Exploring Life & Business with Bradi O’rourke of Braxy Speech Therapy PLLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Bradi O’rourke

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My journey as a Speech-Language Pathologist and owner of Braxy Speech Therapy has been both challenging and rewarding. After earning my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Communication Disorders and Sciences from Eastern Illinois University, I launched Braxy in 2022. Initially, I contracted with a local Illinois school district and saw private clients after school. As demand grew, I expanded by hiring therapists who shared my passion for providing exceptional therapy while offering them fulfilling, well-paid careers.

In 2023, I fulfilled a dream by moving to Nashville, TN, while keeping my Illinois practice running. I fulfilled another lifelong dream of opening a clinic in Brentwood, TN where I have been able to grow and build an amazing Braxy community. Today, Braxy Speech Therapy is serving families in 2 states, providing therapists with jobs they love, and making a positive impact on the community along the way. I am so thankful for all the support I have received thus far and I am excited to see what the future holds for Braxy.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Starting a private practice at 25 with no prior business experience has been extremely challenging and stressful. One of the biggest hurdles was figuring out how to hire someone for the first time—not just finding the right fit, but also learning the legal requirements, setting up payroll, and understanding how to be a supportive, effective boss. Managing payroll, in particular, was, and still is a stressor. Braxy grew so fast that there have been moments when I worried about making sure there was enough money to pay my team while keeping the business afloat. Thankfully my parents stepped in and gave me a loan to help make sure I could pay all my contractors on time.

Handling taxes was another eye-opener. I quickly realized that filing as a business is far more complicated than as an individual. Learning how to budget for quarterly taxes, what deductions were allowed, and staying compliant with tax laws took time and patience. Similarly, navigating insurance billing was an entirely different beast. Understanding codes, claims, and reimbursement processes felt overwhelming at first, but it was necessary to provide families with affordable and accessible services.

Expanding to a second state came with its own unique hurdles, including building a client base in a new area and understanding different state regulations. But these challenges have also pushed me to grow in ways I never expected. They’ve taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of asking for help. On top of all this, I had to establish systems and procedures to make the day-to-day operations run smoothly—from scheduling and documentation to client communication and team workflows.

Learning to delegate was probably the most transformative step in this journey. Initially, I tried to do it all myself, but I quickly realized that wasn’t sustainable. Delegating tasks to others helped me focus on my strengths and prevented burnout.

Balancing all these responsibilities while trying to maintain a personal life has been a challenge in itself. Setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care has been a work in progress, but it’s essential for the long-term success of both the business and my well-being. While the road hasn’t been smooth, every bump has been a lesson, and I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything. It’s incredibly rewarding to see the positive impact Braxy Speech Therapy has on the families we serve, and that makes all the struggles worthwhile.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Braxy Speech Therapy is a Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) owned private practice dedicated to providing exceptional, individualized care for children of all ages. Founded in Illinois and expanded to Tennessee in 2024, Braxy was built on the vision of creating a therapy experience that prioritizes children’s needs, interests, and unique ways of learning. At Braxy Speech Therapy, we believe that therapy should be engaging, motivating, and above all, tailored to each child and family.

The founder, Bradi O’Rourke, is passionate about delivering child-led, play-based therapy that meets children where they are at. With special expertise in working with children who script (gestalt language processors), autistic children, and those who are non-speaking or minimally verbal, Bradi ensures that every session feels meaningful and fun for the child. In addition to her work with communication, she has a strong focus on treating feeding difficulties and supporting children with dyslexia. She is trained in the Orton-Gillingham approach, a proven method for helping children with dyslexia develop critical literacy skills.

Parent coaching is a crucial piece of therapy. We understand that caregivers play an essential role in their child’s progress, and we strive to empower parents with the tools, strategies, and confidence to support their child outside of therapy sessions. Bradi is also known for her ability to navigate and manage challenging behaviors, ensuring that every child feels safe, understood, and supported.

What sets Braxy apart is our commitment to creating a therapy environment that’s not just effective but also deeply enjoyable for children and their families. We focus on building trust and forming genuine connections with the children we work with, making therapy a positive experience they look forward to. Our play-based approach incorporates each child’s natural interests to inspire communication and growth rather than focusing on compliance.

From a brand perspective, we’re most proud of the individualized care we provide and the positive impact we’ve made on families. Expanding to Tennessee has allowed us to reach more communities while maintaining the personal, family-centered touch that sets us apart. We’ve built a reputation for being a practice that listens, adapts, and celebrates each child’s progress, no matter how big or small.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson I’ve learned along my journey is the value of investing in yourself and building a strong support system. It’s impossible to know everything, and trying to do it all on your own isn’t sustainable. Early on, I realized the importance of seeking out mentorship, continuing education, and professional services to fill in the gaps in my knowledge and skills. Taking courses, attending workshops, and learning from experts in the field have been instrumental in helping me grow both as a clinician and a business owner.

Equally important has been surrounding myself with a team of professionals who excel in areas where I don’t. I’ve been fortunate to build an incredible support network that has been vital to the success of my practice. From my accountant, bookkeeper, and virtual assistant to my insurance biller, payroll and intake coordinator, attorney, website manager, and financial/business advisor—each person brings invaluable expertise that allows my business to run smoothly. Their support not only ensures that the day-to-day operations are handled efficiently but also gives me the peace of mind to focus on what I’m most passionate about: helping children and their families.

This journey has taught me that investing in yourself and trusting others to share the load isn’t a weakness—it’s a strength. By prioritizing learning and collaboration, I’ve been able to grow my practice in ways I never imagined while staying true to my mission of providing exceptional, play based and child-led therapy.

Pricing:

• Evaluation: $280
• Therapy Session: $120

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.braxyspeechtherapy.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/braxy_speech_therapy/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Braxyspeechtherapy/