What if starting private practice could give you more freedom, fulfillment, and the ability to design work around your life—not the other way around? That’s what Sirisha Duvvuru, founder of Your Speech Matters in Frisco, Texas, discovered when she stepped away from her 9–5.

After 12 years in schools and home health, Sirisha loved her clients but felt weighed down by paperwork and limitations. At first, private practice felt intimidating, but she started small—with a simple flyer that landed her first client. What began as a side hustle quickly grew into a thriving feeding-focused practice and a source of freedom.

In this episode, Sirisha shares how she specializes in pediatric feeding therapy, partners with families directly, and enjoys the flexibility to be present with her two children. From bubble tea dates with her kids to speaking at professional conferences, private practice has given her space to grow both as a mom and a clinician.

In this episode, we discuss:

• From seeing private practice as “too intimidating” to starting with just one flyer on Facebook
• Built caseload through screenings & networking
• Carved out a niche in pediatric feeding therapy with a trauma-informed approach
• Practice brings income and freedom as mom, wife, and woman

Sirisha’s story is a reminder that private practice doesn’t have to be overwhelming or complicated—you can build it step-by-step. By starting small, leaning into your expertise, and designing your business with intention, you can create a career that serves both your clients and your life.

Want to create a private practice that gives you freedom, flexibility, and fulfillment—just like Sirisha has? Learn more about our Start Your Private Practice Program, where Sirisha and so many other SLPs and OTs have gotten the tools, systems, and confidence to make the leap. Visit www.StartYourPrivatePractice.com to learn more.

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.

Follow Sirisha on:

Instagram: instagram.com/your_speechmatters/

Facebook: Your Speech Matters PLLC

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sirisha-duvvuru-388406262

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Follow Me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/independentclinician/

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What if your private practice could finally give you the money, freedom, and balance you’ve always wanted—without the endless hustle or burnout?

That’s exactly what today’s guest, Ellie Richter, created for herself. Ellie is the owner of The Essential Teletherapist, and she’s transformed her career from driving all over town for clients to running a thriving telepractice on her own terms.

Ellie has been an SLP since 2010, working primarily as a bilingual therapist in nonprofits. In 2022, she decided to step away from traditional roles and test out private practice with just a handful of clients. By 2024, she went all in—rebranding, creating clear systems, and designing a practice that aligned with her values and family’s needs.

At first, Ellie took any client she could, driving around for home visits. But as a mom and primary parent, the stress of being on the road was unsustainable. Around the same time, health challenges within her family pushed her to rethink her income, schedule, and priorities.

With support from the Start and later the Grow Your Private Practice Program, Ellie clarified her vision, set her rates, and built a plan that worked. She leaned into her expertise in bilingual therapy and school contracts, while also developing a new passion—helping other SLPs succeed at teletherapy. Within her first year of going all in, Ellie hit six figures, built contracts through word of mouth, and created a business that truly worked for her life.

In this episode, Ellie shares how she specializes in bilingual evaluations, early intervention, and teletherapy. Through her practice, The Essential Teletherapist, she not only serves children and families but also trains other SLPs to deliver effective virtual services. And how she built her business around family life—choosing her hours, and creating systems for what she calls “maximal ease.” She continues to refine her practice so it’s sustainable long term, both financially and personally.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How Ellie transitioned from nonprofit work to launching her own practice
• What it looks like to build a bilingual teletherapy and school contract model
• The mindset shifts she made to prioritize ease and balance
• And why aligning her business with her family’s needs has been the key to success

Ellie’s story proves that you don’t have to choose between being a present parent and building a successful career. With clarity, systems, and support, you can create a practice that works for you—and build it on your own terms.

Want to create a private practice that gives you freedom, flexibility, and fulfillment—just like Ellie has? 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

What if you could combine your passion for helping people with the freedom to serve the clients you love most? That’s exactly what Anne Quirk discovered when she launched True Self Speech Therapy in Providence, Rhode Island.

Anne is a speech-language pathologist specializing in neurological conditions, voice disorders, and gender-affirming voice therapy. After years in nonprofits and hospitals, she began craving more balance, control, and the chance to serve her ideal clients.

With encouragement from colleagues, Anne took the leap into private practice. Now she helps stroke survivors communicate again, supports transgender clients in finding affirming voices, and has built a thriving caseload through word-of-mouth referrals.

In this episode, you’ll hear how Anne has embraced the flexibility of private practice to shape a career that truly reflects her values. By expanding her team and creating resources like her newsletter, News for the Affirming SLP, she’s found ways to support both her clients and her family—while stepping fully into her true self.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The leap from healthcare burnout to starting her own practice
• How gender-affirming voice therapy helped her practice grow in its first year
• Balancing private practice with raising three kids
• And why hiring a team changed everything

Anne’s journey is proof that private practice is possible at any stage of your career—and that specializing in the clients you’re most passionate about can help you stand out, attract referrals, and make a bigger impact.

If you’re ready to build a private practice that reflects your true self—just like Anne has learned more about our Grow Your Private Practice Program – where our other coaches can help you set up systems as you shift from clinician to CEO. To learn more, please 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.

Follow Anne on:

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trueselfspeech

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashak/

Check out her website: www.trueselfspeech.com

Learn more about growing your practice: www.GrowYourPrivatePractice.com

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