Last May, Epic Special Education Staffing kicked off its new Instagram Live series, Beyond the Classroom, with an inspiring and insightful conversation between two of our Clinical Managers: Heather Melancon, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA, and Layla Olive Wohlfeiler, M.S., CCC-SLP. Beyond the Classroom is a live series that takes you behind the scenes of Epic Special Education Staffing – from who we support and how we do it, to real stories, laughs, and the insider scope you won’t want to miss.
In this inaugural episode, Heather and Layla’s discussion offered a behind-the-scenes look at what it means to lead in special education, support clinicians, and grow both personally and professionally. Whether you’re a seasoned educator or just starting your journey in the field, this episode provided an honest and encouraging look at the evolving world of special education.
How It All Started: Falling into the Field and Falling in Love with It
Neither Heather nor Layla grew up planning to become a behavior analyst or a speech-language pathologist. Like many clinicians, their career paths unfolded through curiosity, chance, and a genuine desire to help.
Layla discovered her passion while taking American Sign Language as a college elective. A family friend who was hearing impaired had sparked her interest in ASL early on, and that course led her to a degree in speech and language sciences. What started as a way to graduate early turned into a lifelong calling once she experienced the real-world impact of working in a speech and hearing clinic.
Heather’s path began as a nanny to a child with a disability. That early experience solidified her desire to work in a helping profession. She started as a special education teacher, later becoming a behavior analyst to support students – and the educators who serve them – on a broader scale.
From Classroom to Leadership: Stepping Up as Clinical Managers
Both Heather and Layla embraced their roles as Clinical Managers after years of direct service. Their motivation? Growth, impact, and the drive to help even more people.
Heather was inspired by the ripple effect of mentorship. She saw how supporting just one educator could ultimately benefit dozens of students, and that kind of multiplier effect motivated her to lean into leadership. Always seeking new ways to grow, she embraced the fast-paced, ever-evolving nature of the role and the opportunity to elevate others along the way.
For Layla, the move into clinical leadership was about stepping outside her comfort zone. After 15 years in direct service, she was ready for something more – something that challenged her while still honoring her clinical strengths. She considered a path in administration but found the perfect fit at Epic Special Education Staffing, where she could lead with purpose, think like a clinician, and help other professionals thrive in their roles.
Support Beyond the Assignment: What Clinical Managers Do
At Epic Special Education Staffing, Clinical Managers are at the heart of every successful assignment. They provide essential guidance on IEPs, case management, licensure, and compliance, but their impact extends far beyond logistics. They’re mentors, problem-solvers, and trusted allies who help clinicians navigate challenges, grow professionally, and feel supported every step of the way.
For Layla and Heather, this role is deeply personal. Drawing from their own years of experience in direct service, they understand the pressures educators face and the importance of having someone in your corner. Whether they’re offering strategies, celebrating progress, or simply checking in, their mission is clear: to help others thrive so they can make the greatest impact in the classroom.
The Perks of Contracting: Flexibility, Support, and Freedom
After experiencing both direct hire and contract roles, Layla found that contracting, especially with Epic Special Education Staffing, opened the door to a more flexible, fulfilling career. Instead of shaping her life around her job, she was able to shape her job around her life. Each new assignment became a chance to explore new opportunities, take on fresh challenges, and build a career that truly reflected her goals, interests, and lifestyle.
For both Layla and Heather, what truly set Epic apart was the support system. With dedicated relationship managers, clinical managers, and recruiters all working in sync, clinicians never have to navigate their journey alone. That sense of being seen, heard, and valued made all the difference.
And the benefits go beyond flexibility. From comprehensive medical coverage and CEU reimbursements to PTO, summer insurance, and concierge services through Overalls, Epic Special Education Staffing builds a foundation that supports both professional success and personal well-being.
Addressing the Myths: Contracting, Compensation, and Special Education Stigma
Layla and Heather have both encountered common misconceptions about contracting, particularly the idea that district-employed educators always earn more. In reality, contracting through Epic Special Education Staffing often results in higher take-home pay, especially when you take into account the robust benefits that come with it.
They also emphasized that staffing agencies like Epic aren’t in competition with school districts. They’re partners. By stepping in where support is needed most, they help ensure students don’t fall through the cracks. For Heather, that collaboration is what makes the work meaningful: helping schools stay fully staffed so every student receives the services they deserve.
And when it comes to special education, both Clinical Managers are passionate about challenging outdated assumptions. Special education isn’t a static label; it’s a dynamic service tailored to help students thrive. Progress might mean scaling back support, stepping away from services, or returning later as needs evolve. At its core, the goal is always student growth, confidence, and independence.
What’s Changing in Special Education? A Lot (And That’s a Good Thing)
The landscape of special education is shifting, and in all the right ways. Heather highlighted how the field has moved beyond outdated ideas of placement and now prioritizes individualized services that meet students where they are. Today, there’s a growing recognition that students receiving special education are general education students first, deserving of inclusion, dignity, and personalized support.
Layla shared how virtual therapy, once a stopgap during the pandemic, has become a powerful tool in expanding access. With teletherapy, students can now be matched with the right clinicians regardless of geography, bridging gaps in care that once seemed impossible to fill. While not every student thrives in a virtual setting, both clinical managers have seen it work exceptionally well when delivered thoughtfully, with the right resources and engagement strategies in place. It’s a reflection of how the field continues to adapt in ways that prioritize student connection, not just convenience.
If They Could Go Back: Wisdom from the Other Side of Burnout
Looking back, both Heather and Layla agreed that their younger selves needed a reminder to breathe. In the fast-paced world of special education, it’s easy to put students first and forget that you can’t pour from an empty cup. Layla would tell herself to take the lunch breaks, use the PTO, and make space to recharge because burnout doesn’t make you a better educator, but rest just might.
Heather’s advice? Stop pretending you have it all figured out. The real learning starts once you’re in the classroom, navigating IEPs, personalities, and unexpected moments. Finding the right fit, whether it’s a district, a role, or a support system, takes time, and curiosity is often your best asset.
Why Epic Special Education Staffing? Because Clinicians Deserve More
Epic Special Education Staffing was built on the belief that when clinicians feel supported, everyone wins, including students. Too often, special educators and related service providers are asked to do more with less. Epic Special Education Staffing changes that. By pairing every clinician with a dedicated support team – including clinical managers who understand the challenges of the role firsthand – we ensure no one feels like they’re navigating the job alone.
Heather and Layla have seen how this kind of support creates space for professional growth. Whether it’s trying a new setting, exploring virtual service delivery, or navigating a challenging caseload, Epic empowers clinicians to take on new opportunities with confidence. When educators feel seen and set up for success, their impact on students grows, and that’s what drives everything Epic Special Education Staffing does.
The Clinical Managers Making a Difference Beyond the Classroom
Conversations like Heather and Layla’s pull back the curtain on what it really means to work in special education today. They spark reflection, challenge outdated assumptions, and celebrate the wins – big and small – that come with showing up for students every day. As clinical managers, their stories don’t just inform; they inspire. And by making space for this kind of dialogue, we move the profession forward, one honest, heartfelt conversation at a time.
Want more behind-the-scenes insights? Stay tuned for our upcoming blog on Episode 2 of Beyond the Classroom, where we hear from the Relationship Managers helping clinicians thrive. And don’t miss Episode 4 – LIVE on Instagram (@epicspecialeducationstaffing) on July 30 at 3 PM EST – as we chat with our incredible Business Development Managers about how they build partnerships that make a difference. Lastly, make sure to keep an eye out on our social networks for future live sessions, so you too can join in on the fun!
About Heather
Heather Melancon, M.S.Ed., BCBA, is a Clinical Services Manager at Epic Special Education Staffing with over 15 years of experience supporting students with autism, behavioral, and developmental needs across school, home, and community settings. As a licensed Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), Heather has been a part of district-level behavior teams, building capacity with multidisciplinary teams, developing trauma-informed and evidence-based behavior systems, and providing professional development nationwide. She is passionate about building strong partnerships with schools and families to create sustainable, student-centered solutions.
Outside of her professional life, Heather is a wife, a proud mother, and someone who strives to live a holistic lifestyle. She recharges through hiking, playing sand volleyball, and staying connected to family. Heather brings that same energy and compassion to her work, believing that collaboration, connection, and empathy are key to meaningful student success.
About Layla
Layla Olive Wohlfeiler, M.S., CCC-SLP, is a Clinical Manager with Epic Special Education Staffing. With over 15 years of experience as a Speech-Language Pathologist working in a variety of school, pediatric, and tele-therapy roles, Layla uses her knowledge and extensive background in Special Education and Virtual therapy to support our clinicians.
Layla received her bachelor’s degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences from Ohio State University and a master’s degree in Communication Disorders from Marshall University. Her academic background, combined with her practical experiences, has equipped her with the skills and expertise to effectively support and mentor clinicians in their professional journeys. She loves to collaborate and brainstorm with clinicians to ensure their success in various placements, providing them with the tools and support they need to thrive. Layla and her husband live in Columbus, Ohio, with their French Bulldog, Farley. They enjoy traveling, attending concerts, and passionately supporting “THE” Ohio State Buckeyes.
