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 schools
• Building and nurturing relationships for long-term contracts
• The importance of niche specialization in teletherapy
• Industry 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

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

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.

Daj Speaker Accelerator https://co-treatcorner.myflodesk.com/speakerwaitlist

Daj Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourslpdaj/

School Contracting Resources: www.thetherapistsupportnetwork.com

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.

Melissa’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

Melissa's Instagram: @RenewAllied

The Therapist Support Network Resources: www.thetherapistsupportnetwork.com