Dr. Sarah L. Smith is an Associate Professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy at the University of New Hampshire in the College of Health and Human Services. Dr. Smith has over 25 years experience as a pediatric occupational therapist. Dr. Smith practiced in school and outpatient settings. Her teaching and research are rooted in her work with children and families and the need to provide services that not only support individual children but that also prioritize family participation in everyday meaningful activities.
Dr. Smith is the director of the UNH Healthy Families Research Program. Dr. Smith examines the specific factors and processes that promote strong family health, as well as the relationship between everyday family activities and family health in order to inform effective family supports. Dr. Smith's Healthy Families Flourish Program is a parent coaching intervention provided via telehealth to support family activity participation.
Dr. Smith earned the 2021 College of Health and Human Services Excellence in Teaching Award and the 2022 University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center College of Allied Health's 2022 Distinguished OUHSC Doctor of Science Alumni Award.
