Careers and Outcomes
Speech-language pathology is a deeply rewarding field with enormous potential for growth. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the profession is projected to grow by 15% from 2024 to 2034, adding approximately 28,200 new jobs due to an aging population and higher survival rates for premature infants and trauma victims.
In the last three years, more than 94% of CSD majors who have applied as seniors have been accepted to at least one graduate program in the field.
Graduate study is required for national certification, licensure in most states and a public-school certificate in Illinois. After earning their graduate degrees, our students launch dynamic careers in a variety of settings, including schools, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities and clinics.
Here are just a few of our outstanding alumni:
- Annice Coughlan ’12, worked as a bi-lingual speech-language pathologist at Palatine School District #15. She is currently the clinical assistant professor and the associate clinic director of the Speech-Language-Hearing clinic at Elmhurst University.
- Rebecca Mental ’12, completed her Ph.D. at Case Western Reserve University in Ohio. Her dissertation was titled Using Realistic Visual Biofeedback for the Remediation of Residual Speech Sound Errors. She is currently the clinical assistant professor at Cleveland State University.
- Jennifer Favela ’14, received her M.S. from Saint Xavier University. She is the Clinic Director and Owner of Soy Bilingual Speech Therapy. She is also a Bilingual Speech-Language Pathologist.
- Micaela Mullaney Hastings ’15, is a speech-language pathologist at Easterseals Dupage & Fox Valley
- Brittany Nolan M.S. ’15, is currently Director of Specialty Services at BY YOUR SIDE Autism Therapy Services in Schaumburg where she also supervises Elmhurst graduate students. She often travels to new By Your Side locations in other states to help start their programs. She is also involved with the UPS for DownS Theatre Company where she works with actors with disabilities on improving their speech.
- Gail Dudesek, M.S. ’15, and Alyssa Amidei, M.S. ’15, both work at Pediatric Interactions in Grayslake. This is a multidisciplinary pediatric outpatient clinic in Grayslake, IL.
- Dominika Matuzik ’17, is a bilingual (Polish-English) Speech Language Pathologist and owner of DM Speech Therapy LLC and services clients in the Chicagoland Area.
- Julia D’Agostini, M.S. ’18, is a Speech Language Pathologist at Spring Trail Elementary in Elgin School District 46.
- Nick Caruso ’18, received her M.S. from Midwestern. Currently a Speech Language Pathologist at Chmela Communication Center. Also involved with Camp Shout Out.
- Christina (O’Connor) Rosengren, M.S. ’18, is a Speech Language Pathologist at Treehouse Pediatric Therapy.
- Christina Renter, M.S. ’18, is a Speech-Language Pathologist and Cross-Country coach at Bartlett High School.
- Jackie Ryer, MS ’19, is a Clinic Director at Little Steps Pediatric Therapy/Ivy Rehab. This is a multidisciplinary outpatient clinic.
- Kelly Cunningham, M.S. ’19, was a Speech Language Pathologist at Ascension in Elgin and is a clinical assistant professor at Elmhurst University
- Lordeana Lappano Schiavone, M.S. ’19, is a Speech Language Pathologist in Lincoln School, Palatine District #15.
- Lauren Johnson, MS ’20, SLPD ’25, is a Speech Language Pathologist in Douglas County School District, Littleton, Colorado
- Amy Lima (Nelson), M.S. ’21, is a Speech Language Pathologist at Hummingbird Pediatric Therapies
- Angela Bogusz, M.S. ’22, is a Speech Language Pathologist at Des Plaines School District 62.
- Ellie Kirchberg, M.S. ’23, is a Speech Language Pathologist at Advocate Physical Therapy-Neuroscience.
- Megan Polivka, M.S. ’24 is a Clinic Director at Ivy Rehab Network
- Valerie Schallmo, M.S. ’24 is a Speech language Pathology at Yorkville CUSD 115
- Julia Janicek M.S. ’25, is a Speech Language Pathologist at Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital
- Grace Scarpelli M.S. ’25 is a Speech Language Pathologist at Easterseals
- Ashley Youngquist M.S. ’26 is a Speech Language Pathologist at Stepping Stones Group, District 60
- Kailey Alonzo M.S.’26 is a Speech language Pathologist at STEPS for Kid
Elmhurst University’s Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) is dedicated to preparing its students for the successful understanding of human communication and its disorders and differences. Our hope is that our CSD alums, current undergraduate/graduate students, and prospective students interested in the field of speech pathology will visit our group often to learn about news and happenings in the field of speech-language pathology, as well as what’s happening right here in the CSD department at Elmhurst University. Dialogue is encouraged.
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