Private Practice Success Stories

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 the field, it was about finding the right fit. After leaving a dream job in Houston following her marriage and move to Florida, she found herself in roles that just didn’t align. Instead of giving up, she leaned into teletherapy and the connections she had built over the years, creating a practice that now spans multiple states.With over 15 years of experience across schools, clinics, and teletherapy, she specializes in social learning, executive functioning, speech sound disorders, and language delays. Her global experience also includes serving as a therapist in Mombasa, Kenya, where she partnered with schools and orphanages.In this episode, Sarah discusses how she built a practice that moves with her, balances school contracts with private clients, and navigates the messy middle with a clear vision for the future all while building the flexible lifestyle she's dreamed of with her husband.In Today's Episode, We Discuss:Leaning into the opportunities that life’s unexpected changes presentBuilding a practice across four different states and time zones (including Alaska!)How she strategically uses a school contract for stable income while growing her private clients on the sideSarah is a perfect example of how private practice can evolve with you. Her story proves that you don’t have to have it all figured out on day one—you just have to be willing to start before you’re ready.Want to build a private practice that fits your life even if that life involves multiple states, time zones, and big dreams? Learn more about our Start Your Private Practice Program where our community of coaches can help you move from chaos to systems, and from solo provider to CEO. To learn more, please visit www.StartYourPrivatePractice.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 Sarah on:Facebook: facebook.com/hopetalksllc/Instagram: instagram.com/hopetalksllc/Check out her website: www.hope-talks.orgSend her an email: sarah@hopetalks.orWhere We Can Connect:Follow the Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-practice-success-stories/id1374716199Follow Me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/independentclinician/Follow Me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jena.castrocasbon/

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 practice that supports her professional passions and personal well-being, proving you can build a business that fits your life, not the other way around. She serves families through evaluations, therapy, screenings, and neurodiversity-affirming parent coaching.In this episode, Grace shares how her personal experience shaped her career path, the strategic steps she took to launch her practice, and how she structures her days to avoid burnout.She is passionate to help children and families understand their unique mind, remove stigma, and grow in confidence. When she’s not in the clinic, Grace enjoys collaborating with her engineer husband on future tech ideas for the field and soaking up time with her dog.In Today's Episode, We Discuss:The pivotal moment of leaping into full-time private practice, trusting her faith without a clear safety netStrategically using preschool screenings to build trust with schools and generate referralsDesigning her ideal schedule to prevent burnout and serve both early intervention and older autistic clientsGrace’s story is a beautiful reminder that your unique experiences are your greatest asset in private practice. We are so inspired by her clarity and heart-centered approach.Want to build a practice that aligns with your passions and gives you control over your time—just like Grace has? The Start Your Private Practice Program can give you the tools and step-by-step guidance to get started. Learn more at www.StartYourPrivatePractice.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 Grace on Instagram: instagram.com/hedgehogspeech/Check out her website: hedgehogspeech.comWhere We Can Connect:Follow the Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-practice-success-stories/id1374716199Follow Me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/independentclinician/Follow Me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jena.castrocasbon/

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 then-husband’s auto shop—handling scheduling, insurance claims, invoices, and client complaints—became her unexpected training ground. She looked in the mirror and realized, “Why am I not doing this for me?”Her turning point came on a walk past a neighbor’s house—a neighbor who happened to be a special education coordinator. Denise asked how to get on the list for Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs). That simple question started a domino effect: her first contract led to school referrals, which gave her the foundation to build a practice intentionally designed around her life, not the other way around.With a focus on school contracts, IEEs, and private clients, Denise has created what she calls a “lifestyle practice.” It’s a model built on freedom and flexibility, allowing her to heal her nervous system, prioritize her daughter’s competitive dance schedule, and travel—all while serving a population she loves.In Today's Episode, We Discuss:How running an auto shop gave her the unexpected confidence to start her own practiceWhy she ditched perfection and chose progress with purposeWhat it’s like to build a mobile, flexible “lifestyle” practice while navigating divorce and deep personal healingHow she makes income from school contracts, private pay clients, and independent evaluations — without burning outDenise’s story is a powerful reminder that your path to private practice doesn’t have to look traditional. By trusting her unique journey and leveraging all of her experiences, she designed a business that supports her life, family, and well-being first.Ready to explore what a lifestyle practice could look like for you? Whether you’re just starting to consider private practice or looking to grow an existing one, the right guidance can help you build the freedom, flexibility, and fulfillment you deserve — just like Denise has. The Grow Your Private Practice Program gives you the coaching and guidance to scale your private practice. Learn more at www.GrowYourPrivatePractice.com.Whether you want to Start or Grow a private practice, I can help you get the freedom, flexibility, fulfillment, and financial abundance that you deserve. Visit www.independentclinician.com to learn more.Resources Mentioned:Follow Denise on:Instagram: instagram.com/deniseloutfi.coachTikTok: tiktok.com/@deniseslp23Apple Podcast: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/heal-yourself-podcastCheck out her website: speakupspeechtherapy.usWhere We Can Connect:Follow the Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-practice-success-stories/id1374716199Follow Me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/independentclinician/Follow Me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jena.castrocasbon/

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 see firsthand the possibilities of private practice. When Morgan became pregnant with their first child, she and Connor decided it was the perfect time to take the leap—launching Speak, Play, Love while growing their family.Starting small, Morgan began seeing 5–10 clients a week, primarily through existing relationships with local daycares. By the time they had their second child, their practice had grown to 18 clients and 26 weekly sessions. Connor stepped in to manage the business side—billing, onboarding, and growth strategy—allowing Morgan to focus on therapy and client care.Over the next several months, Morgan and Connor continued to hire therapists, expand services, and grow their caseload. By creating a mobile-based practice, they kept overhead low, maximized their reach across Charlotte, and made therapy accessible to families who might otherwise face barriers to care.Morgan and Connor’s story highlights the power of partnership. Morgan leads in therapy and client care, while Connor manages the business operations and growth. Their complementary skills, mutual trust, and shared vision allow them to operate a practice that works for their family, serves the community, and supports other therapists in their professional growth.In Today's Episode, We Discuss:Transitioning from traditional employment to private practice while starting a familyBuilding a mobile-based practice to serve the community efficientlyPartnering with a spouse to balance business growth and personal lifeHiring and onboarding therapists to scale services without sacrificing qualityCreating systems that allow for flexibility, sustainability, and growthMorgan and Connor’s journey is a reminder that private practice is more than just a job—it’s about designing a life. By combining their strengths, embracing the challenges, and thinking creatively about their model, they’ve built a thriving practice that supports their family, their clients, and their therapists.If you’re ready to create a private practice that works for you and your family—whether solo or with a partner—the Start Your Private Practice Program can give you the tools and step-by-step guidance to get started. Learn more at www.StartYourPrivatePractice.com.Whether you want to start a practice, grow an existing one, or explore unique practice models, Morgan and Connor’s story shows that with vision, support, and determination, it’s possible to create the freedom, flexibility, and fulfillment you’ve been dreaming of. Visit www.independentclinician.com to learn more.Resources Mentioned:Follow Morgan and Connor on Instagram: instagram.com/speakplayloveclt/Check out their website: https://www.speakplayloveclt.com/Where We Can Connect: Follow the Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-practice-success-stories/id1374716199Follow Me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/independentclinician/Follow Me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jena.castrocasbon/

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 everything figured out. You need clarity, a plan, and permission to move forward.The most successful transitions I’ve witnessed this year started small, slow, and thoughtful—not from desperation, but from intention.As we head into 2026, I invite you to take a breath and start imagining what a private practice designed for you could look like.Want to know more on how we can work together at all stages of the private practice journey? Visit PrivatePracticeSchool.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.Where We Can Connect: Follow the Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-practice-success-stories/id1374716199Follow Me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/independentclinician/Follow Me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jena.castrocasbon/

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, where she fell in love with the science of the voice, learning from pioneers in vocal pedagogy.Her career took her through teaching, research on singing and respiratory health, and work with clients with lung disease in Canada. Along the way, she realized that to help clients fully, she needed to expand her skills, which led her to pursue speech-language pathology. Now, her dissertation focused on the use of singing lessons as an adjunctive airway clearance technique for adult cystic fibrosis patients.Through all these experiences, Rachel’s passion for voice never wavered—but she also learned the importance of adaptability, continuous learning, and following the right opportunities when they appear.In Today's Episode, We Discuss:How her passion for singing led her into voice therapyWhat it was like to return to grad school during COVIDHow she built her private practice and referral networkWhy flexibility has been essential for her familyWith her practice, Rachel has full control over her schedule, enabling her to see clients during traditional hours, early mornings, or late evenings, while still making time for her children and other priorities. Her story is a perfect example of how passion, expertise, and a willingness to take the leap can create a private practice that’s both fulfilling and flexible. Whether you’re interested in voice, pediatrics, or another specialty, her journey shows that with the right mindset, mentorship, and action, you can build a practice that fits your life and allows you to thrive both professionally and personally.Ready to take control of your career and start your own private practice—just like Rachel 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.Resources Mentioned:Follow Rachel on Instagram: instagram.com/myinspiredvoiceslp/Check out her website: www.myinspiredvoiceslp.comWhere We Can Connect: Follow the Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-practice-success-stories/id1374716199Follow Me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/independentclinician/Follow Me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jena.castrocasbon/

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.In Today's Episode, We Discuss:The moment she realized she couldn’t take “one more job” working for someone elseWhat it’s like starting a practice in a brand-new communityHow she found her first clients with simple grassroots marketingWhy she loves serving adults with Parkinson’s, aphasia, and cancer rehabHer journey from 100% mobile therapy to a co-working office spaceCourtney’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.Resources Mentioned:Check out her website: championspeechfl.comWhere We Can Connect: Follow the Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-practice-success-stories/id1374716199Follow Me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/independentclinician/Follow Me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jena.castrocasbon/

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.In Today's Episode, We Discuss:Transitioned from full-time school SLP to private practice ownerFound her niche in Myofunctional therapy and holistic wellnessCreated a lifestyle practice that supports both her family and her purposeElyse’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.Resources Mentioned:Follow Elyse on Apple and Spotify: Speaking Life Into MotherhoodCheck out her website: speakinglife.coWhere We Can Connect: Follow the Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-practice-success-stories/id1374716199Follow Me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/independentclinician/Follow Me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jena.castrocasbon/