Beyond the Big Agencies

Finding Success in Virtual School Contracting with Ellie Richter

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 schools * Building and nurturing relationships for long-term contracts * The importance of niche specialization in teletherapy * Industry 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 [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

Speaking in Schools: The Overlooked Revenue Stream for SLPs with Daj Mitchell

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 [https://co-treatcorner.myflodesk.com/speakerwaitlist] Daj Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourslpdaj/ [ https://www.instagram.com/yourslpdaj/] School Contracting Resources: www.thetherapistsupportnetwork.com [www.thetherapistsupportnetwork.com]

From Clinician to CEO: Building Renew Allied

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 TAKEAWAYS Melissa’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 RESOURCES Melissa's Instagram: @RenewAllied The Therapist Support Network Resources: www.thetherapistsupportnetwork.com

The 3 Revenue Pillars of a Stable Therapy Business

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.

Agency vs Direct School Contracts: Which Path Fits Your Career?

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 TAKEAWAYS 1. Agencies can be a great starting point 2. Direct contracting creates long-term leverage 3. You can move from agency → direct when you’re ready 4. Understanding both models helps you make strategic choices RESOURCES The FREE School Contractor Checklist: https://thetsn.myflodesk.com/checklist [https://thetsn.myflodesk.com/checklist] The School Contractor Training and Packet: https://www.thetherapistsupportnetwork.com/training-and-packet [https://www.thetherapistsupportnetwork.com/training-and-packet] DISCLAIMERS 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.