S2E8: Building the Play on Words Practice with SLP Annie Gist

The Speech Source

SLP Annie Gist joins us this week to share her remarkable journey from an employee to a proud owner of the speech therapy practice, Play on Words. After working for a private practice for several years, Annie was staying home with her 2 little girls and living the mom life when she found herself in a position as a single mom needing to bring in income. Annie shares about the growth from seeing kids in her neighborhood to running a successful brick-and-mortar practice in an old home that offers a curiosity for kids and endless language opportunities. It's a path that might have blossomed out of necessity, but when in a conversation with Annie you realize there is no mistake in where she has landed. She has a passion not only for serving kids and their families for speech therapy, but also in creating and guiding a team of employees that are happy and fulfilled.
Annie delves into her process for hiring therapists, including the interview process and finding the right candidates. She prides herself in taking care of her team and making sure they all feel connected, keeping a close-knit environment through team lunches and closing the office during lunch hours. She shares her decision-making process around taking insurance and how partnering with a credentialing company helped streamline the process.

Additionally, Annie talks about her experience participating in the Independent Clinician's Start Your Private Practice course for independent clinicians. She highlights the importance of her admin team, consisting of a receptionist and front office manager, in keeping her practice running smoothly.

We really enjoyed this interview with Annie, so tune in for practical tips and inspiration to pursue your dreams! Annie is kind, focused and knowledgeable and will leave you smiling as you listen to the interview.
Check out Annie's website - Play on Words and her IG Account!
Also, if you haven't done so already, follow our podcast! You will be the first to know when new episodes release. We would also love for you to leave a review and rate our show. The Speech Source appreciates your feedback and support! Follow here!
Follow Kim and Mary on IG here! - https://www.instagram.com/thespeechsource/
For more information on speech, language, feeding and play - visit The Speech Source Website - https://www.thespeechsource.com/

Also, if you haven't done so already, follow our podcast! You will be the first to know when new episodes release. We would also love for you to leave a review and rate our show. The Speech Source appreciates your feedback and support! Follow here!
Follow Kim and Mary on IG here! - https://www.instagram.com/thespeechsource/
For more information on speech, language, feeding and play - visit The Speech Source Website - https://www.thespeechsource.com/

Chapters

1. Building a Speech Therapy Business (00:00:00)

2. Transitioning to Private Practice Success (00:04:08)

3. Managing Home-Based Therapy Business Operations (00:11:05)

4. Outsourcing Office Tasks in Speech Therapy (00:21:59)

5. Team Cohesion and Self-Care Tips (00:31:37)

6. Dreaming of a Cute Old House (00:37:25)