You’re So Fly: Erica Smalla

Meet Erica Smalla, one of our newest Flywheel members! Erica is a licensed therapist who recently launched her own practice, Heartbeat Therapy and Wellness, and chose Flywheel as her home base for community, connection, and entrepreneurial support. She’s passionate about helping people feel seen, understood, and empowered. In particular, she has a heart for youth, young adults, LGBTQIA+, and neurodivergent clients, although she welcomes anyone who’s ready to work toward a more fulfilled life. Through Internal Family Systems (IFS) practices and a heart for genuine connection, Erica creates space for people to grow into their best selves.

You shared your “why” at our last event—can you tell us how that vision continues to guide your work today?

My “why” has always been rooted in helping people feel truly seen and understood. At Heartbeat Therapy & Wellness, I believe healing begins when people can come as they are—messy, brilliant, hurting, hopeful—and still know they belong. That vision guides every session, every group, and every new project I launch. I want clients to walk away not just coping, but feeling empowered to live in alignment with who they really are.

What drew you to Flywheel, and how has being in this coworking community supported your journey as a new business owner?

Starting a practice can feel like stepping into the unknown, and Flywheel immediately gave me a sense of community and support. I was drawn to the energy here—the creative entrepreneurs, the shared wisdom, and the fact that people are genuinely cheering each other on. Having a home base at Flywheel keeps me inspired and connected, which has been such a grounding force as I build Heartbeat Therapy & Wellness.

For someone unfamiliar with Internal Family Systems, how would you describe the practice and why it resonates with you?

IFS is a powerful approach that helps people get to know the different “parts” of themselves—the inner voices, feelings, or patterns that sometimes clash or keep us stuck. Instead of pushing those parts away, IFS invites curiosity and compassion, allowing people to uncover their inner wisdom and live more freely. It resonates with me because I see clients’ faces light up when they realize, “I’m not broken. I just have parts of me that need care.” That shift is transformational.

You serve a wide range of clients, but you’ve mentioned a special focus on LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent communities. What’s most meaningful to you about working with these groups?

I know what it feels like to sit in spaces where your identity isn’t fully understood, and I don’t want anyone to have to shrink themselves to be accepted. Working with LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent clients is deeply meaningful because these communities are so often misunderstood, yet they carry so much resilience, creativity, and brilliance. Creating a safe, affirming space where they can breathe, explore, and be celebrated for who they are is one of the greatest joys of my work.

As you look ahead, what are your hopes or goals for your practice in the next year—and how can the Flywheel community cheer you on?

This next year, I’m excited to grow both my one-on-one therapy work and my group offerings—like support groups for teens navigating anxiety, and workshops on burnout recovery for adults. I also plan to expand into more creative community events that blend therapy, wellness, and connection. The best way the Flywheel community can cheer me on is by helping spread the word—sharing with anyone who might need therapy or who could benefit from knowing there’s a space in Concord that is queer-affirming, neurodivergent-affirming, and committed to whole-person healing.

We’re so glad to have Erica as part of the Flywheel community, and we can’t wait to cheer her on as she grows her practice and continues making an impact!