Meet Shannon Kammholz

We recently connected with Shannon Kammholz and have shared our conversation below.

Shannon, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.

When I first started as an SLP, I was passionate but unsure of how far I could take my career. I knew I wanted to help people, but the idea of building a practice—let alone a thriving one—felt daunting. Yet, with every step, I found myself growing in ways I never expected. When I opened my practice, I was filled with both excitement and uncertainty. I poured my energy into helping children find their voices and supporting families through challenges, but behind the scenes, I was learning how to lead, manage, and grow. Every small win—whether it was a child achieving a breakthrough or a parent thanking me for my guidance—was a boost to my confidence. The turning point came when I realized the work I was doing extended beyond therapy sessions. Partnering with pediatricians, collaborating with schools, and growing my team of highly skilled clinicians showed me the broader impact I could have. These experiences helped me recognize that my role wasn’t just about individual therapy—it was about shaping the way communities approach speech and language development. As my practice grew, so did my team. Leading a group of talented therapists taught me how to trust in others and in myself. Managing a business is no easy feat, but each challenge became an opportunity to learn and grow. I also discovered the joy of mentoring others, helping fellow SLPs find their own paths in the field. Watching them succeed reminded me of how far I’ve come and the kind of leader I want to be. Now, when I reflect on my journey, I feel an immense sense of pride. Confidence doesn’t happen overnight—it’s built through showing up, learning from mistakes, and celebrating progress. Today, I’m not only helping children communicate more effectively, but I’m also empowering my team and making a lasting impact in the community. It’s a journey that’s still unfolding, but I’m proud of where I am.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

At Santa Monica Speaks, we specialize in providing pediatric speech therapy and myofunctional therapy, with a focus on helping people overcome speech and language challenges that impact their confidence and quality of life. What excites me most about my work is the transformation I see in my clients—not just in their communication skills but in their overall sense of self. It’s incredibly fulfilling to watch children overcome their fears and hurdles, to hear parents express gratitude for the progress their children make, and to see the ripple effect it has on their relationships with others. There’s something incredibly special about being part of that growth.I also love the collaborative approach I take with my practice. Partnering with pediatricians, collaborating with schools, and building a team of highly skilled clinicians has created a dynamic, supportive environment where we can offer holistic care. Working together with other professionals ensures that we’re addressing all aspects of a child’s development, from their speech to their emotional well-being. We’re also growing! I’m thrilled to share that we’re expanding our services and continuing to build a team of talented speech therapists who share my passion for helping others. With new partnerships on the horizon, we’ll be able to reach even more families and offer specialized services tailored to each individual’s needs.What I’d love folks to know is that at Santa Monica Speaks, we’re not just focused on speech—we’re focused on building confidence, self-esteem, and strong connections. Our approach is built on trust, care, and a commitment to making a lasting difference in the lives of those we serve.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

1. Clinical Expertise
Developing a strong foundation of knowledge in pediatric speech therapy and myofunctional therapy was essential to building my confidence and effectiveness as a therapist. It allowed me to provide specialized care to my clients and build trust with families. Understanding not just the theory but also the practical application of different therapies gave me the confidence to handle complex cases and provide tailored solutions. For those starting out, I recommend constantly expanding your knowledge. Attend workshops, seek out mentorship, and never stop learning. The more confident you feel in your skills, the more impact you can make. Also, seek feedback and continuously reflect on your practice to improve.
As I grew my practice, I had to shift from focusing solely on being a clinician to becoming a business leader. This required learning how to manage a team, handle finances, delegate tasks, and set clear goals. It was a steep learning curve, but it taught me the importance of empowering others and fostering a positive work environment. My advice here would be to start developing leadership skills early, even if you don’t yet have a team to manage. This includes learning how to communicate effectively, set clear expectations, and handle challenges with grace. Books, business courses, or even conversations with other business owners can be great resources. Practice setting boundaries and managing your time well—these skills are critical as your practice grows.
Also, the ability to collaborate with pediatricians, schools, and other professionals was instrumental in expanding my reach and offering comprehensive care to my clients. These partnerships allowed me to offer holistic services, work with a broader team of experts, and ensure that I was meeting my clients’ needs from multiple angles. Building strong, trusting relationships has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career. Advice: Start building your network early by connecting with others in your field. Be open to learning from others, even if they’re not in your exact area of practice. The relationships you develop can lead to new opportunities and provide a solid support system when challenges arise. Cultivating trust and communication with your colleagues will also help you build a reputation as someone who is reliable and collaborative.
Developing clinical expertise, leadership skills, and building strong relationships have been instrumental for me. For those just starting, I’d say focus on continually growing these areas, seek out mentorship, and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Every step you take will help shape you into the professional you want to become.

What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?

I completely understand how overwhelming it can feel at times—especially when you’re juggling multiple responsibilities, whether it’s managing a business, supporting clients, or leading a team. When I feel overwhelmed, I’ve found that taking a step back and refocusing on my priorities helps clear the mental clutter. Here are a few strategies that have worked for me:
Sometimes, when everything feels like it’s piling up, the first thing I do is simply pause. I take a few moments—sometimes just a few deep breaths—to reset. Reflection helps me zoom out and assess the situation calmly. Often, I realize that I’m overwhelmed by the volume of tasks, not necessarily by the complexity. Taking a break can help me refocus on what truly needs my attention and what can wait.
When faced with a daunting task or a long to-do list, I break things down into smaller, manageable steps. This approach reduces the feeling of being “stuck” and allows me to focus on one small piece at a time rather than trying to tackle everything at once. Sometimes it helps to create a “brain dump” list of everything swirling in my mind and then prioritize and chunk the tasks into action items.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that I can’t do everything alone. There are times when I need to delegate tasks or lean on my team or support system. As a business owner, it’s tempting to think I should handle everything, but I’ve learned that asking for help is not a sign of weakness. Whether it’s asking my team for support or reaching out to a mentor for advice, delegation has been a game-changer.
Don’t be afraid to delegate. It’s not only about lightening your load, but also about empowering others. Your team or network is there to support you, so trust them with tasks that they can handle. This will help you focus on your highest priorities and reduce stress.
Self-care is critical when dealing with overwhelm. This doesn’t just mean taking time off—it’s about incorporating small, positive practices into my daily routine. Whether it’s taking a walk, practicing mindfulness, or getting enough rest, making time for myself helps me recharge so that I can come back to my work with renewed energy and clarity. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle, but taking care of your physical and mental health is key to being able to show up for yourself and your clients.

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Taylor Mahon

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