JoAnn Ridge’s Stories, Lessons & Insights

JoAnn Ridge shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

JoAnn, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. Have you ever been glad you didn’t act fast?
Yes! I believe it ‘s important to take a moment to reflect on the pros, cons, and potential unintended consequences of your decisions.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am JoAnn Ridge, a speech-language pathologist and Co-Owner of Ridge Zeller Therapy. We provide speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, school psychology, and special education services in the school setting in the Metropolitan Phoenix Area. In addition, we have a private clinic where we provide speech therapy and occupational therapy, as well as comprehensive psychological evaluations for autism, ADHD, and learning disabilities.

We put people first at Ridge Zellery Therapy. Our vision is Excellence in Service, Mentorship, and Community. Since 2008, we have provided therapies and educational support to thousands of students. It’s something we are very proud of!

I learned about the field of speech-language pathology as a junior in high school, when I inadvertently became the teaching assistant for my school’s SLP. This serendipitous meeting evolved into an exciting career which has allowed me the opportunity to meet people, travel, expand my professional horizons by owning a business. The single best thing about being a speech-language pathologist and entrepreneur is that I have had the flexibility and freedom to create the life my husband and I wanted for career, life, and family fulfillment.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
The world didn’t tell me who I had to be, I’ve known who I was since I was a child. I have always been an extrovert, goal-oriented, and driven to help others. I am fortunate to live in a time when a woman could build a successful business which supports people, both my clients and employees.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
When I first got started in private practice speech-language pathology, it was touch and go. Owning a private speech-language therapy practice has been a rewarding professional achievement, but it continues to be a risky adventure. In 2025, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that approximately 20% of small businesses fail within the first year, 30-35% fail by year five, and after ten years, 40-50% have folded. I feel a tremendous sense of accomplishment to still be in practice after 20 years. In addition, only 3.9% of small businesses are female-owned, and I am so proud to be in this group of exceptional women.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What truths are so foundational in your life that you rarely articulate them?
Building and running a successful speech-language private practice takes considerable planning, soul-searching, effort, and persistence. Your behavior speaks volumes about who you are. I live my truths in everything I do, and I believe it shows. Caring about your clients and employees as individuals is paramount, and honest self-reflection is critical. In the beginning, the first question I asked myself was, “What are my personal values, and do they align with what I project when working with others?” My values are evident in how I run my business. My employees know I care about them and that I firmly support their goals.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Absolutely! As a business owner, I often have to be my own cheerleader. I typically know when I’m doing something good, and I quickly realize when I’ve made a mistake. It’s important to always solicit honest feedback so you know when to keep doing the great stuff, but also make a correction when it’s needed.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://RidgeZellerTherapy.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/ridge_zeller_therapy
• Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/company/ridge-zeller-therapy-llc
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/RZTherapy
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/ridgezellertherapy
• Yelp: https://yelp.com/biz/ridge-zeller-therapy-chandler
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/c/Ridgezellertherapy