Speaker Bio: SUSAN OSTROWSKI, MA, MS, CCC-SLP

Susan Ostrowski holds a Master’s degree in remedial reading and a Master’s degree in speech pathology from Columbia University. As a speech pathologist and director of Reading2Connect®, Susan has a wide array of experience in a variety of senior care settings, from skilled nursing to day centers to traditional homes. With deep concern for the unmet social-emotional needs of older adults and a passion for innovation, Susan co-created and developed an organization called Reading2Connect®. Reading2Connect® is devoted to bringing back the joy of reading to elders and adults living with dementia. Reading2Connect® produces age/dementia friendly books and educates care staff and support partners on techniques to foster independent, recreational reading for older adults in all settings.  Writing on the topic of reading and dementia, Susan has contributed to multiple publications, including the American Speech and Hearing Association Perspectives Journal, and the Thieme Medical Publishers Communication Sciences Case Study textbook.  She is the 2020 recipient of the American Speech and Hearing Association Clinical Achievement Award recognizing her work at Reading2Connect®.  She has presented on the topic of reading and dementia in multiple venues including such conferences as The International Council on Active Aging, Alzheimer’s Association chapters, and LeadingAge state partners.