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In this episode, Morgan Haynes shares her journey from starting a small agency to building a rapidly growing provider organization in the therapy and education space. She discusses the challenges of scaling, building a strong team, and maintaining quality and ethics in a fast-paced environment. Key Topics: Morgan Haynes' journey from clinician to business ownerThe rapid growth of Haynes Therapy Group in three yearsBuilding a supportive and ethical work environmentStrategies for effective team building and mentorshipChallenges of scaling a provider organizationImportance of strong non-clinical support teamsBalancing virtual and in-person therapy servicesAdvocating for providers and maintaining qualityLessons learned about partnerships and walking awayThe role of leadership in a fast-growing business Resources: Haynes Therapy Group: https://www.instagram.com/haynestherapygroup/ The Therapist Support Network Resources: https://www.thetherapistsupportnetwork.com/ SLP, OT, and PT School Contractor Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/schoolcontractors

What happens when your private practice is growing—but your physical space isn’t? In this episode of Beyond the Big Agencies, Elise Mitchell sits down with Dani Gaff to talk about how school contracting became a natural next step in the growth of her private practice. Dani shares her journey from clinician to business owner, including why she began exploring school contracts, what it looked like to bring other providers into her business, and how contracting created opportunities to expand without simply adding more clinic space. Elise and Dani also dig into the mindset side of business growth—the fear that can come with taking on something new, learning to advocate for your rates and contract terms, and continually realigning as your business evolves. They also discuss the importance of strong provider relationships and why creating a business where therapists genuinely want to work has become such an important part of Dani’s vision. In this episode, you’ll hear about: How Dani moved from private practice into school contractingUsing school contracts to grow beyond the limitations of clinic spaceNavigating the school contracting landscape in IndianaWhy Dani wanted to begin hiring other providersBuilding strong relationships with therapists and contractorsDeveloping confidence around pricing, negotiation, and advocacyThe mindset shift from treating provider to business ownerManaging fear and uncertainty as your business growsDani’s vision for the next stage of her practice Resources The Therapist Support Network Checklist: https://thetsn.myflodesk.com/checklist The Messy SLP on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themessyslp/

In this episode of Beyond the Big Agencies, Elise sits down with her oldest son, Hayden, for a candid conversation about what it was actually like growing up while she built her career and eventually her business. They talk about the things Hayden remembers from those early years, what working from home meant for their family, how he viewed Elise’s career growth, and whether the mom guilt so many women carry actually matched his experience as her child. Hayden also shares how watching his mom work, grow, take risks, and continually raise the standard influenced his own views on discipline, success, and progression. For any mom who has ever wondered, Am I working too much? Are my kids going to resent this? Am I missing something I can’t get back? — this conversation offers a perspective we don’t hear nearly enough: the child’s.

In this episode, Mindy and Rachelle share their journey from school-based clinicians to successful private practice owners, focusing on contracting with schools and developing innovative speech therapy programs like Snappy Speech. They discuss the benefits of partnership, managing burnout, and supporting community needs through sustainable models. Resources: Achieve Speech Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/achievespeechslp Snappy Speech on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SnappySpeechByAchieve School Contracting Tools: www.thetherapistsupportnetwork.com Disclosures:"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 making any business decisions.

Summary In this episode, Grace Kratosky shares her journey from traditional employment to building her own contracting business in the therapy field, highlighting the benefits of flexibility, military spouse considerations, and the importance of community and collaboration. Key Topics Transition from traditional employment to contractingBenefits of contracting for military spousesBuilding and managing a therapy teamThe importance of community and collaborationVirtual therapy and overcoming pushback References Hello Therapy: https://www.instagram.com/hellotherapyllc/ The Therapist Support Network Contracting Tools: www.thetherapistsupportnetwork.com Disclosures 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 Legal Disclaimer: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 making any business decisions.

In this engaging interview, Jessica shares her journey of building Little Sparks, her intentional approach to contracting in the school space, and the importance of valuing providers. Discover insights on business strategy, mindset shifts, and how to create a flexible, provider-centered contracting business. Key Topics Business strategy for therapy contractingMindset shifts from employee to business ownerValuing providers and setting ratesNavigating school contracts and paymentsExpanding into new states and markets Disclosures "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 making any business decisions. Resources Little Sparks Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littlesparksspeechtherapy/ The Therapist Support Network Contracting Tools/Materials: www.thetherapistsupportnetwork.com

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 schoolsBuilding and nurturing relationships for long-term contractsThe importance of niche specialization in teletherapyIndustry 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 Legal Disclaimer: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. Resources: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. Key TakeawaysMelissa’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 ResourcesMelissa's Instagram: @RenewAllied The Therapist Support Network Resources: www.thetherapistsupportnetwork.com

Summary: Elise Mitchell discusses how therapy business owners can build a stable, resilient business by diversifying revenue streams. She introduces the three pillars of stability—consistent cash flow, fast cash, and premium offers—and explains how to implement them effectively in school contracting and private practice. References: 5 Revenue Stream Mini-Course: https://www.thetherapistsupportnetwork.com/offers/srjxU2Rk/checkout 1:1 Revenue Stream Intensive: https://calendly.com/schoolcontractor/revenuestreams 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 Legal Disclaimer: 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 making any business decisions.

Episode Summary Many school-based providers reach a crossroads at some point in their career: 👉 Do I work through a staffing agency? 👉 Or do I contract directly with schools? In this episode, Elise breaks down the real differences between agency contracting and direct contracting, including pay, autonomy, responsibility, and long-term growth potential. You’ll walk away with clarity on which model fits your goals, season of life, and risk tolerance — and how to think about your next move. Key TakeawaysAgencies can be a great starting pointDirect contracting creates long-term leverageYou can move from agency → direct when you’re readyUnderstanding both models helps you make strategic choices ResourcesThe FREE School Contractor Checklist: https://thetsn.myflodesk.com/checklist The School Contractor Training and Packet: https://www.thetherapistsupportnetwork.com/training-and-packet DisclaimersFinancial 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 Legal Disclaimer: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 making any business decisions.

Summary In this podcast episode, Elise Mitchell discusses the concept of growth in business, particularly in the context of school contracting. She emphasizes the importance of sustainable and intentional growth over rapid expansion, which can lead to chaos and hidden problems. Elise outlines the dangers of pursuing growth solely based on revenue and FTEs, advocating instead for a strategic approach that includes understanding capacity, implementing systems, and ensuring financial soundness. The episode concludes with a call to focus on building a better business rather than simply aiming for bigger numbers. Takeaways Sustainable growth is more important than rapid growth.Rapid growth can introduce chaos into your business.Redefine success beyond just revenue metrics.Prepare your business infrastructure before pursuing large contracts.Chaos can lead to compliance and service delivery issues.You become overwhelmed when growth is unintentional.Strategic growth should be based on capacity and systems.Documented workflows are essential for expansion.Financial stability is crucial for sustainable growth.Focus on building a better business, not just a bigger one. Resources Scale Your School Contracting Business Coaching Program: https://www.thetherapistsupportnetwork.com/coaching-program 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 Legal Disclaimer: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 making any business decisions.

In this episode of Beyond the Big Agencies, Elise Mitchell discusses the significance of conducting mid-year satisfaction surveys for school contractors. She emphasizes the importance of gathering customer feedback early in the year to address issues, gauge renewal likelihood, and identify growth opportunities. The episode outlines the benefits of satisfaction surveys, including catching potential deal-breakers, collecting testimonials, and measuring success through net promoter scores. Elise provides actionable tips for creating effective surveys and highlights the necessity of turning feedback into tangible improvements to strengthen client relationships and drive business growth. Takeaways Mid-year satisfaction surveys can transform service delivery.Customer feedback is crucial for contract renewal and expansion.Surveys should be sent early to allow for course correction.Addressing issues promptly can prevent them from becoming deal-breakers.Satisfaction surveys can gauge renewal likelihood and spot opportunities.Collecting testimonials during surveys can enhance credibility.A net promoter score helps measure overall business performance.Surveys should include clear, actionable questions.Follow up on feedback to show clients their input is valued.Effective surveys can lead to strategic growth and stronger relationships. Resources School Satisfaction Survey Guide: https://thetsn.myflodesk.com/surveyguideScale Your School Contracting Business: https://www.thetherapistsupportnetwork.com/coaching-program 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 Legal Disclaimer: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 making any business decisions.

In this final episode of the season, Elise Mitchell reflects on the key trends and insights from 2025 in school contracting. She discusses the importance of pricing strategies, the shift towards early renewals as a sign of trust, the challenges of new contracts, and the growing significance of email outreach. Additionally, she highlights the preference for provider-run companies, the widening trust deficit, the rise of hybrid service models, and the ongoing recruitment challenges. Looking ahead to 2026, Elise emphasizes the need for clarity, systems, and relationship-building in the evolving education landscape. Takeaways: Prices absolutely mattered this year.Schools wanted continuity and stability earlier.Renewals happened earlier and faster than in previous years.New contracts came in later due to decision fatigue.Emails became a bigger entry point for outreach.Providers preferred working for provider-run companies.Trust is a crucial currency in the industry.Hybrid models grew in popularity this year.Recruitment was particularly challenging in 2025.Schools value clarity, systems, and relationships. Resources: The Therapist Support Network Beginner's Checklist: https://thetsn.myflodesk.com/checklist The Scale Your School Contracting Business Waitlist: https://thetsn.myflodesk.com/scalewaitlist 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 Legal Disclaimer: 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 making any business decisions.

In this episode, we break down one of the most overlooked opportunities in school contracting: the January Contract — the mid-year surge in staffing and service needs across public and private schools. Elise shares why this window exists, what school leaders are experiencing behind the scenes, and how contractors can position themselves to step in with confidence. From staffing shortages and budget resets to shifts in caseloads and compensatory services, January is a uniquely high-need, low-competition period. You’ll learn how to communicate proactively, what pain points to address in outreach, and how to offer solutions schools actually want this time of year. Elise also explains why these short-term January roles often become long-term, relationship-building opportunities. Whether you’re new to contracting or looking to expand in 2025–2026, this episode will help you take advantage of a powerful — and often untapped — revenue window. Key TakeawaysJanuary is one of the best times of year to secure school contracts.Schools re-evaluate staffing mid-year and often discover unexpected service gaps.Flexibility in service models increases during this period.Proactive outreach positions you ahead of other contractors.Understanding school pain points (service gaps, missed minutes, scheduling changes) boosts your sales conversations.Private schools also experience a January reset and seek additional support.Short-term January placements frequently turn into multi-year relationships.Competition is lower because most providers assume hiring happens only in August.Offering solutions → not sales pitches → builds trust.Approaching schools with a helpful mindset sets you apart Resources: The Therapist Support Network Resources: https://www.thetherapistsupportnetwork.com/ 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 Legal Disclaimer: 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 making any business decisions.