Private Practice Success Stories

Jena Castro-Casbon
  • 4.8 (80)
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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.

  1. 22H AGO

    How Motherhood and Myofunctional Therapy Sparked a Whole New Career Path with Elyse Scheeler

    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 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. Resources Mentioned:Follow Elyse on Apple and Spotify:...

    36 min

  2. NOV 10

    From Overwhelmed to Empowered: Starting Niche Private Practice with Adults with Jackie Larsen-Robinson

    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. In Today's Episode, We Discuss:How one determined patient with Parkinson’s sparked her path to specializationThe moment she realized she could serve her community and her family better by starting her own private practiceHow she built her confidence step-by-stepThe 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. Resources Mentioned:Follow Jackie on Instagram: a...

    31 min

  3. NOV 3

    Letting Go Of Overwork: How a Sensory-Focused OT Designed a Private Practice to Escape Burnout with Bailey McBride

    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.” In Today's Episode, We Discuss:How Bailey went from almost leaving OT to thriving as her own bossThe simple “crunch the numbers” mindset shift that helped her make the leapThe creative ways she attracts her ideal sensory-focused clientsWhy “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...

    40 min

  4. OCT 27

    Leaving the SNF Life Behind: Finding Purpose Again in Private Practice with Meghan Powers

    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. In Today's Episode, We Discuss:Making the leap from employee to business owner (without overthinking it)Building strong referral relationships through genuine connectionBalancing parenthood, life, and business with intentionAnd 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. Resources Mentioned:Follow Meghan on Instagram: a href="https://www.instagram.com/gatewaytotherockiesst/"...

    45 min

  5. OCT 20

    From “Never” to Now: Building a Thriving Private Practice in a Small Town with Kansas Staffy

    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 entrepreneurHow she built a client base in a small rural communityThe ways she connected with other professionals and programs to grow her practiceHow 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. Resources Mentioned:Check out her website: talkandtastetherapy.com Send her an email: a href="mailto:info@talkandtastetherapy.com"...

    29 min

  6. OCT 13

    From “Extra Bucks” to Extra Freedom By Starting a Feeding Based Practice Through a Trauma Informed Lens with Sirisha Duvvuru

    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 FacebookBuilt caseload through screenings & networkingCarved out a niche in pediatric feeding therapy with a trauma-informed approachPractice 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. Resources Mentioned:Follow Sirisha on: Instagram: instagram.com/your_speechmatters/ Facebook: Your Speech Matters PLLC LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sirisha-duvvuru-388406262 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/

    31 min

  7. OCT 6

    Making More and Working Less By Setting Up Her Private Practice for Maximal Ease: with Ellie Richter

    What if your private practice could finally give you the money, freedom, and balance you’ve always wanted—without the endless hustle or burnout? That’s exactly what today’s guest, Ellie Richter, created for herself. Ellie is the owner of The Essential Teletherapist, and she’s transformed her career from driving all over town for clients to running a thriving telepractice on her own terms. Ellie has been an SLP since 2010, working primarily as a bilingual therapist in nonprofits. In 2022, she decided to step away from traditional roles and test out private practice with just a handful of clients. By 2024, she went all in—rebranding, creating clear systems, and designing a practice that aligned with her values and family’s needs. At first, Ellie took any client she could, driving around for home visits. But as a mom and primary parent, the stress of being on the road was unsustainable. Around the same time, health challenges within her family pushed her to rethink her income, schedule, and priorities. With support from the Start and later the Grow Your Private Practice Program, Ellie clarified her vision, set her rates, and built a plan that worked. She leaned into her expertise in bilingual therapy and school contracts, while also developing a new passion—helping other SLPs succeed at teletherapy. Within her first year of going all in, Ellie hit six figures, built contracts through word of mouth, and created a business that truly worked for her life. In this episode, Ellie shares how she specializes in bilingual evaluations, early intervention, and teletherapy. Through her practice, The Essential Teletherapist, she not only serves children and families but also trains other SLPs to deliver effective virtual services. And how she built her business around family life—choosing her hours, and creating systems for what she calls “maximal ease.” She continues to refine her practice so it’s sustainable long term, both financially and personally. In this episode, we discuss: How Ellie transitioned from nonprofit work to launching her own practiceWhat it looks like to build a bilingual teletherapy and school contract modelThe mindset shifts she made to prioritize ease and balanceAnd why aligning her business with her family’s needs has been the key to success Ellie’s story proves that you don’t have to choose between being a present parent and building a successful career. With clarity, systems, and support, you can create a practice that works for you—and build it on your own terms. Want to create a private practice that gives you freedom, flexibility, and fulfillment—just like Ellie 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 a...

    42 min

  8. SEP 29

    Growing Her Practice By Offering Gender-Affirming Voice and Adult Neuro Services with Anne Quirk

    What if you could combine your passion for helping people with the freedom to serve the clients you love most? That’s exactly what Anne Quirk discovered when she launched True Self Speech Therapy in Providence, Rhode Island. Anne is a speech-language pathologist specializing in neurological conditions, voice disorders, and gender-affirming voice therapy. After years in nonprofits and hospitals, she began craving more balance, control, and the chance to serve her ideal clients. With encouragement from colleagues, Anne took the leap into private practice. Now she helps stroke survivors communicate again, supports transgender clients in finding affirming voices, and has built a thriving caseload through word-of-mouth referrals. In this episode, you’ll hear how Anne has embraced the flexibility of private practice to shape a career that truly reflects her values. By expanding her team and creating resources like her newsletter, News for the Affirming SLP, she’s found ways to support both her clients and her family—while stepping fully into her true self. In this episode, we discuss: The leap from healthcare burnout to starting her own practiceHow gender-affirming voice therapy helped her practice grow in its first yearBalancing private practice with raising three kidsAnd why hiring a team changed everything Anne’s journey is proof that private practice is possible at any stage of your career—and that specializing in the clients you’re most passionate about can help you stand out, attract referrals, and make a bigger impact. If you’re ready to build a private practice that reflects your true self—just like Anne has learned more about our Grow Your Private Practice Program – where our other coaches can help you set up systems as you shift from clinician to CEO. To learn more, please visit www.GrowYourPrivatePractice.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 Anne on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trueselfspeech/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trueselfspeech LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashak/ Check out her website: www.trueselfspeech.com Learn more about growing your practice: www.GrowYourPrivatePractice.com Where We Can Connect: Follow the Podcast: a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-practice-success-stories/id1374716199" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    37 min
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4.8
out of 5
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About

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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