Michael E. Biel BA, MS, CScD

Biel earned his M.S. Communicative Disorders from CSUN and his clinical doctorate degree (CScD) in Medical Speech Pathology from the University of Pittsburgh. He brings to his courses a focus on how to diagnose and treat individuals with neurologically based communication disorders and swallowing difficulties. Biel applies his personal experience as an SLP to helping students understand what real-world practice looks like and how to succeed as a therapist.

He dedicates much of his effort to understanding the science of motivation and how to translate well-established theories in psychology to clinical practice. Biel also has an interest in the role of the arts and humanities in adult neurorehabilitation, and he started a book club for persons with aphasia.

Biel worked as a full-time SLP for the VA Healthcare System and UCLA Medical Center for about 20 years and continues to see clients with neurogenic communication disorders on a part-time basis. He specializes in working with those with aphasia, but he also has significant experience with other conditions seen in a medical setting (e.g., dysphagia). He is board certified in neurologic communication disorders from the Academy of Neurologic Communication Disorders (ANCDS). He developed a mentoring program for SLPs working towards board certification. Biel brings his education and work background to his courses.