Private Practice Success Stories

Jena Castro-Casbon
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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. 3D AGO

    How Starting a Private Practice Helped Sarah Wilson Get Her Spark Back

    What if the job you loved stopped feeling like you? For so many therapists, the passion that drove them into the field gets buried under productivity requirements and a lack of autonomy. Today’s guest knows that feeling well and she did something about it. I’m so excited to share her story! I’m sitting down with Sarah Wilson, a speech-language pathologist and graduate of my Start Your Private Practice Program. Sarah is the owner and founder of Enrichment Therapy Services, based in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Sarah earned her Master’s degree from Misericordia University in 2013 and spent the next ten years working primarily in skilled nursing facilities before launching her private practice in 2023. Her clinical passions are diverse: she specializes in speech sound disorders and neurotypical language development in children, while also holding certification in VitalStim for swallowing disorders and treating cognitive-linguistic impairments in adults. Above all, she has a love for "all things speech" and is dedicated to constantly learning and furthering her knowledge across all areas of the field. After a decade working in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), Sarah knew something had to change. She was burning out and losing the spark that made her love speech therapy. Taking the leap into private practice wasn’t just a career change — it was a lifeline. In this episode, Sarah discusses how she went from working multiple PRN jobs just to make ends meet to building a multi-faceted private practice that serves both adults and pediatrics, all while gaining the flexibility to be present for her young son. In Today's Episode, We Discuss:How she pivoted from being a finance major to becoming a speech language pathologistThe moment a Facebook ad for the Start Your Private Practice program showed up at exactly the right timeHow she built a multi-pillar practice with in-person therapy, virtual sessions, and school contractsHow hiring her first clinician opened up a whole new level of growth she never expected Sarah’s story is proof that you don’t have to stay stuck in a setting that drains you. By taking small, intentional steps and leaning on the right support, she turned her career into something that truly fits her life. Want to build a private practice that gives you your spark back just like Sarah did? Learn more The Start Your Private Practice Program gives you the roadmap, resources, and support to get started. Learn more at www.StartYourPrivatePractice.com. Whether you want to start a private practice or grow an existing one, I can help you get the freedom, flexibility, and fulfillment that you deserve. Visit my website www.independentclinician.com to learn more. Resources Mentioned:Follow Sarah on Facebook: Enrichment Therapy Services Check out her website: www.enrichmenttherapyservices.com 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/

    27 min

  2. APR 13

    Designing Your Dream Schedule: Balancing a School Contract and Private Clients with Sheila Cina

    Have you ever had a client (or caseload) that made you think “I could do this so much better if I just have my own space”? For today’s guest, building her own private practice wasn’t just about clinical freedom—it was about finally doing therapy the way she always knew it should be done. And the best part? She did it all while keeping her dream role within the school system. I’m so excited to introduce you to Sheila Cina, a speech-language pathologist and a valued member of the Grow Your Private Practice Program. Sheila is the owner and founder of The Talking Place, based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Sheila’s journey into private practice is a masterclass in intentionality. Through a mix of side gigs, cold calls, and a leap of faith, she built a practice that not only serves her ideal clients but also allows her to mentor over 100 SLPs in her district. In this episode, Sheila discusses how she went from doing books in her husband’s basement to building a thriving practice, all while maintaining a flexible schedule and a collaborative network of colleagues. She specializes in compassionate, research-aligned, stutter-affirming therapy for children, teens, and adults. Her work centers on helping clients feel safe and empowered—reducing struggle around communication while honoring each person’s voice exactly as it is. She is also a certified life coach, bringing a unique perspective to her therapy sessions. In Today's Episode, We Discuss:Her fluency specialtyThe surprising benefit of keeping a 0.2 school position even after going out on her ownBuilding a collaborative community of SLPs who refer to each other instead of competing Sheila’s story is proof that you don’t have to choose between clinical integrity and a balanced life. She has built a career that allows her to specialize deeply, consult widely, and still have dinner with her husband a few nights a week. We are so lucky to have her as part of our community, and her journey is an inspiring example of what’s possible when you decide to create a job that fits you. Want to build a private practice that gives you the freedom to design your ideal week? Learn more about our Grow Your Private Practice Program at 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 Sheila on: Instagram: instagram.com/thetalkingplacemn/ Facebook: facebook.com/TheTalkingPlaceMN Check out her website: ttpmn.com 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/

    26 min

  3. APR 6

    No Connections, No Problem: How Maureen Built a CAS Practice from Scratch in Nashville

    What if you could build a private practice so strong, you could retire early—without letting go of the clients you love? Today's guest is a speech-language pathologist who turned decades of specialization into a thriving practice, a legacy plan, and a roadmap to hiking the Amalfi Coast while still staying connected to the field she's passionate about. I'm thrilled to introduce you to Maureen Neukirch, a speech-language pathologist and the owner of Little Speech Boutique in the greater Nashville area. Maureen provides in-home, preschool, and community-based services but she's not your average generalist. With over 25 years of experience across a variety of early childhood settings, Maureen’s journey is built on a deep foundation. Her research background in sensorimotor integration, prerequisites for early reading success, and rural service delivery via teletherapy has always set her apart. After decades in the field starting in schools, transitioning to neurodegenerative work during COVID, and learning what kind of boss she never wanted to be — Maureen made a bold decision: she would specialize in Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS). That decision didn't just change her caseload. It changed her entire career trajectory. Now an early intervention specialist serving clients from 18 months to 12 years of age, Maureen works with children across varying degrees of severity related to speech development. Her expertise is nationally recognized. She is a Certified Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing (DTTC) Research Clinician, a distinction awarded by the Once Upon a Time Foundation, where she was selected for a prestigious research study and trained by leaders. She is also recognized by the Apraxia Foundation and Bjorem Speech as an Apraxia Trained Clinician. In addition to DTTC and the Dynamic Evaluation of Motor Speech Sounds (DEMSS), Maureen utilizes Rapid Syllable Transition (ReST) and has been trained in PROMPT, ensuring her approach is backed by the most current, evidence-based practices. In this episode, Maureen discusses how specializing in CAS helped her build a full caseload in a new city, why she confidently refers to anything outside her niche, and the legacy plan she's building as she looks toward retirement. Maureen is passionate about dynamic assessment, differential diagnosis, and helping families find clarity. She believes in going deep, not wide and that being a specialist doesn't mean struggling for referrals. Outside of client care, she’s building something bigger: a network of clinicians and a vision for connecting Nashville’s private practitioners so families can finally find the specialists they need. In Today's Episode, We Discuss:How specializing in CAS — one of the most specific niches in our field — actually made it easier to get referrals in a city where she had zero connectionsThe "splashy" marketing strategy she used to get noticed from day oneWhy she sees other SLPs as collaborators, not competitors (and the networking philosophy that's fueled her growth)The legacy she's building as she plans her next chapter — a community-wide referral network for clinicians and families across Nashville Maureen is proof that you don't have to be everything to everyone. By going deep on what she loves, she's built a practice that serves her ideal clients, fuels her intellectually, and gives her the freedom to start thinking about what's next. And here's the best part: her story does not have to be the exception. You, too, can build a practice that lets you specialize, collaborate, and eventually scale whether that means hiring, retiring, or just taking more October hikes. Want to build a private practice that gives you the freedom to specialize, the confidence to refer out, and the vision to plan for your future—just like Maureen? The Start Your Private Practice Program gives you the roadmap, resources and mentorship where our mentors can help you overcome fears, build systems, and find your path to get started. Learn more at www.StartYourPrivatePractice.com. Whether you want to start a private practice or grow your existing one, I can help you get the freedom, flexibility, fulfillment, and financial abundance you deserve. Visit my website www.independentclinician.com to learn more. Resources Mentioned:Follow Maureen on Instagram: instagram.com/littlespeechboutique/ Facebook: facebook.com/littlespeechboutique Check out her website: littlespeechboutique.com 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/

    32 min

  4. MAR 30

    Building a Thriving Autism Practice While Raising Two Young Kids with Emily Vernon

    What if you could build a private practice that actually fits your life and not the other way around? Today's guest is an occupational therapist who intentionally built a solo practice around her family, and her community. And she's proving that you don't need a giant sensory gym or a million-dollar buildout to create a thriving practice. I'm thrilled to introduce you to Emily Vernon, an occupational therapist and a student of the Grow Your Private Practice Program community. Emily is the owner and founder of Spectrum Connections, based in Fort Smith, Arkansas. What makes Emily's story so unique? She's a self-described "ADHD, Type B, big picture thinker" who has built her practice on her own terms. Emily Vernon has 15 years of pediatric OT experience, specializing in apraxia, sensory-motor skills, group therapy, and spelling to communicate. She accepts a mix of insurance, private pay, and Arkansas's Education Freedom Act funds. Beyond one-on-one sessions, Emily runs groups year-round and has recently expanded into public speaking and professional development. In this episode, Emily shares how she went from working in outpatient clinics to starting an OT department for someone else, to finally launching her own solo practice and how each step taught her something valuable about what she actually wanted. In Today's Episode, We Discuss:How she built a full caseload for herselfThe low-cost and semi-non-traditional but fantastic space she sees clientsCreative payment options she’s leaning into beyond insurance and private payHer advice for taking imperfect action, especially if you’re a fellow type B, ADHD, big-picture thinker Emily's journey proves that successful private practice owners come in all types. You don't need a Type A personality. You don't need every detail mapped out. You just need the courage to start imperfectly. Her story doesn't have to be the exception. It can be your blueprint for building a practice that actually supports your life. Want to build your private practice to the point where YOU can set your own hours, choose your ideal clients, and actually be present for your family just like Emily 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 one, 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 Emily on Instagram: instagram.com/spectrum.connections.ar/ Facebook: Spectrum.Connections.AR Check out her website: spectrumconnections.co 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/

    30 min

  5. MAR 23

    Why Your Busiest Time Might Be the Best Time to Start a Practice with Start Your Private Practice Mentor, Amanda Modrowski

    What if you could build a practice that fits your life, not the other way around? What if you could transition from feeling burnt out and lost in your career to becoming a thriving practice owner and mentor to others? Today’s guest did exactly that, starting her journey during one of the messiest seasons of her life. I’m thrilled to reintroduce you to Amanda Modrowski, a speech-language pathologist and one of our incredible mentors inside the Start Your Private Practice Program. Amanda is the owner and founder of her private practice, Enhancing Communication, based in Parisburg, Ohio. Starting her practice in 2019 was the key to Amanda rediscovering her love for the field and creating a schedule that put her family first. She went from managing a caseload of 70 in the schools to designing a fulfilling career on her own terms. In this episode, Amanda discusses how she started her practice against all odds, her non-salesy approach to marketing that actually worked, and how her practice has evolved to include a specialty, a beautiful new clinic space, and a growing team. Amanda is a licensed speech-language pathologist who earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Toledo in Ohio. She began her career in skilled nursing, transitioned to outpatient care with a non-profit, and spent years in the public-school system. She holds her Certificate of Clinical Competence from ASHA and has developed a specialty in myofunctional therapy, which she now provides to both children and adults. Outside of patient care, Amanda devotes time to mentoring new clinicians in our Start Your Private Practice Program. In her free time, she enjoys life with her husband, their two children, and their two corgis. In Today's Episode, We Discuss:Taking the leap (even with a full plate) and going “cold turkey” with the job that was no longer serving herHer non-salesy marketing strategy that built her initial caseloadNavigating alternative funding sources like Ohio’s Jon Peterson ScholarshipHow her practice has evolved from a mobile service to a multi-disciplinary clinicThe profound impact private practice has had on her family life and schedule Amanda’s story is a powerful testament to what’s possible. We are so fortunate to have her guiding our students. Every journey is unique and you, too, can build a career that brings you freedom and fulfillment. Want to build a private practice that adapts to your life – just like Amanda has? The Start Your Private Practice Program gives you the roadmap, resources and mentorship where Amanda and our other mentors can help you overcome fears, build systems, and find your path 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 Amanda on: Facebook: facebook.com/enhancingcommunication Instagram: instagram.com/enhancingcommunication/ Check out her website: https://www.enhancingcommunicationtoledo.com/ 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/

    38 min

  6. MAR 16

    The Slow Salary Ladder (And the Faster Path Nobody Told You About) with Jena Castro-Casbon

    What if the salary ladder you’re climbing is actually the slowest route to the top? On today's episode of the Private Practice Success Stories podcast, I’m pulling back the curtain on a topic that often feels off-limits: money. If you’re a school-based clinician—an SLP or OT who has done everything right, checked every box, and climbed every rung—this episode will challenge everything you thought you knew about your income potential. We’re taught to believe that hard work and time naturally lead to financial comfort. But for so many in the school system, that comfort never quite arrives. Today, I’m naming the invisible ceiling that keeps talented clinicians stuck on a treadmill, and I’m showing you exactly the other path. In Today's Episode, We Discuss:The honest reality of a 20-year school-based salary trajectory The conservative math of private practiceWhy you don’t have to choose—and how keeping your school job while adding private clients on the side is the ultimate strategy Starting with just a few clients after school or on weekends isn't abandoning your mission. It's about finally valuing your expertise at the rate the market actually demands. It's about giving yourself a raise this week, instead of waiting 12 months for a cost-of-living adjustment that barely keeps pace with inflation. If you've ever looked at a salary schedule and felt a quiet knot in your stomach—the feeling that the top isn't nearly as high as you'd hoped—this episode is for you. Ready to stop waiting for a ladder that wasn't built for you? Join me for a free training that walks you through everything. Visit startyourprivatepractice.com to sign up today. Whether you want to start a private practice or grow your existing 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/id1374716199 Follow Me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/independentclinician/ Follow Me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jena.castrocasbon/

    9 min

  7. MAR 9

    3 Lies School Clinicians Believe About Private Practice (That Keep Them Stuck) with Jena Castro-Casbon

    What if the reasons you're not starting a private practice aren't reasons at all—they're lies? On today's episode of the Private Practice Success Stories podcast, I'm tackling the misconceptions that keep school-based clinicians stuck for years. If you're working in a school right now—if you've been thinking about private practice but haven't taken action—this episode will change how you see your path forward. I'm naming the three biggest lies that school clinicians believe about private practice. Not myths. Not misconceptions. Lies. They sound true. They feel true. And they are the only thing standing between you and the practice you could be building right now. In Today's Episode, We Discuss:Why "I need more experience" is keeping you from starting (and what you actually need instead)The truth about financial risk and why waiting is actually the most expensive decision you're makingHow to find the time when you feel like you have none (hint: you need less than you think) Starting small with a few clients, virtual sessions, or weekend hours isn't a compromise—it's a brilliant strategy. It creates financial breathing room, professional confidence, and a clear path forward on your terms. If you've been waiting for a sign to explore private practice without pressure, this is it. Ready to take your first step with clarity? Join me for a free training that walks you through everything. Visit startyourprivatepractice.com to sign up today. Whether you want to start a private practice or grow your existing 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/id1374716199 Follow Me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/independentclinician/ Follow Me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jena.castrocasbon/

    11 min

  8. MAR 2

    From Contractor to Confident Owner: Designing a Practice on Your Terms with Rebecca Wellons

    What if the job you've been dreaming of already exists—you just have to build it yourself? Today's guest started her career wanting to work in hospitals with adults, but a perfect storm of timing and self-discovery led her somewhere entirely different. Now she's using her clinical skills to serve kids and families in a way that actually works—and I can't wait for you to hear her story! I’m thrilled to introduce you to Rebecca Wellons is speech-language pathologist and the owner and founder of Little Seeds Speech Therapy, serving families in Durham, North. Rebecca’s journey proves that you don’t have to make a dramatic, overnight leap to build a thriving practice. By embracing a slow, steady transition and leveraging powerful, simple strategies, she crafted a business that gives her control, flexibility, and deep professional satisfaction. In this episode, Rebecca discusses how starting slow, following her clinical curiosities, and designing a schedule that led to more peace, more purpose, and a practice she truly loves. Rebecca is a licensed speech-language pathologist with a fascinating background in linguistics. She specializes in myofunctional therapy, childhood apraxia of speech, and late talkers. She holds her graduate degree in speech-language pathology and has pursued extensive continuing education to better serve children. She takes a whole-child approach that recognizes the overlap between motor planning, oral motor function, and communication—refusing to put kids in boxes when their challenges don't fit neatly into one diagnosis. Outside of client care, Rebecca enjoys spending time in the Durham community and protecting her midday breaks for things like errands when the stores are quiet (a small perk of the private practice life). In Today's Episode, We Discuss:How working as a contractor gave her first taste of autonomyHer realization that she could cap her caseload, schedule, and create a space for herselfDiscovering she is neurodivergent and how that realization changed everythingHow she began designing a practice that works with her brain, not against it Rebecca's story is a beautiful reminder that private practice doesn't have to mean quitting your job overnight and going all in. For her, it meant slowly transitioning, following referrals from fellow SLPs, and building at a pace that felt sustainable. Want to build a private practice that actually fits your life—neurodivergence, midday breaks, specialized niche, and all? The Start Your Private Practice Program gives you the roadmap, resources, and support 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:Check out her website: www.littleseedsspeechtherapy.com/ 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/

    26 min
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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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