We’re looking forward to introducing you to Mariah Emery. Check out our conversation below.
Mariah , a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: Have you ever been glad you didn’t act fast?
“This is a great question. As an entrepreneur—absolutely not. The more time you spend contemplating what could go wrong, the more likely you are to psych yourself out of pursuing the opportunity. In my experience, entrepreneurship is all about action. You can take courses and attend classes to prepare, but experience is truly the best teacher. Every mistake brings a lesson, and every challenge helps you build the best solutions for yourself and your business.”
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Mariah Emery was introduced into the world of Speech-Language Pathology as she was working her part-time job at a local ice cream shop Graeters in Cincinnati, Ohio. Dr. Gloria Jean-Wallace was a regular customer at the time in which they both grew to establish a relationship. Dr. Wallace, a well-renowned speech-language pathologist mentored Mariah and introduced her to research in the field of speech-language pathology. Together they worked on projects which have been awarded highlighted presentations at National and State conventions. Ms. Emery was introduced an additional time to the field of speech-language pathology while studying to become a clinician. While on vacation in Sunny California with a friend.
Mariah’s close friend survived a sudden cardiac arrest. Mariah was dedicated to being a part of their growth and went to every speech-language session they had scheduled. From that experience, she learned the beauty of the field in helping someone relearn how to communicate from a severe brain injury. Sarah Ellis, the treating therapist of her friend, also then became Mariah’s supervisor in a rotation at Encompass Health. That specific event encouraged Mariah to complete graduate school (The University of Cincinnati) and help individuals to fight for their basic human right to communicate. In 2019, Mariah was awarded a Minority Student Leadership Program opportunity at the American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA) convention.
The leadership program equipped her with the skills to become a coauthor of various NIH publications. While completing her Clinical Fellowship year, Mariah joined the CEO Link, a safe space for therapists to explore and prepare for entrepreneurship. This program equipped her with the skills needed to successfully run her own private practice (Meaningful Intervention Services) and co-founded a staffing agency (Integral Partnerships) with Shante Sellers. Mariah’s professional mission is to value therapists by providing them with opportunities where they can embrace work-life harmony and coach new clinicians with the skills needed to pursue entrepreneurship. Mariah’s motto is, “It’s never too soon to be your own boss.”
Mariah has learned so much through entrepreneurship that she integrated her love for cosmetics. Mariah also provides luxury however affordable cosmetics to individuals. With all of Mariah’s experience, she provides individual coaching and group coaching to individuals interested in entrepreneurship.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
My fiancé is someone who has truly helped shape who I am today. He’s helped me realize that there are far more important things in life outside of business—like God and family. It’s so easy to get caught up in the day-to-day work that comes with running a business, but he’s reminded me of what really matters.
My fiancé has helped me in ways that words can’t fully express. Nothing I do now is more important than my relationship with God and my family.
I remember when I first met him, I was proudly talking about a national magazine feature that highlighted my entrepreneurial journey. He gently reminded me that the work I’d done wasn’t just about me—it was God working through me to make an impact on others. That moment grounded me and reminded me that my work is my purpose, but my purpose is rooted in faith and love.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There have been many times as an entrepreneur when I thought it would be so much easier to just work for someone else. But then I remind myself of the impact we’re making—and that changes everything.
Through our work, we’ve helped people buy homes, apply for graduate school, and support their families. When I think about how our business has positively impacted so many therapists’ lives, it grounds me and reminds me why I started in the first place.
It’s in those moments that I realize I can’t give up—because what we’re building is so much bigger than me.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
As a speech-language pathologist, I’ve always known this is a competitive field. Early on, we’re taught that there are only so many graduate school slots and limited clinical fellowship opportunities. But over time, I’ve realized that true success in this profession isn’t about competition—it’s about collaboration.
Today, research shows that 1 in 35 children are being diagnosed with autism. The faster we embrace the power of collaboration, the faster we can make meaningful change for our communities and families. After all, that’s why most of us entered this field—to make a greater impact on the lives of others.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
If I were to retire tomorrow, I know the therapists we partner with would miss the culture we’ve built within our business. There are many staffing agencies out there—but none quite like ours.
In many agencies, you’re seen as just a pulse and a license. But at Integral Partnerships, we’ve created something different—a true community. A space where therapists can learn from one another, share experiences, and build lasting friendships.
The schools we partner with would also miss our personal touch. We take the time to truly understand each school’s mission and needs so we can provide meaningful support. Our partnerships go beyond contracts—they’re relationships built on trust, collaboration, and shared purpose.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thinkintegral.net
- Instagram: @integralpartnerships
- Linkedin: Mariah Emery
- Facebook: Integral Partnerships
