Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Toms River celebrates OEAA honoree Sara Whitney

Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Toms River is proud to honor Sara Whitney, occupational therapist, senior, as the Northeast region recipient of Encompass Health’s 2025 Outstanding Employee Achievement Award (OEAA). The OEAA program highlights employees whose compassion and leadership have a lasting impact.

When it comes to engagement, Whitney leaves no patient, colleague or student behind. With a knack for making others feel valued and included, she embodies Encompass Health’s values as the clinical education coordinator for occupational therapy (OT) students who train at the hospital. Her exceptional organizational and collaborative skills are the tie that binds hospital staff, college administrators and OT students together, ensuring a pipeline of practitioners ready to thrive in the workforce.

Whitney’s influence extends outside her department to the larger hospital community. She is a member of her hospital’s diversity committee and Joint Commission Disease-Specific Certified Parkinson’s Disease program, and she regularly contributes creative treatment plans and workflow improvement suggestions while facilitating interdepartmental relationships. At times, she even comes in early to make sure night staff are trained. Her enthusiasm and unwavering dedication are a motivating force for all.

Whitney accepted her award during a celebratory gala on May 6 at the Country Club of Birmingham in Birmingham, Alabama — home to Encompass Health’s Home Office — with attendees including the Company’s board of directors, executive and regional leaders, region recipients and their guests.