
Focus
This private practice SLP business owner focused on learning how to operate a lean and agile business during her doctoral program and is now successfully transitioning out of her full-time position into her dreams! Listen to her top strategies for being successful as both an SLP and as a business owner.
Discussion & Reflection Questions
- Tell us who you are, about your background, and why you became an SLP?
- Tell us about your private practice.
- Was it scary moving from a regular setting position to private practice?
- What was the hardest risk for you transitioning?
- What we were most worried about?
- What has been one thing since you’ve started your private practice that you’ve been surprised at or that you didn’t expect to have happened?
- What words of wisdom then do you have for the speech pathologist who is going to be launching her own private practice and dreams about it one day?
- What are some of the top resources that you use?
- Tell us what you know about LEAN and Sigma Six.
- What has been one of your biggest challenges?
Quote Of The Conversation
The transition is uncomfortable. But, I mean, that’s one of the things I love about our field is that if you find yourself in a position where you’re not happy with what you’re doing, there are lots of options and it might mean that you need more training or more experience in a certain area, but you can make the transition. You just have to be constantly seeking learning opportunities and take the risks.”
– Katherine McKernan, SLPD, CCC-SLP
Dr. Katherine McKernan, SLPD, CCC-SLP

Katherine McKernan, SLPD, CCC-SLP is a pediatric speech-language pathologist in San Diego, CA. She has an MA in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences from the University of Colorado, Boulder, and a Doctor of Speech-Language Pathology from Northwestern University.
Dr. McKernan recently started a pediatric private practice that focuses on parent coaching for various speech-language disorders. She specializes in autism, early intervention, and speech sound disorders.
Dr. McKernan is an avid yoga practitioner and enjoys various other hobbies including playing the ukulele, making soap, and teaching her cat to do tricks.
Download the episode transcribe and study guide
Keep the Conversation Going
Guest Speaker Information
Dr. Katherine McKernan, SLPD, CCC-SLP
Phone: (619) 436-1187
Email: hello@northstarslpc.com
Website: www.northstarslpc.com
Instagram: @northstarslpc
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