Episodios

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

    Building a Thriving Autism Practice While Raising Two Young Kids with Emily Vernon
    Mar 30 2026
    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 thinkerEmily'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 onInstagram: instagram.com/spectrum.connections.ar/Facebook: Spectrum.Connections.ARCheck out her website: spectrumconnections.coWhere 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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    30 m
  • Why Your Busiest Time Might Be the Best Time to Start a Practice with Start Your Private Practice Mentor, Amanda Modrowski

    Why Your Busiest Time Might Be the Best Time to Start a Practice with Start Your Private Practice Mentor, Amanda Modrowski
    Mar 23 2026
    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 scheduleAmanda’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/enhancingcommunicationInstagram: 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/id1374716199Follow Me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/independentclinician/Follow Me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jena.castrocasbon/
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    38 m
  • The Slow Salary Ladder (And the Faster Path Nobody Told You About) with Jena Castro-Casbon

    The Slow Salary Ladder (And the Faster Path Nobody Told You About) with Jena Castro-Casbon
    Mar 16 2026

    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:
    1. The honest reality of a 20-year school-based salary trajectory
    2. The conservative math of private practice
    3. Why 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/
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    8 m
  • 3 Lies School Clinicians Believe About Private Practice (That Keep Them Stuck) with Jena Castro-Casbon

    3 Lies School Clinicians Believe About Private Practice (That Keep Them Stuck) with Jena Castro-Casbon
    Mar 9 2026

    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:
    1. Why "I need more experience" is keeping you from starting (and what you actually need instead)
    2. The truth about financial risk and why waiting is actually the most expensive decision you're making
    3. How 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/
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    11 m
  • From Contractor to Confident Owner: Designing a Practice on Your Terms with Rebecca Wellons

    From Contractor to Confident Owner: Designing a Practice on Your Terms with Rebecca Wellons
    Mar 2 2026

    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:
    1. How working as a contractor gave her first taste of autonomy
    2. Her realization that she could cap her caseload, schedule, and create a space for herself
    3. Discovering she is neurodivergent and how that realization changed everything
    4. How 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/
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    26 m
  • The "Someday" Trap: How to Stop Dreaming and Finally Start Your Practice with Kara Nelson

    The "Someday" Trap: How to Stop Dreaming and Finally Start Your Practice with Kara Nelson
    Feb 23 2026
    What if the next step in your career was simply saying "yes" to yourself? For many clinicians, the idea of starting a private practice feels like a "someday" dream. But for today’s guest, "someday" arrived a lot sooner than she expected — and it completely changed her career.I’m thrilled to introduce you to Kara Nelson, a pediatric speech-language pathologist, mom, and the founder of Sahuarita Speech Spot, a private practice serving families in a rural-suburban community in Southern Arizona, just 20 miles north of the Mexico border.Kara specializes in gestalt language processing and neurodiversity-affirming therapy, supporting children from first words through early literacy. She has grown her practice beyond traditional speech therapy by adding reading tutoring, school contracts, and community partnerships, all while raising her family and figuring out how to scale a business without losing the heart of the work. She is a shining example of what happens when you combine clinical expertise with a leap of faith—and she’s been a joy to watch grow from the very first steps of her journey all the way to where she is now.From working as a speech tech in the schools to building a thriving practice with a brick-and-mortar location and a growing team, Kara’s story proves that private practice isn’t just for the "type A" planners—it’s for anyone willing to go all in.In this episode, Kara shares how she moved from feeling stuck in the school system to creating a practice that fits her life, her family, and her community.Kara Nelson has been working in the schools since 2007, starting as a speech language technician before earning her master’s degree from Northern Arizona University. She spent over 15 years in educational settings before realizing she was ready for something different.A self-described "all or nothing" person, Kara didn’t waffle when the idea of private practice took hold. She started small—mobile and part-time—while continuing to work in early intervention and the schools. But it wasn’t long before her caseload grew, and so did her vision.Today, Kara runs a busy practice that offers both speech therapy and literacy support out of a permanent location. She’s learned to leverage technology, streamline her systems, and even bring on a team member. And through it all, she’s stayed grounded in her mission: helping kids communicate and connect.In Today's Episode, We Discuss:How Kara transitioned from school-based work to private practice—and why she knew it was timeThe value of starting mobile to build momentum without the overheadThe unexpected doors that opened—like renting space in a churchHer advice for clinicians who are nervous about taking the leapKara’s journey is a powerful reminder that you don’t have to have every detail figured out before you start. You just have to begin. Whether it’s gaining confidence to have parents in the room, posting on Facebook to find clients, or deciding to build walls in a leased space—each step builds on the last.Her story does not have to be the exception. You, too, can create a practice that grows with you—if you’re willing to take the first step.Want to build a private practice that fits your life—whether you’re type A, type B, or somewhere in between? 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 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 Kara on Facebook: facebook.com/sahuaritaspeechspotCheck out her website: sahuaritaspeechspot.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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    35 m
  • Growing a Hybrid SLP Practice: Offering 1:1 Therapy and IEP Advocacy for Maximum Impact with Colleen Ashford

    Growing a Hybrid SLP Practice: Offering 1:1 Therapy and IEP Advocacy for Maximum Impact with Colleen Ashford
    Feb 16 2026
    What if your private practice could be a platform for change—for your clients and yourself?Today’s guest didn't just start a private practice; she built a mission-driven business that blends speech therapy with fierce advocacy. She traded burnout for autonomy and now uses her voice to empower families navigating the complex world of IEPs.I’m so excited to introduce you to Colleen Ashford, a speech-language pathologist and one of the dedicated clinicians inside our Grow Your Private Practice Program. Colleen is the owner and founder of Ashford Speech and Advocacy PC, a mobile and virtual private practice based in Vista, California where she provides evaluations, treatment, consultations, and advocacy at IEP meetings.For Colleen, starting her own practice was about more than flexibility and income—it was about authentic, values-driven work. She has created a unique model that allows her to serve early intervention clients and act as a special education advocate, ensuring families are supported at every step.In this episode, Colleen reveals how leaving the constraints of clinic and school jobs allowed her to design a practice that fits her life, serves her community deeply, and lets her show up as her full, authentic self.Colleen Ashford is a licensed speech-language pathologist and certified special education advocate. After graduating from the University of Illinois with her bachelor’s and Illinois State University with her master’s, she began her career in a public elementary school with a bilingual program, which fueled her focus on improving her Spanish to better serve her students and families. Love brought her to Southern California, where she worked in multidisciplinary clinics alongside OTs and PTs, learning invaluable lessons about sensory and motor development that inform her holistic approach today.Now in her full-time practice, Colleen’s areas of focus include AAC, Autism, Childhood Apraxia of Speech, and parent coaching in early intervention. She is passionate about providing culturally responsive early intervention services to the Spanish-speaking population in her own neighborhood. Always an advocate at her core—and now in title—Colleen equips every parent she serves with knowledge of their educational rights and how to navigate the world of special education. Beyond her community, she brings honest conversations about the IEP process to listeners everywhere through her podcast, Unfiltered IEPs.In Today's Episode, We Discuss:Leaving a "good job" to answer the craving for flexibility and authentic impactThe moment she realized her school-based experience was a superpower for families in needBuilding a hybrid practice with multiple revenue streams, from early intervention to AAC coachingHow embracing systems gave her back her time and freedomColleen is a powerful example of how you can design a practice that aligns with your deepest values. We are so grateful to have her wisdom and passion in our Grow Program. Her journey proves that with the right tools and community, you can build a career that doesn’t just sustain you, but fulfills you.Want to build or scale a private practice that fuels your passion and gives you the autonomy you crave—just like Colleen? Discover how our Grow Your Private Practice Program can help you with systems, find the confidence, and build the blueprint to go from clinician to CEO. To learn more, 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 Colleen on Instagram: instagram.com/ashfordspeechandadvocacypc/ | instagram.com/theadvocate.slp/Check out her website: www.ashfordspeechandadvocacy.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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    36 m
  • How Having an Autistic Sibling Inspired a Neurodiversity Affirming Private Practice with Grace Hedgecock

    How Having an Autistic Sibling Inspired a Neurodiversity Affirming Private Practice with Grace Hedgecock
    Feb 9 2026

    What if your private practice could not only fill a critical gap in your community but also give you the freedom to design your ideal work week? Today’s guest turned a lifelong personal connection into a thriving practice that serves an often-overlooked population, and her journey from side hustle to clinic owner is packed with wisdom!

    I’m thrilled to introduce you to Grace Hedgecock, a pediatric speech-language pathologist and the passionate owner of Hedgehog Speech Therapy in Saratoga in the Bay Area in California.

    For Grace, private practice was more than a career goal—it was a calling rooted in family. Inspired by her autistic brother, Grace has spent her career specializing in autism, social communication, gestalt language processing, AAC, and supporting autistic teens and young adults with real-life skills in work, relationships, and identity. She is also passionate about literacy after discovering her own dyslexia as an adult.

    By embracing flexibility and a client-centered approach, she has built a practice that supports her professional passions and personal well-being, proving you can build a business that fits your life, not the other way around. She serves families through evaluations, therapy, screenings, and neurodiversity-affirming parent coaching.

    In this episode, Grace shares how her personal experience shaped her career path, the strategic steps she took to launch her practice, and how she structures her days to avoid burnout.

    She is passionate to help children and families understand their unique mind, remove stigma, and grow in confidence. When she’s not in the clinic, Grace enjoys collaborating with her engineer husband on future tech ideas for the field and soaking up time with her dog.

    In Today's Episode, We Discuss:
    1. The pivotal moment of leaping into full-time private practice, trusting her faith without a clear safety net
    2. Strategically using preschool screenings to build trust with schools and generate referrals
    3. Designing her ideal schedule to prevent burnout and serve both early intervention and older autistic clients

    Grace’s story is a beautiful reminder that your unique experiences are your greatest asset in private practice. We are so inspired by her clarity and heart-centered approach.

    Want to build a practice that aligns with your passions and gives you control over your time—just like Grace 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 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 Grace on Instagram: instagram.com/hedgehogspeech/

    Check out her website: hedgehogspeech.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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    37 m