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 care, multiple moves forced her to start over again and again—until she began to feel exhausted from jobs that limited her time off and schedule. That’s when she found the Private Practice Bootcamp and later the Start Your Private Practice Program, deciding it was time to build something of her own.

In this episode, Courtney shares everything starting from when she launched Champion Speech Therapy, she had no local connections. But she quickly realized her small town lacked any outpatient speech therapy services—making her the perfect person to fill that gap. With determination and a stack of flyers, she introduced herself to local doctors, OTs, PTs, and home health agencies. Within one week, she landed her first five referrals—proof that her leap of faith was exactly what her community needed.

• The moment she realized she couldn’t take “one more job” working for someone else
• What it’s like starting a practice in a brand-new community
• How she found her first clients with simple grassroots marketing
• Why she loves serving adults with Parkinson’s, aphasia, and cancer rehab
• Her journey from 100% mobile therapy to a co-working office space

Courtney’s story proves that you don’t need a marketing degree, a big city, or years of business experience to succeed—you just need the courage to start. By combining persistence, compassion, and a willingness to learn, she built a thriving private practice from the ground up in a brand-new town.

Ready to take control of your career and start your own private practice—just like Courtney did? The Start Your Private Practice Program gives you the roadmap, resources, and support to get started. Learn more at www.StartYourPrivatePractice.com.

Whether you’re just starting or ready to grow, I can help you create a practice that gives you freedom, flexibility, and fulfillment. Visit www.IndependentClinician.com to learn more.

Check out her website: championspeechfl.com

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What if you could turn your business mindset into a meaningful career helping others? That’s exactly what Abigail Meza, founder of Shout It Out Speech Therapy in Chino Hills, California, did when she followed her curiosity and courage — into the world of speech-language pathology.

Abigail didn’t take the traditional route to becoming an SLP as she got a bachelor's degree in business management and human resources first. But after trying out corporate internships, she quickly realized the 9-to-5 world wasn’t for her.

When the pandemic hit, Abigail began substitute teaching, which introduced her to IEP meetings and, for the first time, speech therapy. Hearing SLPs collaborating with families and advocating for children sparked something in her and she decided to take a few prerequisite classes “just to see.” She fell in love instantly and soon earned her master’s degree in speech-language pathology.

Abigail worked in the school system, her dream job at the time. But even while thriving there, she couldn’t shake her entrepreneurial drive. With encouragement from her business-minded family and inspiration from a post, she joined the Start Your Private Practice Program in January and began building her business on the side. She started small — just a few pediatric clients between ages 2–9 seeing them in their homes, daycares, and private schools wherein her confidence grew with every session.

In this episode, Abigail shares how her business is built on accessibility and empowerment not just for families, but for her colleagues too. Many fellow SLPs and OTs have told her that seeing her take the leap has inspired them to believe they can do it, too. For Abigail, private practice isn’t just about extra income — it’s about freedom and flexibility. She is intentionally designing her future. While she still enjoys her school-based job, she’s setting goals to gradually scale back and grow her private practice into a full-time business.

• Discovered speech therapy and fell in love with it
• Used her business background to confidently launch her practice
• Started seeing private clients on the side while thriving in her school job
• How her vision for future family life and flexibility inspired her to build something now that supports the life she wants later

Ready to Start Your Own Private Practice? You can design a private practice that fits your life, just like Abigail did. The Start Your Private Practice Program walks you step-by-step through building a business that gives you freedom, fulfillment, and flexibility. Visit www.StartYourPrivatePractice.com to learn more.

Whether you want to Start or Grow 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.

Follow Abigail on Instagram: instagram.com/shoutitoutspeechtherapy/

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What if you could design a career that gave you flexibility for your family, fulfillment in your work, and the freedom to follow your passions? That’s exactly what Elyse Sheeler did when she created her private practice, Speaking Life: Speech Therapy and Wellness, in Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin.

Elyse is a speech-language pathologist who began her career in skilled nursing, inspired by her grandmother’s journey with Alzheimer’s. After years of working across medical, outpatient, and school settings, she started to crave more control over her time and the freedom to integrate her interests — particularly wellness and Myofunctional therapy into her work.

When Elyse became a mom, her priorities shifted. Between long IEP meetings, school schedules, and a growing family, she began questioning if she could maintain her demanding school SLP job while being fully present at home.

Her turning point came after her son’s experience with a tongue-tie — a moment that ignited her passion for myofunctional therapy and holistic family wellness. Realizing how few local providers addressed these needs, she decided to build a practice where she could offer the kind of care she wished she’d had for her own family.

Starting small, Elyse launched Speaking Life while still working part-time in the schools. One referral led to another, and soon she was running her own practice full-time. With support from the Start and Grow Your Private Practice Programs, she created systems, clarified her mission, and built a business that reflected both her values and her lifestyle.

In this episode, we talk about how Elyse serves children and families through Speaking Life: Speech Therapy and Wellness, integrating speech-language pathology, Myofunctional therapy, and family wellness education. She also hosts the podcast Speaking Life into Motherhood, where she helps other moms find balance and purpose through mindful living and holistic health.

• Transitioned from full-time school SLP to private practice owner
• Found her niche in Myofunctional therapy and holistic wellness
• Created a lifestyle practice that supports both her family and her purpose

Elyse’s story is a reminder that private practice isn’t just about leaving a job—it’s about designing a life. By following her instincts, defining her “why,” and building a mission-centered practice, she created the freedom to be both the mom and clinician she always wanted to be.

Want to build a private practice that gives you freedom, flexibility, and fulfillment—just like Elyse has? The Start Your Private Practice Program gives you the tools and guidance to get started. Learn more at www.StartYourPrivatePractice.com.

Whether you want to Start or Grow 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.

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What if you could stop feeling stretched thin and finally focus on the clients—and the kind of work—you love most? That’s exactly what Jackie Larsen-Robinson did when she launched her adult-focused private practice, Livewell Speech Therapy, in Provo, Utah.

Jackie is a speech-language pathologist who started her career later in life—returning to school at nearly 40. Like many SLPs, she entered the field with a desire for balance and impact, but soon found herself overwhelmed by the demands of school-based therapy. With an impossible caseload and too many diagnoses to juggle, she knew something had to change.

After moving to Utah, Jackie transitioned into the medical side of speech therapy, working PRN at a rehab facility. There, she discovered her love for adult neuro and swallowing disorders—and her confidence grew. One day, a patient with Parkinson’s disease specifically requested to work with her. Not wanting to let him down, Jackie dove into specialized training and became certified in SPEAK OUT! therapy for Parkinson’s.

That decision changed everything. Soon after, referrals started flowing in from support groups and local providers. But it wasn’t until her daughter faced health challenges that Jackie realized she needed more control over her time and income. That’s when she joined the Start Your Private Practice Program, determined to take small, confident steps toward business ownership.

In this episode, Jackie shares how she runs Livewell Speech Therapy, serving adults with Parkinson’s disease, swallowing disorders, and voice difficulties. She is certified in SPEAK OUT! and VitalStim and is passionate about helping clients regain their independence and confidence through compassionate, evidence-based care.

• How one determined patient with Parkinson’s sparked her path to specialization
• The moment she realized she could serve her community and her family better by starting her own private practice
• How she built her confidence step-by-step
• The inspiring quotes that keep her motivated every single day

Jackie’s practice is more than a business—it’s a lifestyle that gives her the flexibility to care for her daughter, set her own hours, and never again have to ask permission for a day off. Her story proves that it’s never too late to reinvent your career—or to build a business that truly aligns with your life. By taking one small step at a time, she created a thriving private practice that brings her joy, freedom, and purpose every single day.

Ready to start your own private practice and build a career that fits your life—just like Jackie did? The Start Your Private Practice Program gives you the roadmap, resources, and support to begin. Visit StartYourPrivatePractice.com to learn more.

Whether you want to Start or Grow 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.

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What if you could create a private practice that truly works for you—one that honors your energy, values, and clients? That’s exactly what Bailey McBride, occupational therapist and founder of The Glimmer Project in Houston, Texas, has done.

Bailey’s journey began long before she became an OT. As the sister of an adult with Down syndrome, she grew up around people with support needs and quickly developed a passion for helping others. But it wasn’t until college that she discovered occupational therapy—a field that perfectly blended her love for connection, creativity, and care.

After years of working for other private practices, Bailey realized something wasn’t working. She loved her profession but was exhausted by the pace, the lack of autonomy, and the misalignment between her caseload and her passions. “I loved my job,” she shared, “but it was killing me softly.”

Like many therapists, she began to consider leaving the field altogether—but instead, she decided to bet on herself. With the support of her partner and guidance from the Start Your Private Practice Program, Bailey took the leap and started The Glimmer Project, specializing in sensory processing and nervous system regulation for both children and adults.

Bailey’s private practice started as a side hustle. When a speech therapist in her area offered her a shared clinic space, she decided to give it a try—renting a single room and seeing clients part-time. Within six months, she realized her private clients were not only filling her schedule but also replacing her salary. Now, Bailey works three days a week with clients and spends one day on admin tasks—earning more while working less.

In this episode, Bailey shares how she helps clients understand their sensory processing patterns and develop tools for nervous system regulation. Her clients include both children and adults, and she emphasizes education and collaboration with families. She also uses creative marketing tools that help families identify if they’re a good fit for her services. “I wanted clients to come to me already understanding what OT at Glimmer Project is all about,” she explained. “I don’t want to convince people to work with me; I want them to feel drawn to it.”

• How Bailey went from almost leaving OT to thriving as her own boss
• The simple “crunch the numbers” mindset shift that helped her make the leap
• The creative ways she attracts her ideal sensory-focused clients
• Why “bet on yourself and you win” became her mantra for success

Bailey’s story is a reminder that private practice isn’t about working harder—it’s about working smarter, with heart, and on your own terms. She’s living proof that when you lead with purpose and set strong boundaries, you can build a business that supports both your clients and your life.

Ready to create a private practice that gives you the flexibility and fulfillment you deserve—just like Bailey has? The Start Your Private Practice Program will show you exactly how to do it, this is where Bailey and so many other SLPs and OTs have gotten the tools, systems, and confidence to make the leap. 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...

What if you could walk away from corporate pressure, create a career on your own terms, and finally feel like you’re making a real difference? That’s exactly what Meghan Powers did when she left the skilled nursing world and built her private practice, Gateway to the Rockies Speech Therapy, in Aurora, Colorado.

Meghan is a speech-language pathologist who has spent her career helping adults. But, after years working in SNFs, she realized she could no longer align with productivity standards that prioritized numbers over patient care. That frustration became the catalyst for her private practice journey.

Meghan’s journey into speech therapy began early—she was inspired as a teen while shadowing therapists in a pediatric clinic. She went on to work with both kids and adults before spending nearly a decade in skilled nursing. Over time, however, the corporate-driven demands of that environment took their toll. She was tired of seeing patients rushed through sessions and wanted to provide care based on what her clients truly needed—not what fit into an arbitrary productivity model. So, she took a leap of faith, joined the Start Your Private Practice Program, and launched her own business.

At first, Meghan worked part-time at an assisted living facility while building her caseload. Within months, she transitioned fully into private practice—treating clients on her own schedule and building strong community partnerships along the way.

In this episode, Meghan shares how she runs Gateway to the Rockies Speech Therapy, serving adults with Parkinson’s, stroke, and voice disorders. She’s known for functional, patient-centered care and strong collaboration with ENTs and PTs. As a mom, Meghan values the freedom to design her schedule around her son’s life, taking family time when she chooses—something her patients wholeheartedly support.

• Making the leap from employee to business owner (without overthinking it)
• Building strong referral relationships through genuine connection
• Balancing parenthood, life, and business with intention
• And why she believes the more of us in private practice, the better

Meghan’s story is proof that you can take your clinical skills, your passion, and your values—and turn them into a thriving, fulfilling business. With courage and community support, she created a practice that gives her freedom, flexibility, and impact on her own terms.

Ready to create a private practice that gives you the flexibility and fulfillment you deserve—just like Meghan has? The Start Your Private Practice Program will show you exactly how to do it, this is where Meghan and so many other SLPs and OTs have gotten the tools, systems, and confidence to make the leap. Visit www.StartYourPrivatePractice.com to learn more.

Whether you want to Start 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.

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What if the stress, burnout, and uncertainty you’re feeling right now are actually guiding you toward something better? That’s exactly what happened to Kansas Staffy, who went from feeling overwhelmed in her clinical job to running a thriving private practice, Talk and Taste Pediatric Therapy, in Delta and Montrose, Colorado.

Kansas is a speech-language pathologist who specializes in AAC and feeding therapy. After working in home health, and outpatient clinics, she realized that traditional settings weren’t allowing her to take care of her health—or serve clients the way she wanted to.

Like many clinicians, Kansas once said, “I never want to own a business.” But after facing health challenges and the stress of an audit at work, she knew something had to change. With encouragement from her husband and support from the Start Your Private Practice Program, she took the leap. Within six months, she grew from zero to 25 clients and a full caseload.

Today, Kansas serves children from infancy through young adulthood, offering both home visits and office-based therapy. She continues to specialize in AAC and feeding while building strong relationships with families, OTs, and other local providers. Her practice is rooted in collaboration, flexibility, and creative problem-solving—especially important in a rural area with limited access to care.

In this episode, Kansas talked about how she built her business with her health and lifestyle in mind. She works Tuesday through Friday, with built-in time for rest, billing, and medical appointments. Her husband, who manages the local grocery store, has even become an unofficial “referral source,” spreading the word about her services throughout the community.

In this episode, we discuss:

• What helped her make that powerful mindset shift from employee to entrepreneur
• How she built a client base in a small rural community
• The ways she connected with other professionals and programs to grow her practice
• How she built her schedule and systems around her health, her values, and her life

Kansas’s story is proof that you can build a thriving private practice—even in a small town—when you combine persistence, creativity, and a clear sense of purpose. What started as a move for her health turned into a business that brings life-changing services to families who truly need them.

Want to build a private practice that gives you freedom, flexibility, and fulfillment—just like Kansas has? The Start Your Private Practice Program gives you the tools and guidance to get started. Learn more at www.StartYourPrivatePractice.com

Whether you want to Start or Grow 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.

Check out her website: talkandtastetherapy.com

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What if starting private practice could give you more freedom, fulfillment, and the ability to design work around your life—not the other way around? That’s what Sirisha Duvvuru, founder of Your Speech Matters in Frisco, Texas, discovered when she stepped away from her 9–5.

After 12 years in schools and home health, Sirisha loved her clients but felt weighed down by paperwork and limitations. At first, private practice felt intimidating, but she started small—with a simple flyer that landed her first client. What began as a side hustle quickly grew into a thriving feeding-focused practice and a source of freedom.

In this episode, Sirisha shares how she specializes in pediatric feeding therapy, partners with families directly, and enjoys the flexibility to be present with her two children. From bubble tea dates with her kids to speaking at professional conferences, private practice has given her space to grow both as a mom and a clinician.

In this episode, we discuss:

• From seeing private practice as “too intimidating” to starting with just one flyer on Facebook
• Built caseload through screenings & networking
• Carved out a niche in pediatric feeding therapy with a trauma-informed approach
• Practice brings income and freedom as mom, wife, and woman

Sirisha’s story is a reminder that private practice doesn’t have to be overwhelming or complicated—you can build it step-by-step. By starting small, leaning into your expertise, and designing your business with intention, you can create a career that serves both your clients and your life.

Want to create a private practice that gives you freedom, flexibility, and fulfillment—just like Sirisha has? Learn more about our Start Your Private Practice Program, where Sirisha and so many other SLPs and OTs have gotten the tools, systems, and confidence to make the leap. 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.independentclinician.com to learn more.

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Instagram: instagram.com/your_speechmatters/

Facebook: Your Speech Matters PLLC

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sirisha-duvvuru-388406262

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