With deep gratitude and admiration, we announce Dr. Sarah Schoen as the recipient of the first STAR Sensory Lifetime Achievement Award as she prepares to embark on the next chapter of her journey.

Dr. Schoen has been a cornerstone of research, education, and innovation at the STAR Institute for nearly two decades. Her contributions as the Director of Research have profoundly advanced our understanding of sensory integration and occupational therapy. As she departs STAR Institute at the end of the year, we bid her a fond farewell and wish her every success in her future endeavors.

Dr. Schoen’s career reflects over 40 years of clinical experience, bolstered by her doctorate in occupational therapy from New York University (2001) and a two-year post-doctoral fellowship with the Developmental Psychobiology Research Group at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center under the mentorship of Dr. Lucy Jane Miller. Her work has shaped not only STAR Institute but also the broader field of occupational therapy through her groundbreaking research, exceptional mentorship, and tireless advocacy.

Among her many achievements, Dr. Schoen co-authored the Sensory Processing 3 Dimensions Scale (SP3D), contributed to over 60 publications, and held an Associate Professorship at the Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions. Her accolades—including the A. Jean Ayres Award, Virginia Scardina Award of Excellence, and Recognition of Achievement Award from the American Occupational Therapy Association—are testaments to her profound influence on the field.

Dr. Schoen’s legacy at STAR Institute includes the co-development of Advanced Mentorship trainings and her role on numerous doctoral committees, all of which reflect her passion for nurturing the next generation of professionals. Her unwavering dedication to understanding and supporting sensory processing has left an indelible mark on the institute and the countless lives she has touched.

As we honor Dr. Schoen with this Lifetime Achievement Award, we also say goodbye with immense gratitude and admiration. While she will be deeply missed, we are excited to see what the future holds for her and know that her work will continue to inspire and guide us all.

Dr. Schoen, thank you for your years of service, leadership, and innovation. We wish you the very best in this new chapter of your journey.