Dr. Vogler-Elias was a cornerstone of Nazareth College’s Communication Sciences and Disorders department. She co-directed the Interdisciplinary Specialty Program in Autism (I-SPAN), a collaborative initiative designed to prepare professionals to support individuals with autism spectrum disorders. Her clinical and research interests focused on the assessment and intervention of language and social communication challenges, particularly in children with autism. She was known for her compassionate approach and commitment to improving the lives of those with special needs.
Her contributions extended beyond the classroom. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Vogler-Elias and her I-SPAN co-chair, Dr. Shanna Jamanis, provided valuable insights into how families with special needs, especially those with autistic children, were coping with disrupted routines. Their expertise offered guidance and support during a time of unprecedented challenges.
Dr. Vogler-Elias also shared her knowledge on broader platforms. She was a featured speaker at TEDxRochester, where she and Dr. Jamanis discussed innovative approaches to improving relationships between children with autism and their caregivers and teachers. Their presentation emphasized the importance of understanding and adapting to the unique challenges faced by these children.
Beyond her academic and professional achievements, Dr. Vogler-Elias was deeply involved in community organizations. She served as the secretary for AutismUp, a local nonprofit dedicated to supporting individuals with autism and their families. Her involvement reflected her unwavering commitment to advocacy and community engagement.
Colleagues remember Dr. Vogler-Elias as a passionate educator and a compassionate mentor. Her students often spoke of her dedication to their success and her ability to inspire them to pursue meaningful careers in helping professions. Her sudden passing is a significant loss to the Nazareth College community and the field of speech-language pathology.
Dr. Vogler-Elias’s legacy will endure through the countless lives she touched—students she mentored, families she supported, and the broader community she served with dedication and empathy. Her contributions have left an indelible mark, and she will be remembered with deep respect and affection.
