FACULTY PROFILE
Danielle Osmelak EdD, MS, CCC-SLP/L, FNAP is an Associate
Professor in the Department of Communication Disorders at Governors State
University. As a licensed and certified speech-language pathologist (SLP), most
of Dr. Osmelak’s clinical experiences have been in medical settings. Dr.
Osmelak’s clinical focus has centered around medically complex populations:
neurodegenerative diseases, tracheostomy and mechanical ventilation, and head
and neck cancer. Her background as a practicing medical SLP has shaped her
current research, which is clinically driven, collaborative, and
interdisciplinary.
Dr. Osmelak’s research interests include interprofessional
dysphagia management and ethical clinical decision-making. Professionally, Dr.
Osmelak is a Fellow of the Illinois Speech-Language-Hearing Association and a
Distinguished Fellow in the Speech-Language Pathology Academy of the National
Academies of Practice. Dr. Osmelak is the President-Elect of the Illinois
Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Dr. Osmelak was named the 2023 Illinois
Innovator of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association for her novel
approaches to embedding ethical critical thinking exercises within her
clinically focused courses. She regularly speaks nationally within the area of
professional ethics. Dr. Osmelak is a member of the American
Speech-Language-Hearing Association Board of Ethics and the current Vice Chair
of the Board of Ethics.
FREQUENTLY TAUGHT COURSES:
CDIS 7200: Voice & Resonance Disorders
CDIS 7700: Motor Speech Disorders: Differential Diagnosis & Treatment
CDIS 7800: Dysphagia in Adults & Children