Beyond the Big Agencies

Elise Mitchell
  • 5.0 (12)
  • Business

Beyond the Big Agencies is the go-to podcast for SLPs, OTs, PTs, and related service providers who want to take control of their school-based service delivery without relying on large staffing agencies. Hosted by Elise Mitchell, SLP and owner of The Therapist Support Network, this podcast dives into real-world strategies for securing contracts, scaling your practice, and navigating the challenges of contracting directly with schools. Whether you're a solo provider or looking to expand, you'll find expert insights, success stories, and practical tips to help you grow a sustainable and rewarding business-because school contracting should be left to the professionals.

  1. Sep 22

    Growing Beyond Yourself: Hiring, School Contracts & Mindset with Dani Gaff

    What happens when your private practice is growing—but your physical space isn’t? In this episode of Beyond the Big Agencies, Elise Mitchell sits down with Dani Gaff to talk about how school contracting became a natural next step in the growth of her private practice. Dani shares her journey from clinician to business owner, including why she began exploring school contracts, what it looked like to bring other providers into her business, and how contracting created opportunities to expand without simply adding more clinic space. Elise and Dani also dig into the mindset side of business growth—the fear that can come with taking on something new, learning to advocate for your rates and contract terms, and continually realigning as your business evolves. They also discuss the importance of strong provider relationships and why creating a business where therapists genuinely want to work has become such an important part of Dani’s vision. In this episode, you’ll hear about: How Dani moved from private practice into school contractingUsing school contracts to grow beyond the limitations of clinic spaceNavigating the school contracting landscape in IndianaWhy Dani wanted to begin hiring other providersBuilding strong relationships with therapists and contractorsDeveloping confidence around pricing, negotiation, and advocacyThe mindset shift from treating provider to business ownerManaging fear and uncertainty as your business growsDani’s vision for the next stage of her practice Resources The Therapist Support Network Checklist: https://thetsn.myflodesk.com/checklist The Messy SLP on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themessyslp/

  2. Aug 11

    What My Son Remembers About Me Building a Business

    In this episode of Beyond the Big Agencies, Elise sits down with her oldest son, Hayden, for a candid conversation about what it was actually like growing up while she built her career and eventually her business. They talk about the things Hayden remembers from those early years, what working from home meant for their family, how he viewed Elise’s career growth, and whether the mom guilt so many women carry actually matched his experience as her child. Hayden also shares how watching his mom work, grow, take risks, and continually raise the standard influenced his own views on discipline, success, and progression. For any mom who has ever wondered, Am I working too much? Are my kids going to resent this? Am I missing something I can’t get back? — this conversation offers a perspective we don’t hear nearly enough: the child’s.

  3. Jul 14

    From School SLPs to School Partners: The Achieve Speech Story

    In this episode, Mindy and Rachelle share their journey from school-based clinicians to successful private practice owners, focusing on contracting with schools and developing innovative speech therapy programs like Snappy Speech. They discuss the benefits of partnership, managing burnout, and supporting community needs through sustainable models. Resources: Achieve Speech Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/achievespeechslp Snappy Speech on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SnappySpeechByAchieve School Contracting Tools: www.thetherapistsupportnetwork.com Disclosures:"Beyond the Big Agencies" is brought to you by The Therapist Support Network. Some topics discussed may reference products, services, or resources offered by The Therapist Support Network. This episode may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. Listeners should consult with qualified professionals regarding their specific circumstances before making any business decisions.

  4. Jun 23

    Building a Business That Moves With You: The Story Behind Hello Therapy

    Summary In this episode, Grace Kratosky shares her journey from traditional employment to building her own contracting business in the therapy field, highlighting the benefits of flexibility, military spouse considerations, and the importance of community and collaboration. Key Topics Transition from traditional employment to contractingBenefits of contracting for military spousesBuilding and managing a therapy teamThe importance of community and collaborationVirtual therapy and overcoming pushback References Hello Therapy: https://www.instagram.com/hellotherapyllc/ The Therapist Support Network Contracting Tools: www.thetherapistsupportnetwork.com Disclosures Financial Disclosure: "Beyond the Big Agencies" is brought to you by The Therapist Support Network. Some topics discussed may reference products, services, or resources offered by The Therapist Support Network. This episode may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you Legal Disclaimer:The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. Listeners should consult with qualified professionals regarding their specific circumstances before making any business decisions.

  5. Jun 2

    Building Little Sparks: A Provider-First Approach to School Contracting

    In this engaging interview, Jessica shares her journey of building Little Sparks, her intentional approach to contracting in the school space, and the importance of valuing providers. Discover insights on business strategy, mindset shifts, and how to create a flexible, provider-centered contracting business. Key Topics Business strategy for therapy contractingMindset shifts from employee to business ownerValuing providers and setting ratesNavigating school contracts and paymentsExpanding into new states and markets Disclosures "Beyond the Big Agencies" is brought to you by The Therapist Support Network. Some topics discussed may reference products, services, or resources offered by The Therapist Support Network. This episode may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. Listeners should consult with qualified professionals regarding their specific circumstances before making any business decisions. Resources Little Sparks Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littlesparksspeechtherapy/ The Therapist Support Network Contracting Tools/Materials: www.thetherapistsupportnetwork.com

  6. May 12

    Finding Success in Virtual School Contracting with Ellie Richter

    In this episode, Elise Mitchell welcomes Ellie Richter, a virtual speech therapist and contractor, to discuss the realities of virtual contracting with schools, building relationships, and navigating industry challenges. They explore strategies for success, the importance of niche specialization, and future trends in teletherapy. Key Topics: Virtual contracting with schoolsBuilding and nurturing relationships for long-term contractsThe importance of niche specialization in teletherapyIndustry challenges and future trends in virtual speech therapy Resources: Ellie's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theessentialteletherapist/ Elise's Resources: www.thetherapistsupportnetwork.com FREE School Contracting Checklist: https://thetsn.myflodesk.com/checklist Financial Disclosure: "Beyond the Big Agencies" is brought to you by The Therapist Support Network. Some topics discussed may reference products, services, or resources offered by The Therapist Support Network. This episode may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you Legal Disclaimer:The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. Listeners should consult with qualified professionals regarding their specific circumstances before

  7. Apr 21

    Speaking in Schools: The Overlooked Revenue Stream for SLPs with Daj Mitchell

    On this episode of Beyond the Big Agencies, Elise Mitchell and Daj Mitchell discuss the journey of coaching, public speaking for SLPs, leveraging AI, and building a successful online business. They share insights on niching, overcoming challenges, and creating revenue streams through speaking engagements and professional development. Resources:Daj Speaker Accelerator https://co-treatcorner.myflodesk.com/speakerwaitlist Daj Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourslpdaj/ School Contracting Resources: www.thetherapistsupportnetwork.com

  8. Apr 7

    From Clinician to CEO: Building Renew Allied

    In this episode, I’m joined by Melissa Denning, founder of Renew Allied, a therapist-owned contracting company that has grown from a private practice into a multi-state business working with schools. Melissa shares what it actually looked like to transition out of traditional clinical work and into building a business that supports both therapists and schools—without compromising on pay, ethics, or quality of care. We talk through the real decisions behind growth: when to raise your rates, when to hire, how to approach negotiations, and what it takes to step into RFPs with confidence. If you’ve ever wondered what scaling a therapy business actually looks like behind the scenes—this conversation pulls it back. Key TakeawaysMelissa’s journey from private practice to building Renew Allied How pricing decisions impact long-term sustainability What therapists get wrong about negotiations (and how to fix it) The turning point that led her to start hiring and scaling How to approach RFPs without overcomplicating the process The role of consistency and sales in building a stable business Why investing in systems and support changes everything ResourcesMelissa's Instagram: @RenewAllied The Therapist Support Network Resources: www.thetherapistsupportnetwork.com

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5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

Beyond the Big Agencies is the go-to podcast for SLPs, OTs, PTs, and related service providers who want to take control of their school-based service delivery without relying on large staffing agencies. Hosted by Elise Mitchell, SLP and owner of The Therapist Support Network, this podcast dives into real-world strategies for securing contracts, scaling your practice, and navigating the challenges of contracting directly with schools. Whether you're a solo provider or looking to expand, you'll find expert insights, success stories, and practical tips to help you grow a sustainable and rewarding business-because school contracting should be left to the professionals.

Information

  • Creator
    Elise Mitchell
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    37
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Elise Mitchell
  • Show Website
    Beyond the Big Agencies

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