We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Casey Masalehdani a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Casey, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory of how you established your own practice.
After graduating from Hofstra University with my Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology, I dove right into my Clinical Fellowship year in Queens, NY. During that time, I worked in 12 different clinical settings, which required me to deliver 50 sessions per week. This experience was invaluable—it allowed me to work with a diverse range of clients and disorders, and I gained a tremendous amount of insight into different therapeutic approaches.
After two years in Queens, I moved back to Long Island, where I transitioned to a full-time role at a developmental preschool. I also worked at a private practice after school hours. It was in these settings that I began treating oral motor dysfunction, feeding disorders, speech sound disorders and orofacial myofunctional disorders, which sparked a passion that ultimately led me to start my own practice. I loved working closely with parents and building individualized therapy plans for each child.
The decision to start my own practice came with a lot of excitement, but also some daunting steps. The first big move was quitting my full-time job. That was a huge leap of faith, but I knew I had to focus fully on building my business if I wanted it to succeed. I then formed my business legally, filling out all the necessary paperwork and registrations—everything from setting up my LLC to obtaining insurance and securing a physical location.
Just three months after I started my private practice, the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Like many others, I had to shut down operations, and it was a challenging time. Shortly after, I found out I was pregnant, and soon after that, we made the decision to move to California.
Once in California, I worked as a contractor for a while to keep my skills sharp and maintain my connection to the field. However, I realized that my true passion still lay in running my own practice. With my experience in oral motor dysfunction, feeding disorders, speech sound disorders and orofacial myofunctional
disorders, I knew there was a growing need for specialized therapy in these areas.
That’s when I decided to take the plunge again and open Explore Speech Co., with the aim of offering individualized therapy to clients struggling with these specific challenges. It felt like the right moment to bring my vision to life again and serve a community that needed this type of specialized care.
For new professionals thinking of starting their own practice, my advice is to trust your instincts and be patient. Build a strong foundation, find your niche in the field, and focus on delivering great outcomes for your clients. Do not hesitate to seek help in areas where you’re less confident—whether that’s marketing, legal aspects, or administration.
Starting your own practice is an investment in yourself and your passion, and while it’s not without its challenges, the rewards of seeing your vision come to life make it all worth it.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I got into the field of speech-language pathology because I’ve always had a love for children, being outgoing and creative, and, most importantly, helping people. As a natural communicator, I was drawn to the idea of supporting kids and families through challenges related to speech and feeding. Once I became a mom myself, I deeply resonated with the emotions parents face when seeking help for their child. I understood firsthand the worries and hopes that parents carry, and that connection fuels my commitment to providing the best care for each family I work with.
At Explore Speech Co., we specialize in helping children who experience difficulties with oral motor dysfunction, feeding disorders, speech sound disorders and orofacial myofunctional disorders. Some of the key issues we address include helping children become nasal breathers, expanding the dietary repertoire for picky eaters, learning how to chew and swallow, and how to produce clear speech.
Beyond these clinical issues, I focus on a child’s emotional regulation, attention challenges, and overall mental well-being. I offer a holistic approach by providing counseling for both the children and their families, ensuring they feel supported every step of the way. I always strive to be a friendly, warm presence in their journey, offering a smiling face and the emotional backing they need during stressful times.
What sets me apart is my passion and unwavering devotion to my clients. I bring a unique mix of clinical knowledge, a fun, child-friendly approach, and a sense of humor that helps kids engage and feel comfortable during therapy sessions. I also make a strong effort to connect with parents, ensuring they feel seen, heard, and understood. It’s important to me that parents know they’re not alone, and I’m here to partner with them as we navigate their child’s progress together.
Alongside evaluations and therapy services, I offer a range of other resources. I create positive affirmation cards, eBooks with resources for both parents and therapists, and I also engage in public speaking. I’m a CEU provider and podcast speaker, and I’m passionate about sharing knowledge to empower parents, professionals, and advocates in this field.
What I’m most proud of is the impact my work has on families. Knowing that I’m helping children thrive—whether it’s learning how to eat, breathe, or speak more clearly—and seeing the relief on parents’ faces when they see progress, that’s what makes everything worthwhile. I want potential clients to know that at Explore Speech Co., we’re committed to more than just therapy. We’re here to provide ongoing support, knowledge, and advocacy to ensure every child and family feels empowered in their journey toward better health and communication.
Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?
Other than training and knowledge, I believe being a confident, clear communicator is one of the most important keys to success in my field. Clients and families need someone who can explain complex issues in a way that is easy to understand and reassuring. It’s also essential to be passionate and authentic, sharing your own story and experiences to relate to your clients on a personal level. When families know you’ve walked in their shoes or understand their concerns, it creates a deeper bond of trust.
Building a network of professionals outside your scope is also invaluable. Collaboration with other medical professionals, such as pediatricians, dentists, occupational therapists, and physical therapists, allows you to offer well-rounded care that considers the whole child. Being a team player in these multidisciplinary settings ensures that everyone involved in the child’s care is aligned on the best path forward.
Above all, believing in yourself and never giving up is crucial. Each child and family presents unique challenges, and persistence, combined with kindness, can make a huge difference. A positive, compassionate attitude will not only help you connect with clients but also fuel your ongoing passion for the field.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
One story that truly illustrates my resilience is when I moved to California with my 6-month-old and 3.5-year-old. We didn’t have family or friends nearby, and my husband had just started a new job, which kept him incredibly busy. During that time, I noticed my second child was experiencing developmental delays, which was both worrying and challenging. I noticed she was experiencing prolonged drooling, delayed speech milestones, gastrointestinal issues and overall dysregulated moods. I didn’t know how to navigate the early intervention system in California, and my concerns were brushed off by others. It was overwhelming trying to figure out the resources available to help my daughter while adjusting to a new state.
Instead of giving up or letting the situation defeat me, I decided to take action. I began to study the sensory nervous system and I enrolled in additional continuing eduction classes to better understand how I could help my daughter.
That experience not only deepened my knowledge but also reignited my passion for helping other children and families in similar situations. It was during this time that I made the decision to re-establish my private practice, Explore Speech Co., with the goal of supporting clients who were facing challenges like the ones I had experienced. It was a difficult period, but it taught me the power of perseverance and the importance of trusting your instincts, especially as a parent and a professional. I truly believe that going through these challenges has made me an even better clinician.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.explorespeech.com
- Instagram: @explorespeech
Image Credits
Thalita Mangin Photography