We were lucky to catch up with Brita Destefano recently and have shared our conversation below.

Brita, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about how you went about setting up your own practice and if you have any advice for professionals who might be considering starting their own?

The early days of starting Progress Through Play were both exciting and challenging. I was driven by a passion for helping families navigate common infant challenges like oral ties, tummy time struggles, and developmental milestones. The first steps involved extensive research to identify the needs of my target audience and creating a business model that aligned with my values and expertise. I utilized my own experiences as a new parent to craft an approach that would be holistic and supportive to families of infants in the Denver area. Establishing an online presence through social media was key, as it allowed me to reach and educate families directly especially during the unpredictable pandemic times (which hit right after I opened by practice). Some of the biggest challenges were balancing the administrative tasks of setting up the practice while staying focused on the heart of my work—providing support and care for families. If I could go back, I’d prioritize delegating tasks earlier, such as outsourcing administrative duties, setting up systems for documentation, and getting expert help with my website, to free up more time for growth and connection with my clients. My advice to young professionals considering starting their own practice is to stay rooted in your purpose, invest in building a community of support, and don’t be afraid to adapt as you grow. Every challenge is an opportunity to refine your vision and serve your clients better.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m the founder of Progress Through Play, an infant physical therapy practice in Denver, CO dedicated to supporting babies and their families through early developmental challenges. My journey into this field began with a deep passion for child development and a desire to empower parents during those crucial early months of life paired with my own journey and struggles with each of my own children. Over time, I saw a gap in accessible, hands-on resources for parents navigating concerns like oral ties, tummy time struggles, delayed motor milestones, head flattening, and torticollis. This inspired me to create a practice that combines education, support, and actionable strategies to address these issues.

At Progress Through Play, I provide services and resources to help families understand their baby’s unique developmental needs and equip them with tools to foster growth. Through my social media platform, personalized consultations, and evidence-based guidance, I aim to make infant development approachable and engaging for parents. What sets my work apart is my focus on empowering parents to feel confident in supporting their baby’s development while emphasizing the importance of play as a tool for progress.

I’m most proud of the positive impact I’ve been able to make for families, from helping babies reach key milestones to alleviating parental stress and confusion. My brand is rooted in the belief that all babies deserve to feel comfortable in their bodies, and with the right guidance, all families can navigate these challenges successfully. I want potential clients and followers to know that my work is a partnership—I’m here to meet them where they are and provide compassionate, effective support tailored to their needs.

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

Beyond training and knowledge, the most important factors for succeeding in my field are empathy, communication, and adaptability. Working with infants and their families requires not only a deep understanding of child development but also the ability to connect with parents who may feel overwhelmed or uncertain. Building trust and creating a safe, supportive space for families is essential.

Strong communication skills are also critical for translating technical knowledge into practical, actionable advice that parents can easily understand and apply in their daily routines. Every family’s journey is unique, so being adaptable and willing to tailor strategies to meet their specific needs is key.

Lastly, a genuine passion for helping others and a commitment to continuous learning can make a significant difference. The field of infant development is always evolving, so staying open to new research, tools, and techniques ensures that the support you provide remains effective and relevant.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Building my reputation within the infant physical therapy market has been rooted in authenticity, consistency, and a genuine passion for helping families. From the start, I focused on providing valuable, evidence-based information through my social media platform, where I could connect directly with parents and caregivers. Sharing relatable, easy-to-follow tips for challenges like tummy time struggles, oral ties, or developmental milestones helped establish trust and credibility.

Consistency in showing up for my audience, whether through educational posts, videos, or one-on-one consultations, also played a significant role. I made it a priority to listen to the concerns of my audience and create content that addressed their specific needs.

What truly set me apart was my emphasis on compassion and empowerment. Parents often come to me feeling overwhelmed, and I strive to create a safe space where they feel heard and supported. Word-of-mouth referrals from families who have benefited from my services have been invaluable, as they reflect the trust and positive impact I’ve worked hard to cultivate.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ptpdenver.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/progressthroughplay

Image Credits

Teresa Opel Photography