Beyond the Big Agencies

Elise Mitchell
  • 5.0 (11)
  • 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. 2d ago

    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

    23 min

  2. 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

    23 min

  3. 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

    23 min

  4. 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

    24 min

  5. Mar 17

    The 3 Revenue Pillars of a Stable Therapy Business

    Summary: Elise Mitchell discusses how therapy business owners can build a stable, resilient business by diversifying revenue streams. She introduces the three pillars of stability—consistent cash flow, fast cash, and premium offers—and explains how to implement them effectively in school contracting and private practice. References: 5 Revenue Stream Mini-Course: https://www.thetherapistsupportnetwork.com/offers/srjxU2Rk/checkout 1:1 Revenue Stream Intensive: https://calendly.com/schoolcontractor/revenuestreams 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.

    17 min

  6. Feb 24

    Agency vs Direct School Contracts: Which Path Fits Your Career?

    Episode Summary Many school-based providers reach a crossroads at some point in their career: 👉 Do I work through a staffing agency? 👉 Or do I contract directly with schools? In this episode, Elise breaks down the real differences between agency contracting and direct contracting, including pay, autonomy, responsibility, and long-term growth potential. You’ll walk away with clarity on which model fits your goals, season of life, and risk tolerance — and how to think about your next move. Key TakeawaysAgencies can be a great starting pointDirect contracting creates long-term leverageYou can move from agency → direct when you’re readyUnderstanding both models helps you make strategic choices ResourcesThe FREE School Contractor Checklist: https://thetsn.myflodesk.com/checklist The School Contractor Training and Packet: https://www.thetherapistsupportnetwork.com/training-and-packet DisclaimersFinancial 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.

    22 min

  7. Jan 27

    Strong Over Fast: Why Strategic Growth Beats Rapid Expansion

    Summary In this podcast episode, Elise Mitchell discusses the concept of growth in business, particularly in the context of school contracting. She emphasizes the importance of sustainable and intentional growth over rapid expansion, which can lead to chaos and hidden problems. Elise outlines the dangers of pursuing growth solely based on revenue and FTEs, advocating instead for a strategic approach that includes understanding capacity, implementing systems, and ensuring financial soundness. The episode concludes with a call to focus on building a better business rather than simply aiming for bigger numbers. Takeaways Sustainable growth is more important than rapid growth.Rapid growth can introduce chaos into your business.Redefine success beyond just revenue metrics.Prepare your business infrastructure before pursuing large contracts.Chaos can lead to compliance and service delivery issues.You become overwhelmed when growth is unintentional.Strategic growth should be based on capacity and systems.Documented workflows are essential for expansion.Financial stability is crucial for sustainable growth.Focus on building a better business, not just a bigger one. Resources Scale Your School Contracting Business Coaching Program: https://www.thetherapistsupportnetwork.com/coaching-program 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.

    25 min

  8. Jan 13

    Unlocking Growth Through a Mid-Year Satisfaction Survey

    In this episode of Beyond the Big Agencies, Elise Mitchell discusses the significance of conducting mid-year satisfaction surveys for school contractors. She emphasizes the importance of gathering customer feedback early in the year to address issues, gauge renewal likelihood, and identify growth opportunities. The episode outlines the benefits of satisfaction surveys, including catching potential deal-breakers, collecting testimonials, and measuring success through net promoter scores. Elise provides actionable tips for creating effective surveys and highlights the necessity of turning feedback into tangible improvements to strengthen client relationships and drive business growth. Takeaways Mid-year satisfaction surveys can transform service delivery.Customer feedback is crucial for contract renewal and expansion.Surveys should be sent early to allow for course correction.Addressing issues promptly can prevent them from becoming deal-breakers.Satisfaction surveys can gauge renewal likelihood and spot opportunities.Collecting testimonials during surveys can enhance credibility.A net promoter score helps measure overall business performance.Surveys should include clear, actionable questions.Follow up on feedback to show clients their input is valued.Effective surveys can lead to strategic growth and stronger relationships. Resources School Satisfaction Survey Guide: https://thetsn.myflodesk.com/surveyguideScale Your School Contracting Business: https://www.thetherapistsupportnetwork.com/coaching-program 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.

    17 min
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5
out of 5
11 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
    33
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Elise Mitchell
  • Show Website
    Beyond the Big Agencies

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