In this solo episode, Jana returns to the Empower LEP Podcast after an unplanned hiatus to reflect on a full year of growth, recalibration, and hard-earned clarity. As 2025 comes to a close, she takes listeners behind the scenes of what it really looked like to lead a growing group practice while intentionally stepping back from other projects, including the podcast itself.

Jana shares an honest overview of what changed in 2025, from staffing growth and retention, opening a second office location, and shifting into a more business-development–focused role, to offering a 401k for employees, strengthening profit margins, and making values-based decisions about where her time and energy truly belong. She talks candidly about the tradeoffs of group practice ownership, the responsibility of supporting employees through real life events, and why simplifying in 2025 made room for deeper focus in 2026.

This episode also revisits the evolution of Empower LEP, including the decision to separate it legally from Mind by Design, the move away from group programs, and a renewed commitment to one-on-one mentorship. Jana reflects on what has been most meaningful in her work with other LEPs, why mentorship continues to be the heart of Empower LEP, and what listeners can expect moving forward, including the possibility of shorter, more focused solo business episodes in the year ahead.

Whether you are in schools, in solo private practice, or growing a group practice of your own, this episode offers a realistic, thoughtful look at sustainability, leadership, and building something that actually supports the people inside it.

As always, Jana invites listeners to reach out with feedback, ideas, or mentorship needs and thanks the Empower LEP community for being part of the journey into 2026.

In this powerful episode of the Empower LEP Podcast, I sit down with Miriam Burlakovsky — a newly minted private practice owner who is absolutely crushing it in her first few months of entrepreneurship.

After realizing her district role, particularly the professional development work, was draining her energy and passion, Miriam made a bold decision to pivot. In just 48 hours following a transformative moment, she launched SLO Psych Services, where she now offers high-quality assessments for ADHD, autism, and learning disabilities.

But Miriam didn’t stop there.

She also started a nonprofit called Awesome Educators, dedicated to preventing teacher burnout, and she hosts a podcast that explores the intersection of mindfulness and mental health. On top of it all, she’s currently teaching research methods at Cal Poly — truly embracing the many ways professionals can make an impact beyond traditional school settings.

This episode is full of insight and inspiration. Miriam shares how tuning into both your mind and body can signal when it’s time for change, the value of networking when building something new, and how we can support educators in more meaningful and sustainable ways.

🎧 A must-listen if you’re:

• Considering stepping away from your district role
• Thinking about starting your own private practice
• Passionate about educator well-being
• Looking for a boost of inspiration from a fellow LEP making bold moves

During this episode, Miriam mentioned working with both Scott Robson and Client Obsession. You can connect with them here:

• Scott Robson Coaching: https://scottrobson.net/
• Client Obsession Marketing Agency: https://clientobsession.com/

Don’t miss this incredible conversation about courage, clarity, and creating something that truly aligns with your values. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review if you love it!

Connect with Empower LEP:

Website: https://www.empowerlep.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empowerlep/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/empowerlep

In this episode of the Empower LEP Podcast, I sit down with my colleague and friend, Dr. Rebecca Murray Metzger, to explore the world of psychological assessment and building a group practice.

If you're a school psychologist or LEP considering a move into private practice, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss.

Listen in to hear all about:

• The path from school psychology to private practice
• Challenges and wins of launching a group practice
• Mentorship and supporting early-career clinicians
• The unique value LEPs bring to assessment work

Rebecca shares her journey from therapy-focused training to becoming an assessment specialist and group practice owner. We dive into the realities of leadership, the need for ongoing learning, and what it really takes to grow a team.

As someone who’s made a similar shift, I found our conversation honest, relatable, and full of practical takeaways—especially around burnout, flexibility, and community.

Tune in for a grounded, insightful conversation—and walk away with strategies you can actually use.

Connect with Empower LEP:

Website: https://www.empowerlep.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empowerlep/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/empowerlep

Connect with Rebecca:
Website: https://sfmindmatters.com/