Real Success Stories: School Psychologists Finding Freedom and Flexibility in Independent Practice
By Juliana Ramirez, EdS NCSP ABSNP
Owner and Founder of PERA Services®
Independent School Psychology
Private Practice for School Psychologist
Success Stories
Increasing your Independence
Success Stories: How School Psychologists Across the Nation have Achieved Independence
In the world of school psychology, many professionals find themselves yearning for more—more flexibility, more control, and more fulfillment. The traditional school system, with its rigid structures and overwhelming demands, often leaves school psychologists feeling trapped and burned out.
For some, the desire to escape the confines of the school building and achieve a better work-life balance becomes a driving force. Others are motivated by the dream of using their expertise in new and innovative ways, beyond the limitations of a traditional school setting.
The journey to independence offers school psychologists the opportunity to reclaim their careers, align their work with their values, and create a life that supports both their professional and personal goals.
Today, we’re celebrating the success stories of those who have taken this leap and transformed their careers by becoming independent practitioners. Their journeys, challenges, and triumphs serve as a powerful reminder that with the right support and guidance, you too can achieve the independence you’ve been craving.
In this post, we're celebrating the success stories of school psychologists who have taken the leap to independence, highlighting their journeys, challenges, and the triumphs they've achieved using the methods and support provided in my course, Increasing Your Independence.
Chelsea Mukisa, California
Chelsea enrolled in the course because she wanted more flexibility in her life to spend time with her family while still doing meaningful work with her degree. The course provided her with a community of like-minded individuals who, like her, were brave enough to think outside the box. Chelsea’s biggest win was gaining the motivation to continue her journey toward independence. She took actionable steps by starting Psyched to Learn, purchasing her contracts, and editing her website. Chelsea is now well on her way to building the dream life she envisioned, with the support of a community that believes in her potential. She is now an LEP Exam Coach for school psychs prepping for their LEP Exam in California.
Jennifer Jury, Ohio
Jennifer had been wanting to make the jump to private practice for years but lacked the confidence and a clear roadmap. After joining the course, she was thrilled with the step-by-step layout tailored specifically for school psychologists. Jennifer’s biggest win was finally feeling confident in her ability to start her own practice. She now has a bank of resources she can easily access anytime and the knowledge to navigate the path to independence with certainty. Jennifer is no longer overwhelmed but empowered to take the necessary steps toward her dream practice. Her practice Acadia Psychology and Learning Services, LLC in Central Ohio is thriving and growing.
Larissa Barker, Illinois
Larissa enrolled in the Increasing Your Independence course to gain more knowledge on how to begin practicing independently and how to legitimize her business. After three years in the school setting, Larissa realized that she wanted to minimize her time physically in the school building and pursue her own path. The early steps of going through the LLC process, market research, and developing contracts were huge for her. Larissa appreciated the encouragement to not lower the price of her services, even when there was concern it might be too much. As a result, she has secured four contracts for the upcoming year, totaling around 80 evaluations, and is projected to earn 2.5 times her public school psychologist salary. Larissa’s biggest win? The realization that she *can* do this—and she’s thrilled about the freedoms that come with her new role. Larissa is now the proud owner of her new business ESP Staffing & Consulting, LLC in Illinois.
Dr. Sandra Rodebush, Illinois
Dr. Sandra enrolled in the course after being inspired by my story and insights. She found the modules, special guest videos, and leads for important contacts incredibly valuable. The course gave her an understanding of what to do and, more importantly, the reasons behind prioritizing certain steps. Dr. Sandra’s biggest win was gaining the knowledge and confidence to take the L.E.A.P. into independent practice, armed with resources she can refer back to as she grows her business. She now has the roadmap she wished she had earlier in her career, making her journey to independence much smoother.
Lucia Serio, California
Lucia enrolled in the course to get guidance on kickstarting her independent practice. She found the breakdown of each step digestible and valuable, especially when it came to understanding the legal aspects. Lucia’s biggest win was securing three contracts and learning how to effectively advertise her services. She appreciated the community built through the coaching calls and the opportunity to bounce ideas off others who were in the same boat. Lucia is now excited to continue building her practice with the confidence that comes from being well-prepared. Learn more about her thriving business Bookworm Educational & Psychological Services Inc. in California.
The Path to Your Own Success Story
These success stories are just a glimpse of what’s possible when you take the leap toward independent practice. Since launching the course Increasing your Independence, more than 100 school psychologist from across the nation have invested in their future, and more than 20 school psychologist have launched, scaled and grown their businesses. Each of these school psychologists started with a desire for more—more flexibility, more control, more fulfillment—and turned that desire into a thriving independent practice.
In addition to the invaluable knowledge and confidence gained, course members have highlighted several other key benefits that made Increasing Your Independence a standout experience.
Many appreciated the comprehensive guidance on developing and securing airtight contracts, which provided them with the legal protection and peace of mind necessary for independent practice. The sense of community was another major highlight, with members finding immense value in connecting with like-minded professionals who shared their goals and challenges.
The supportive environment fostered through coaching calls, group discussions, and the shared resources created a strong network of peers who were there to offer advice, encouragement, and collaboration opportunities. This blend of practical tools, expert advice, and community support has empowered school psychologists to take confident steps toward building their independent practices.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
If you’re inspired by these stories and ready to take your first step toward independence, I invite you to sign up for my newsletter, where you can learn about my upcoming FREE webinar, The Essentials: Starting your school psych business plus learn more success stories and learn how to achieve similar results.
Additionally, if you’re serious about transforming your career, check out my comprehensive course, Increasing Your Independence: Making the Big LEAP from Public to Independent School Psychologist. This course is designed to equip you with the tools, knowledge, and support you need to succeed in independent practice. Don’t wait to start your journey to independence—your success story is waiting to be written!
Let’s Connect
I’d love to hear from you and support your journey. If you’re a DIY type school psych and are ready to start your journey to independent practice, I’ve got just the thing for you. Download my free guidebook, The Guidebook: Action Steps to Starting Your Independent Business in School Psychology, which provides a step-by-step plan to help you get started in business.
And if you’re looking for more in-depth support, schedule a 1:1 coaching call with me. Together, we can dive deeper into your unique situation and tailor a plan specifically for you. Trust me, this could be the start of something amazing!
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Don’t miss out on this opportunity to take control of your career and find the professional joy you’ve been searching for.
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About Juliana
Juliana is a bilingual school psychologist in Independent Practice and the owner and founder of PERA Services Inc. Her business supports school districts in the state of Ohio with the evaluation of bilingual learners for Special Education. She also coaches and mentors school psychologists wanting to become independent and start a business. To learn more about her business and Juliana visit www.peraserivcesinc.com
