Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Dr. DeAnna Daniels. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Dr. DeAnna, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

For years, I worked as a full-time speech-language pathologist in a structured setting with predictable hours, steady income, a clear career path. On paper, it was everything I was supposed to want. I was grateful, of course. I was helping people. But there was always a quiet pull beneath the surface, a whisper that maybe there was more, that I could do more, if I had the freedom to build something of my own.
That whisper grew louder over time. I began to feel the limitations of my role: the red tape, the overloaded caseloads, the constant feeling that I was giving just enough to survive the day, but not enough to truly *thrive* — for my clients or myself. I wanted to work differently. I wanted deeper impact. I wanted balance and autonomy. And above all, I wanted to reconnect with the reason I entered this field in the first place: to serve clients with compassion, creativity, and quality — not just compliance.

So I took a leap that many thought was risky, even unwise. I left the security of my full-time job and started my own private practice in speech therapy.

There were no guarantees — only a vision. I began small, offering services to school districts who needed contracted support, and to home health clients who deserved personalized care. I built relationships one by one. I handled every detail myself — billing, scheduling, documentation, marketing — all while continuing to deliver therapy with the highest standards I could uphold. It wasn’t easy. But it was deeply rewarding.
And now? Things are going wonderfully.
My practice has grown in ways I couldn’t have imagined. I’ve earned the trust of schools and families. I’ve created a work rhythm that honors both my professional goals and my personal life. I get to be present, truly present, with my clients, tailoring therapy to their unique needs, without rushing through it all to meet a quota. I’ve reconnected with the joy in this work.
Starting my own practice wasn’t just a career move. It was a decision to align my work with my values. It was a risk, yes — but one that gave me back control, purpose, and peace.
And now, every time I walk into a school or a client’s home, I’m reminded: the leap was 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?

My journey in the field of speech-language pathology began nearly two decades ago, not as a fully licensed clinician, but as a passionate and determined SLP-Assistant. That was 18 years ago, and from the very beginning, I knew this work was more than a job, it was my calling.
What’s driven me throughout the years is a deep commitment to the people I serve. I’ve worked relentlessly to grow, professionally and personally, in order to better support individuals in my community with speech and language challenges. I’ve steadily advanced in my career, always striving for greater knowledge, more impact, and the autonomy to shape the kind of care I believe people truly deserve.
That drive led me to take one of the biggest steps of my professional life: leaving a full-time position to launch my own private practice in Houston, TX. Today, I work with school districts and home health clients, providing personalized, compassionate, and evidence-based services that reflect the needs of each individual, not just the system.
What sets me apart is my lived experience. I’ve been on the ground floor of this profession, and I’ve worked my way up with purpose and heart. I understand what it means to serve with integrity, to advocate for underserved populations, and to build trust with clients and their families over time. I’m proud of the relationships I’ve built and the outcomes I’ve helped create.
But if you ask me what I’m most proud of, it’s this: I recently earned my Clinical Doctorate in Speech-Language Pathology (SLPD), a milestone that represents not just academic achievement, but a deeper level of commitment to excellence, innovation, and leadership in this field.
I’m excited for what lies ahead, and I’m grateful every day that I get to do work that matters, work that gives voice to others, and brings meaningful change to lives, one client at a time.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

Lead with respect, treating each team member the way you’d want to be treated. Recognize that everyone brings unique perspectives, experiences, and communication style, so flexibility and empathy are key. At the same time, maintain clear boundaries and a professional tone to build and foster trust, accountability, and a healthy team dynamic.

If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?

I would absolutely choose the same profession. The field of speech pathology offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives by helping them communicate effectively. Communication is foundational to personal, academic, and professional success, and being able to support individuals whether children or adults, in finding their voice is incredibly rewarding.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Aimtherapypllc.com