Joanne Oates, Founder & CEO of Smile A While
"Now I want to build a booming teletherapy business," says Joanne Oates.
With no overhead costs and more time with her 13-month daughter, for Joanne, in some ways, her unexpected pivot to teletherapy is a blessing in disguise. On September 1, she moved her equipment to a storage unit, closed the physical doors of her pediatric therapy practice in Mt. Vernon, and focused on growing the business virtually.
"Thankfully, I am OK, weathering this shift. I want to grow Smile A While into a full-time practice. And now, teletherapy will most likely be the norm," explains Joanne.
A few months before the pandemic, Joanne had the foresight to explore teletherapy and pursue multi-state certifications. And now that most health insurance providers include teletherapy coverage, Joanne can serve patients across the state and California, Florida, and Pennsylvania, where she is also licensed to practice. She plans to pivot Smile A While into a "booming teletherapy business." It is an honor to stand with Joanne from the start of her entrepreneurial journey and as it continues to boom.
"I could not have started Smile A While without Community Capital New York. They take a chance on the small guy, serving companies traditional banks will not consider. I am so grateful CCNY gave me a chance," says Joanne.