Episodes

  • Start Before You're Ready: Building a Home-Based Speech Therapy Practice Around Your Family with Alyse Dillon

    Start Before You're Ready: Building a Home-Based Speech Therapy Practice Around Your Family with Alyse Dillon
    May 25 2026
    What if you could walk your kids to school and build a thriving private practice? For most school-based therapists, mornings mean rushing out the door before the kids even wake up. But what if your workday could start with a slow walk to school with your children—and end with you picking them up from class? Today’s guest is doing exactly that. And I can’t wait for you to hear how she made it happen.I’m introducing you to Alyse Dillon, a speech-language pathologist with over 10 years of experience and the owner of Small Talk Speech and Language Services in Modesto, California.Alyse didn’t hate her school job. In fact, she loved it. But when life threw a move, she realized that the flexibility she wanted wasn’t going to come from being an employee. So she built it herself.Now, after two years as a private practice owner, Alyse sees private clients from her home office, contracts with her old school district on her own terms, and is home for school pickup, class parties, and everything in between.In this episode, Alyse discusses how she transitioned from schools to private practice, the unexpected way a school contract became a major part of her business, and why staying small on purpose has been the key to her happiness—both as a clinician and as a mom.Alyse Dillon is a speech-language pathologist with over a decade of experience across schools, hospitals, and private practices. She specializes in early language development, speech sound disorders, and school-based services. She holds her master's degree and describes her clinical approach as relational, family-centered, and deeply rooted in building genuine connections with both kids and their parents.Outside of patient care, Alyse is a wife and a mom of three boys. She loves being able to volunteer at her kids' school, take random Tuesday trips to Disneyland, and yes — walk her children to school every morning.In Today's Episode, We Discuss:How to start thinking about private practice when you're not burned out (yet)The surprising benefits of running a practice out of your homeHow she's combined a school contract with private clients for the best of both worldsWhy "small and streamlined" might be the perfect fit for your personality and your familyAlyse is proof that you don't have to hate your job to want something better. You don't need a huge team or a commercial storefront. Sometimes, the best private practice is the one that fits around your life — not the other way around.Want to build a private practice that gives you more time with your family, more control over your schedule, and more joy in your work? Learn more about the Start Your Private Practice program to know how to get started even if you're still working your day job by visiting www.startyourprivatepractice.com.Or, if you already have an existing private practice and you're ready to take it to the next level we'd love to support you inside the Next Level Private Practitioner. You can learn more at www.nextlevelprivatepractitioner.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 Alyse on Instagram: instagram.com/smalltalkmodesto/Where We Can Connect:Follow the Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-practice-success-stories/id1374716199Follow Me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/independentclinician/Follow Me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jena.castrocasbon/
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    29 mins
  • Mom First, SLP Second: Designing a Private Practice Schedule That Actually Works with Jennifer Travis

    Mom First, SLP Second: Designing a Private Practice Schedule That Actually Works with Jennifer Travis
    Jun 1 2026
    What if you didn't have to choose between being a present parent and a passionate clinician? For today’s guest, that dream became reality. She’s a mom of two young boys, a pediatric speech-language pathologist, and the owner of a growing private practice.I’m so excited to introduce you to Jennifer Travis, a pediatric speech-language pathologist, a member of the Start Your Private Practice program and the owner and founder of Rise Pediatric Therapy Services in Nashville, Tennessee.After years of working in clinics, schools, and outpatient settings and feeling more and more depleted, Jennifer knew something had to change. She wanted more time at home with her sons without losing her passion for helping families. So she took the leap and started her own private practice in 2022 and has continued to work in pockets of her days to help clients achieve their goals. As a busy wife and mom to two young kids, building her own private practice gave her the flexibility to be home first while continuing to do what she loves — helping others with their speech, language, and feeding challenges.In this episode, Jennifer shares how she went from feeling overwhelmed to building a sustainable, joyful, and flexible practice, mostly through word-of-mouth and small, attainable steps. She describes herself as a dreamer who prefers to keep things small and she’s proof that you don’t need multiple locations or a huge team to build a profitable, fulfilling practice.Now, she sees clients in their homes or daycares, stacks her sessions into focused blocks, and spends the rest of her time being present with her two little boys without the burnout she once accepted as normal. She loves when her oldest son gets excited about her therapy materials, and she’s learning to embrace the messy, beautiful balance of being both a clinician and a mom.In Today's Episode, We Discuss:Why being a parent can be the catalyst not the obstacle to starting your practiceHow to build a full caseload through simple, low-pressure word-of-mouth referralsThe "schedule stacking" approach she uses to be fully on as a clinician AND fully present as a momWhy she chose to stay private pay to keep her freedom and flexibilityJennifer’s story is a beautiful reminder that private practice doesn’t have to mean big and busy. It can mean small, sustainable, and joyful. Whether you’re a new parent, a burned-out clinician, or someone who’s been dreaming of more flexibility for years — her journey proves that you can start exactly where you are.Want to build a private practice that gives you more time, more joy, and more control over your life? Jennifer launched her practice after going through our Start Your Private Practice Program where we help clinicians like you go from “someday” to “day one.” Learn more at www.StartYourPrivatePractice.com.Or, if you already have an existing private practice and you're ready to take it to the next level we'd love to support you inside the Next Level Private Practitioner. You can learn more at www.nextlevelprivatepractitioner.com.Whether you want to start from scratch or grow an existing practice, I can help you get the freedom, flexibility, fulfillment, and financial abundance you deserve. Visit www.independentclinician.com to learn more.Resources Mentioned:Follow Jennifer in Instagram: instagram.com/jenspeaksandeats/Check out her website: risepediatrictherapyservices.comWhere We Can Connect:Follow the Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-practice-success-stories/id1374716199Follow Me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/independentclinician/Follow Me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jena.castrocasbon/
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    23 mins
  • From Burned Out to Lit Up: How One OT Built a Practice That Actually Fits with Tanya Glass

    From Burned Out to Lit Up: How One OT Built a Practice That Actually Fits with Tanya Glass
    May 18 2026
    What if you've been an OT for 27 years and you're starting to wonder if you're done? Not done with the profession—just done with other people's systems. Today's guest felt exactly that way, and she did something about it.I'm introducing you to Tanya Glass, an occupational therapist and the owner and founder of her private practice, Grow and Thrive OT, based in the San Antonio area of Texas.Tanya is a 27-year veteran OT who has practiced in many areas but has specialized in pediatrics and feeding therapy for the last 19 years. After moving from Nevada to Texas, she struggled with her identity as a therapist while trying to find the right fit in a position. Frustrated by hospital politics, early intervention rules, and systems with policies that exist "just because," Tanya decided to stop looking for the perfect job and start creating it. She now runs a mobile private practice where she sees neurodivergent children and adolescents with feeding and eating differences, sensory processing challenges, and emotional regulation needs.In this episode, Tanya discusses how focusing on her niche helped her fall back in love with OT, why even a small side practice can transform your mental health, and how she built her business gradually—starting with the Start Your Private Practice program while working as a contractor—to get to a 60/40 split between her own practice and home health.Outside of patient care, Tanya currently works as an independent contractor for a home health company, as well as a contractor for a company that does special school contracts with OTs as "sensory coaches." She also creates webinars for Summit Education while she continues to grow her own private practice. Tanya is deeply passionate about creating opportunities for OTs to connect and hosts a monthly Zoom support call for Texas OTs. In her free time, she enjoys continuing to find new ways to support fellow clinicians.In Today's Episode, We Discuss:What it really feels like to lose your spark in this professionHow building her own practice brought it backTanya is truly living proof that it's never too late to reinvent yourself. After 27 years in the field, she went from feeling like she might be "done with OT" to building a practice that lights her on fire again—all while continuing to work as a contractor, create webinars, and build community for other Texas OTs. Her story does not have to be the exception; you, too, can achieve the career of your dreams if you simply start taking steps to get there.Want to build your private practice the right way—with a solid foundation, just like Tanya did? Learn more about our Start Your Private Practice Program, where Tanya got the step-by-step guidance and mentorship she needed to go from burnout to business owner. To learn more, please visit www.StartYourPrivatePractice.com.Or, if you already have an existing private practice and you're ready to take it to the next level we'd love to support you inside the Next Level Private Practitioner. You can learn more at www.nextlevelprivatepractitioner.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 Tanya on Instagram: instagram.com/growandthriveot/Check out her website: growandthriveot.comWhere We Can Connect:Follow the Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-practice-success-stories/id1374716199Follow Me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/independentclinician/Follow Me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jena.castrocasbon/
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    24 mins
  • Pivots, Presentations & Pediatrics: How Vanessa Alcala Evolved Her Wellness-Focused Private Practice

    Pivots, Presentations & Pediatrics: How Vanessa Alcala Evolved Her Wellness-Focused Private Practice
    May 11 2026
    What if you could build a private practice that evolves with you through rebranding, new niches, and even public speaking? Today's guest is back for her third appearance on the show, and every time she comes on, her practice looks completely different in the best way possible.I'm so excited to reintroduce you to Vanessa Alcala, a first-generation college graduate, bilingual speech-language pathologist, and founder of TheraVolve Wellness Co., a private practice serving children and adults across Tampa Bay through clinic, in-home, school, and telehealth services.Once told by a guidance counselor she wasn't "college material," Vanessa went on to launch her private practice the day she graduated in 2019 — LLC and all. But between a global pandemic, two high-risk pregnancies, and losing her grandmother, she realized the traditional track wasn't the vibe for her.So she built her own path.Switching from adult-focused care to bilingual pediatrics. Rebranding from Vital Therapies to the deeply meaningful TheraVolve Wellness Co. Growing from a solo clinician to a team with a beautiful clinic in Carrollwood. And most recently? Turning public speaking into a high-impact, high-income marketing tool earning her "Best of the Best SLP" recognition from the Tampa Bay Times in 2025.Vanessa Alcala is a bilingual SLP, healthcare entrepreneur, public speaker, and mentor. A former dementia caregiver, she's co-host of Sip & Social, the first multi-state networking event of its kind for SLPs and women in healthcare and creator of "Impact to Income," a course helping healthcare professionals transition from clinical work to speaking opportunities and diversified income streams. She's also co-founder of The Concierge Marketing Shop, offering customizable marketing templates designed specifically for adult and pediatric private practice owners.Outside of patient care, Vanessa is a mother of two who has navigated private practice through different seasons of life. She's passionate about helping other practice owners recognize their value and build businesses that support the life they want — not the one they're told to settle for.In Today's Episode, We Discuss:How her practice has evolved in ways she never expectedThe pivots that changed everythingHow she's using public speaking to grow her practice in a way most SLPs never even considerVanessa is proof that your private practice doesn't have to look the way you first imagined it. In fact, it shouldn't. She was told she wasn't "college material." She messed up. She rebranded. She expanded into populations she never planned to serve. She built a culturally responsive bilingual practice that earned public recognition. And now? She's speaking on stages and TV, running a team, and building a business that actually lets her breathe.Her story does not have to be the exception. You, too, can evolve your practice—if you're willing to start before you feel ready. Want to build a private practice that gives you the freedom to pivot, grow, and even speak on stage? check out the Start Your Private Practice Program over at www.StartYourPrivatePractice.com.Or, if you already have an existing private practice and you're ready to take it to the next level we'd love to support you inside the Next Level Private Practitioner. You can learn more at www.nextlevelprivatepractitioner.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 Vanessa on Instagram: instagram.com/vanessaonthemic/ & instagram.com/theravolvewellness/Check out her website: www.theravolvewellness.comWhere We Can Connect:Follow the Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-practice-success-stories/id1374716199Follow Me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/independentclinician/Follow Me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jena.castrocasbon/
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    39 mins
  • From School SLP to Private Practice Owner: Building a Multi-State Speech Therapy Business with Sarah Gober

    From School SLP to Private Practice Owner: Building a Multi-State Speech Therapy Business with Sarah Gober
    May 4 2026

    What if your private practice could move with you—across state lines, through life changes, and into a future you’re building with the people you love? Today’s guest turned a cross-country move into a multi-state practice that works for her life.

    I’m introducing you to Sarah Gober, a speech-language pathologist and a dedicated member of the Next Level Private Practitioner program. She is the founder and CEO of Hope Talks, a private practice serving families in Texas, Florida, and Mississippi through in-person and virtual therapy.

    For Sarah, starting a practice wasn't about escaping the field, it was about finding the right fit. After leaving a dream job in Houston following her marriage and move to Florida, she found herself in roles that just didn’t align. Instead of giving up, she leaned into teletherapy and the connections she had built over the years, creating a practice that now spans multiple states.

    With over 15 years of experience across schools, clinics, and teletherapy, she specializes in social learning, executive functioning, speech sound disorders, and language delays. Her global experience also includes serving as a therapist in Mombasa, Kenya, where she partnered with schools and orphanages.

    In this episode, Sarah discusses how she built a practice that moves with her, balances school contracts with private clients, and navigates the messy middle with a clear vision for the future all while building the flexible lifestyle she's dreamed of with her husband.

    In Today's Episode, We Discuss:
    • Leaning into the opportunities that life’s unexpected changes present
    • Building a practice across four different states and time zones (including Alaska!)
    • How she strategically uses a school contract for stable income while growing her private clients on the side

    Sarah is a perfect example of how private practice can evolve with you. Her story proves that you don’t have to have it all figured out on day one—you just have to be willing to start before you’re ready.

    Want to build a private practice that fits your life even if that life involves multiple states, time zones, and big dreams? Learn more about our Start Your Private Practice Program where our community of coaches can help you move from chaos to systems, and from solo provider to CEO. To learn more, please visit 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 Sarah on:

    Facebook: facebook.com/hopetalksllc/

    Instagram: instagram.com/hopetalksllc/

    Check out her website: www.hope-talks.org

    Send her an email: sarah@hopetalks.or

    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/
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    29 mins
  • From Imposter Syndrome to Clinic Owner: The 12-Month Shift That Changed Everything for Rose Herring

    From Imposter Syndrome to Clinic Owner: The 12-Month Shift That Changed Everything for Rose Herring
    Apr 27 2026

    What if you could build a private practice rooted in love, flexibility, and meaningful community impact while still staying deeply connected to the families you serve? That question has shaped the journey of today's guest, and I can't wait for you to hear her story.

    I'm thrilled to introduce you to Rose Herring, owner of Evolve Therapy Solutions in Valdosta, Georgia. From a tiny closet-sized room to a thriving clinic with three offices and a new hire on the way, Rose has built a practice that feels like home for her families and for herself. And she did it in just over a year.

    Rose Herring is a pediatric speech-language pathologist and founder of Evolve Therapy Solutions. She began pursuing feeding therapy after realizing that many children in her community lacked access to care. That gap became impossible to ignore. She launched Evolve with a vision of providing high-quality speech, language, and feeding therapy in a space where families feel truly seen and supported.

    Outside of patient care, Rose mentors future clinicians at Valdosta State University and believes that if you can't take care of your first home, you can't take care of your practice.

    In Today's Episode, We Discuss:
    • Why she decided to leave impostor syndrome at the door and shift into private practice
    • How she built a niche around feeding therapy
    • The moment her husband Grant said “it’s time to go all in.”

    Rose is truly living proof that you don't need a big budget, a big space, or decades of experience to start. You just need one client, one small step, and the willingness to figure it out as you go. As Evolve has grown, so has her role moving from solo clinician to practice owner and leader — while remaining committed to hands-on clinical care. Today, her focus includes expanding access to feeding services, building sustainable systems, and mentoring future clinicians, all while creating a practice that supports both families and therapists.

    Want to build a private practice that feels like home—for your clients and for you? Whether you're just starting to think about private practice or you're ready to grow, support and community make all the difference. 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 Rose on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forwardwithevolve/

    Check out her Website: forwardwithevolve.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/
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    23 mins
  • How Starting a Private Practice Helped Sarah Wilson Get Her Spark Back

    How Starting a Private Practice Helped Sarah Wilson Get Her Spark Back
    Apr 20 2026

    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 pathologist
    • The moment a Facebook ad for the Start Your Private Practice program showed up at exactly the right time
    • How she built a multi-pillar practice with in-person therapy, virtual sessions, and school contracts
    • How 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/
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    26 mins
  • Designing Your Dream Schedule: Balancing a School Contract and Private Clients with Sheila Cina

    Designing Your Dream Schedule: Balancing a School Contract and Private Clients with Sheila Cina
    Apr 13 2026

    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 specialty
    • The surprising benefit of keeping a 0.2 school position even after going out on her own
    • Building 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/
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    26 mins