Passion and Private Practice with Jana Parker, CEO of Mind by Design and Empower LEP

In this honest conversation, Jana Parker—school psychologist turned private practice owner—opens up about her winding journey from public education to entrepreneurship, and the personal growth, burnout, and breakthroughs along the way.

We talk about:

• 🧠 Why she left a “dream district” to pursue something more aligned
• 💡 The burnout cycle in special education and how she broke free
• 🏋️‍♀️ Her lifelong dedication to movement, from dance to CrossFit
• 📱 Navigating guilt, digital parenting, and 20-somethings' attention shifts
• 🌱 Her self-care rituals, including 5AM workouts, whole foods, and boundaries
• 💬 The pressure on educators to do it all—and how she found another way
• ✨ Advice to her younger self and the beauty of evolving purpose

Jana offers a refreshing, grounded perspective on being a professional woman who balances care for others with true care for self. Her story is both inspiring and validating for anyone seeking to transition, grow, or just find permission to pause.

🔗 Learn More About Jana Parker:

• 🧠 Website: mindbydesign.com | empowerlep.com
• 📧 Email: jana@mindbydesign.com or jana@empowerlep.com
• 📍 Practice based in Campbell, CA (serving families across the Bay Area)

Chapters

• 2:30 Jana's Journey Into Psychology
• 7:30 Fitness + Education
• 11:30 Transitioning to Private Practice
• 20:30 Imposter Syndrome
• 22:00 Health and Wellness
• 32:30 Guilt Around Rest
• 34:30 Burnout in Public Education
• 36:30 Integrity & Career Transitions
• 46:30 What She Wishes She Knew
• 46:30 Screen Time Guilt & Modern Parenting
• 48:00 Living for Her Future Self

Transcript

Miriam Burlakovsky: So, tell us a little about yourself, your practice, your story. How did you get here?

Jana Parker: Well, that's a big question! I’ll start with what I’m doing now. I run a small group practice in Campbell, near San Jose, California. We specialize in working with kids and families—particularly in evaluating and supporting kids with unique learning needs.

We’ve grown to a team of 13, and it truly feels like a dream come true. Before this, I worked in public schools as a school psychologist. The transition to private practice took time, but it’s been incredibly rewarding. I also run a consulting business helping other professionals move from school-based roles into entrepreneurship. I love both aspects of my work.

Miriam: How did you first get into education?

Jana: I always knew I’d leave home for college—I was independent early on. I majored in psychology without really knowing what that meant career-wise. My parents encouraged me to go to grad school because, as they said, “you can’t do anything with just a BA in psych.”

So, I entered a PsyD program at a professional school—which, frankly, in hindsight, felt like they would take anyone who applied. I lasted about a year and a half before realizing I didn’t want to be a therapist. But it was during that time I discovered school psychology while working as a counselor. I eventually left that program, regrouped, and pursued school psych instead.

Miriam: And you were a dancer too?

Jana: Yes, I danced growing up—jazz, ballet, tap. I was serious about it. That discipline stayed with me. In grad school, I transitioned into fitness. I taught group classes, trained colleagues, and even ran summer boot camps. That love for movement is still with me today.

Miriam: What pushed you to finally leap into private practice full-time?

Jana: I took a job as a program specialist in a highly resourced district. It was wonderful, but I still felt like I wanted more. I thought I’d try admin before fully jumping into private practice.

Turns out, I didn’t enjoy the politics. It felt disingenuous to "sell" programs to families when I knew staffing or closures were around the corner. I wasn’t using the skills I trained for, and I missed working directly with kids. So, after many years of doing both, I fully transitioned into private practice.

Miriam: Do you still work with clients directly?

Jana: Yes, but less frequently. I charge more and typically take the cases that specifically request me or align with my strengths. I also spend a lot of time supporting my team, building our systems, and ensuring clients get quality care—no matter which provider they work with.

Miriam: You mentioned your PsyD program wasn’t the right fit. What didn’t work for you?

Jana: I was too young—just 22—and not ready. I didn’t enjoy the coursework or feel connected to the work. In hindsight, that program helped me discover school psychology, so I don’t regret it. But it reinforced that I needed something more hands-on and structured.

Miriam: I had a similar moment. I almost entered an MFT program before I knew school psych existed.

Jana: Timing really is everything. And now, I sometimes think about going back for a doctorate, but only to have the letters. If I did, I’d probably study literacy, not psychology.

Miriam: Same here—I’ve researched programs for years, but time, cost, and kids are big factors.

Jana: Totally. You need to be ready to commit, and life doesn’t always make space for that.

Miriam: Let’s pivot back to wellness. What does your self-care look like these days?

Jana: I’m one of the most consistent people I know. I work out daily—CrossFit, yoga, walks, hikes—and have a strong nutrition routine. I eat whole foods, don’t skip meals, and I sleep from 8:30 to 4:30. I don’t have kids of my own, so I can keep a structured schedule.

Miriam: What advice do you have for someone just starting a wellness journey?

Jana: Start small. Build habits you can stick with. Even something like documenting your workouts in a phone note can create momentum. Track your progress and celebrate consistency.

Miriam: Love that. Teachers I coach find even small changes—like marking movement on a calendar—build confidence.

Jana: Exactly. And feeling good is more about sleep and nutrition than we give credit. It’s about fueling yourself well so you can show up in life.

Miriam: Speaking of showing up, how do you deal with guilt around taking breaks, especially when working in schools?

Jana: In schools, I felt so guilty taking a walk or going to the car wash mid-day. Now in private practice, that guilt is mostly gone—but it can creep back. I remind myself: I’m the boss. I work hard. I’ve earned my time.

Miriam: There’s so much pressure in education to overperform.

Jana: Absolutely. Especially in special education—educators are expected to do everything, and if you can’t, you’re seen as not good enough. The burnout culture is real.

Miriam: What have been your biggest challenges professionally?

Jana: Seeing systems that don’t support kids or families well—and not being able to stay quiet. Sometimes that meant ruffling feathers or needing to move on. I lead with integrity, even if it’s uncomfortable.

Miriam: What would you tell your younger self?

Jana: Explore more. Take classes outside psychology. Be open to different experiences. Don’t rush through. Every experience prepares you for the next one.

Miriam: What are you seeing in the younger generation now?

Jana: So much anxiety and what looks like ADHD—but it’s hard to tease apart. They’ve grown up on screens, through COVID, and aren’t reading books. Their brains are wired differently. Focus and executive functioning are struggling.

Miriam: And as parents, we carry so much guilt around screen time.

Jana: It’s hard. Even with the best intentions, it’s difficult to control. I hear you.

Miriam: What are you doing now that your future self will thank you for?

Jana: I’m already doing it. I’m investing in my health, my business, and the people around me. I’m showing up fully.

Miriam: Where can listeners learn more about you?

Jana: Visit mindbydesign.com or empowerlep.com. You can reach me at jana@ either domain.

Miriam: Thank you for being here, Jana. Your honesty and leadership are inspiring.

Jana: Thanks for having me—it’s been a joy.