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

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 herself
• The low-cost and semi-non-traditional but fantastic space she sees clients
• Creative payment options she’s leaning into beyond insurance and private pay
• Her advice for taking imperfect action, especially if you’re a fellow type B, ADHD, big-picture thinker

Emily'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 on

Instagram: instagram.com/spectrum.connections.ar/

Facebook: Spectrum.Connections.AR

Check out her website: spectrumconnections.co

Where We Can Connect:

Follow the Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-practice-success-stories/id1374716199

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