Michaelene Ostrosky

Michaelene M. Ostrosky, PhD, is the Grayce Wicall Gauthier Professor Emerita and Professor Emerita of Special Education at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She worked in academia for 33 years before moving into “semi-retirement” in 2024. Prior to earning a PhD she taught individuals with disabilities, including young deafblind children. Throughout her career, Dr. Ostrosky has enjoyed mentoring graduate students and conducting research in inclusive early childhood settings. Her scholarly focus has centered on young children’s social emotional competence, including the development of peer relationships.