In this solo episode, Jana returns to the Empower LEP Podcast after an unplanned hiatus to reflect on a full year of growth, recalibration, and hard-earned clarity. As 2025 comes to a close, she takes listeners behind the scenes of what it really looked like to lead a growing group practice while intentionally stepping back from other projects, including the podcast itself.

Jana shares an honest overview of what changed in 2025, from staffing growth and retention, opening a second office location, and shifting into a more business-development–focused role, to offering a 401k for employees, strengthening profit margins, and making values-based decisions about where her time and energy truly belong. She talks candidly about the tradeoffs of group practice ownership, the responsibility of supporting employees through real life events, and why simplifying in 2025 made room for deeper focus in 2026.

This episode also revisits the evolution of Empower LEP, including the decision to separate it legally from Mind by Design, the move away from group programs, and a renewed commitment to one-on-one mentorship. Jana reflects on what has been most meaningful in her work with other LEPs, why mentorship continues to be the heart of Empower LEP, and what listeners can expect moving forward, including the possibility of shorter, more focused solo business episodes in the year ahead.

Whether you are in schools, in solo private practice, or growing a group practice of your own, this episode offers a realistic, thoughtful look at sustainability, leadership, and building something that actually supports the people inside it.

As always, Jana invites listeners to reach out with feedback, ideas, or mentorship needs and thanks the Empower LEP community for being part of the journey into 2026.