Dr. Sarah L. Smith is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy at the University of New Hampshire in the College of Health and Human Services. Dr. Smith is a pediatric occupational therapist with over 20 years experience practicing in school and outpatient settings. Her teaching and research is rooted in her work with children and families and the need to provide services that not only support individual children but services that also prioritize family engagement in everyday meaningful family 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. Promoting family engagement in everyday routines and activities toward strong family health and wellness is the heart of the Healthy Families Research Program.