Dr. Dawn K. Vogler-Elias, a dedicated associate professor of Speech-Language Pathology at Nazareth University in Rochester, New York, passed away on May 22, 2025, at the age of 45, after a courageous fight against cholangiocarcinoma.
Born in 1980, Dr. Vogler-Elias spent her life in Irondequoit, New York. She graduated from Irondequoit High School in 1998 before continuing her education with distinction. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Syracuse University, then pursued a Master of Arts and a Ph.D. in Speech-Language Pathology at the University at Buffalo.
A passionate advocate in her field, Dr. Vogler-Elias dedicated her career to helping individuals with autism spectrum disorders. At Nazareth University, she co-directed the Interdisciplinary Specialty Program in Autism (I-SPAN), which trained professionals to support individuals with autism. Her expertise focused on the assessment and intervention of language and social communication difficulties, particularly in children with developmental disabilities.
Her influence extended beyond the university. She was the Speech-Language Pathology Discipline Coordinator for the University of Rochester’s Leadership in Neurodevelopment and Related Disabilities (LEND) program, where she mentored future professionals in autism and developmental disabilities advocacy. She also served as secretary for AutismUp, a nonprofit supporting individuals with autism and their families.
Dr. Vogler-Elias’s insights reached broader audiences when she spoke at TEDxRochester, presenting innovative strategies for improving relationships between children with autism and their caregivers. Her work emphasized the importance of understanding the unique challenges these children face.
Colleagues and students remember her as an inspiring educator and a compassionate mentor, someone who was deeply invested in their success. Her passing is a profound loss to the Nazareth University community and the field of speech-language pathology.
Dr. Vogler-Elias is survived by her husband of nearly 20 years, Dennis Elias; their children, Adeline and Henry; her parents, William and Karen Vogler; her brother, David (Mary) Vogler; and many other beloved family members and friends. She was cherished for her kindness and the meaningful relationships she built.
Funeral services were held at the Paul W. Harris Funeral Home in Rochester, where loved ones gathered to celebrate her life and contributions.
Dr. Vogler-Elias’s legacy will live on through the many lives she touched—students she guided, families she supported, and the broader community she served with empathy and dedication. She leaves behind a lasting impact and will be remembered with deep admiration and respect.