Melissa Aleksak

Melissa Aleksak, MS, OTR/L, CDRS, serves as Director of the Adaptive Driving Program within the Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. With extensive clinical experience spanning acute care, skilled nursing, inpatient rehabilitation, mental health, home health, and pediatrics, she integrates practical expertise into specialized driver rehabilitation services for individuals recovering from medical events.

Her educational foundation includes a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Scranton. Professional credentials feature certification as a Driver Rehabilitation Specialist (CDRS) through recognized industry standards.

Alexak's clinical focus centers on adaptive driving strategies, mobility rehabilitation, and client-centered interventions for post-illness/injury driving recovery. She emphasizes evidence-based assessments, confidence-building techniques, and customized training protocols to enhance transportation independence while prioritizing safety outcomes across diverse medical conditions.

No scientific awards were documented in available sources.

Her academic leadership includes prior direction of an Occupational Therapy Assistant Program at the collegiate level, where she developed curricula and mentored future clinicians. Current responsibilities involve supervising the Adaptive Driving Program's clinical operations and interdisciplinary service delivery.

The Adaptive Driving Program functions as her primary operational unit, providing comprehensive driver evaluations, vehicle modifications training, and community reintegration support through structured therapeutic protocols.