Meet Sarah
Learner. Mover. Maker. Teacher.
Sarah earned her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science, with a minor in classical piano, from James Madison University in 2010, followed by her Master of Occupational Therapy in 2012.
Her path to occupational therapy began with her own experience as a patient. Several high school sports injuries gave her firsthand insight into the frustration, grief, and resilience that often accompany the healing process. While in college and graduate school, Sarah cared for a young girl with cerebral palsy from ages 3 to 8—an experience she credits with shaping her understanding of what it means to be a “real OT.” During OT school, she also worked as a personal trainer, reinforcing her passion for helping people build strength, confidence, and trust in their bodies.
From 2013 to 2025, Sarah worked as an inpatient and outpatient hand therapist at a Level I Trauma and Burn Center in Richmond, Virginia, treating both children and adults. Her clinical experience also includes skilled nursing facilities and outpatient neurological clinics, giving her a strong foundation as both a hand therapy specialist and an occupational therapy generalist.
In addition to her clinical work, Sarah taught in the Virginia Commonwealth University Doctor of Occupational Therapy program for eight years and has served as an invited speaker at both local and national conferences. Her special interests include complex trauma, wound care, splinting, and ergonomic consulting for artists and musicians. She also enjoys working with individuals with hypermobility, drawing on both clinical expertise and personal experience.
Today, Sarah’s approach emphasizes thoughtful, individualized care that integrates clinical expertise, education, and real-world application. She works collaboratively with each patient to build practical strategies that support meaningful, lasting recovery.
Sarah launched Hand to Shoulder Wellness to restore hope and agency for people who feel let down by the healthcare system.
She lives in the Greater Richmond area with her husband, Stephen, and their dog, Pax.
Outside of work, Sarah enjoys pottery, yoga, gardening, hiking, rock climbing, snowboarding, and finding any excuse to move her body outdoors.
