RISING STAR

BIOGRAPHY

Sara is currently a third-year graduate student in the entry-level Master's Occupational Therapy program. Self-described as a compassionate and conscientious person, Sara is eager to serve the community and to work with an interdisciplinary team to provide whole-person care. Throughout her academic coursework, Sara has done exceptionally well. She’s made the Dean’s List numerous times in the OT program, and she graduated Magna Cum Laude from Cal State Polytechnic University with a degree in Kinesiology. For her fieldwork rotations at Loma Linda University, Sara has prioritized and accumulated diverse experiences, including acute care, pediatrics and senior care. Comments received from fieldwork educators consistently and positively emphasize Sara’s compassionate spirit, her patience, and her active listening skills. She’s able to “think on her feet” and to adapt as the situation changes. Sara completed her master’s research project with San Bernardino County Head Start, a local preschool program, and she also developed a wellness program for a senior to age in place safely and independently. Another project she helped to develop is “The Overcomers,” a partnership with the Westside Kinship Support Services, a youth support program, to foster the growth of resiliency and self-esteem in their attendees. Continuing her community involvement, Sara serves as the Students of Occupational Therapy Association’s Community Service Officer. At Faith Church, where she is actively involved, Sara helps in the child ministry program. Sara is a caring, compassionate person who will espouse the mission and values of LLU in her career as an Occupational Therapist. The Occupational Therapy department is honored to present the 2021 Rising Star Award to Sara Wallace.