatePracticeSchool.com to learn more, and follow me on Instagram @independentclinician for more tips, inspiration, and resources to support your private practice journey. Resources Mentioned: Follow Heather on Instagram: instagram.com/mommadslp/ Check out her website: mommadslp.clientsecure.me Where We Can Connect: Follow the Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-practice-success-stories/id1374716199 Follow Me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/independentclinician/ Follow Me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jena.castrocasbon/

August 3, 202639 min

She Needed Mondays and Fridays Off — So She Built a Practice That Gave Her Both with Megan Jimeno

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. Megan's journey hasn't been a straight line. She started in inpatient rehab and skilled nursing, where she fell in love with giving a voice to those often lost in the system—but she hated the productivity demands and the "machine" of Medicare. She eventually switched to pediatrics and spent nine years at a small clinic, building deep relationships with families and even creating an in-school program that served kids during the school day. Then, just two weeks before Christmas in 2025, everything changed. She received an email letting her know the clinic was closing its doors by February. With a daughter at home, a father-in-law to care for, and a caseload of kids she didn't want to abandon, Megan had a choice: find another employer who would fit her strict schedule, or bet on herself and start her own practice. In March of 2026, after the unexpected closure of the clinic she had been with for 9 years, she took a leap of faith to launch her own mobile practice, bringing specialized therapy directly to children in homes, private schools, and daycares. In this episode, Megan discusses how she navigated the terrifying leap into business ownership even though she'll be the first to tell you she is no expert in business and is figuring it out as she goes. Outside of patient care, Megan is a mom, a caretaker, and an advocate for believing in yourself, even when the path feels impossible. In Today's Episode, We Discuss: What to do when you’re forced into private practice and have no time to overthink it The power of staying mobile and using a “cloffice” to keep expenses low How she strategically balances private pay and insurance-based clients while protecting her flexibility Megan is truly proof that you don't need to have a decade-long dream or a business background to build a successful practice. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is take a deep breath, look at what you've created, and say: "Wow. This is mine. I did that." If you're ready to stop waiting and start building a practice that's truly aligned with your goals, Private Practice School is here to help. We start with a Personalized Private Practice Plan and then give you the tools, such as the Life First calendar and our Numbers Made Simple Calculators, and me in your corner every week, whether you're opening the doors or growing what you've already built. Please visit www.PrivatePracticeSchool.com to learn more, and follow me on Instagram @independentclinician for more tips, inspiration, and resources to support your private practice journey. Resources Mentioned: Follow Megan on: Facebook: facebook.com/share/1DnHTeFwjc/ Instagram: instagram.com/winsomespeech/ Check out her website: winsomespeech.com Where We Can Connect: Follow the Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-practice-success-stories/id1374716199 Follow Me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/independentclinician/ Follow Me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jena.castrocasbon/

July 27, 202649 min

From Ready to Sell to Thriving Again: Building a Practice Through Injury with Karissa Gussmann

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 background in psychology and speech-language pathology, she blends evidence-based practices with a holistic, family-centered approach that focuses on the whole person, not just a diagnosis. Karissa specializes in supporting individuals with complex communication needs, including autism, apraxia, AAC, developmental delays, speech and language disorders, fluency disorders, and neurological conditions. She believes that communication is so much more than words; it is connection, confidence, independence, and the ability to share who you are with the world. After working across medical, educational, and private practice settings in both New Jersey and Florida, Karissa founded Speech Pathways with the vision of creating a place where families feel supported, children feel celebrated, and therapy is individualized to each person’s unique pathway. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice from Monmouth University and her Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Kean University. She is a proud member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and is licensed in Florida and New Jersey. Today, Karissa is still treating, has an incredible clinical director, is converting team members to W-2 employees, and is finally understanding her numbers through KPIs. Her journey is proof that private practice is not for the weak but for those who believe in their purpose, it's absolutely worth it. Outside of being an SLP and business owner, Karissa’s favorite roles are being a wife and mom to her two boys. Her mission, both professionally and personally, is helping others recognize their strengths, find their voice, and “kiss your brain” along the way. In Today's Episode, We Discuss: How a parent's offhand comment started it all Growing a clinic one room at a time, on purpose Building through a TBI, nearly losing it all, and finding a reason to keep going What happened when she realized she couldn't be her own clinical director Why community has been the secret ingredient behind everything she's built Karissa is truly living proof that even when the world stops, you can keep going. She didn't have a vision for a big practice, she just had a heart for the mission. And that was enough to build something extraordinary. Her story does not have to be the exception. You, too, can build the private practice of your dreams even when life throws you curveballs. Want to build your private practice to the point where YOU can weather any storm and thrive just like Karissa has? Learn more about our Start Your Private Practice where our coaches can help you set up systems as you shift from clinician to CEO. To learn more, please visit www.StartYourPrivatePractice.com Or, if you already have an existing private practice and you're ready to take it to the next level we'd love to support you inside the Next Level Private Practitioner. You can learn more at www.nextlevelprivatepractitioner.com . 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.independentclinician.com to learn more. Resources Mentioned: Follow Karissa on Instagram: instagram.com/speechpathways_stjohns/ Facebook: facebook.com/SpeechPathwaysofStJohns/ Check out her website: SpeechPathwayssj.com Where We Can Connect: Follow the Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-practice-success-stories/id1374716199 Follow Me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/independentclinician/ Follow Me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jena.castrocasbon/