For 15 years, Aubrey Schmalle has been quietly making a powerful impact—first in Stamford, and now across Connecticut and beyond. As a pediatric occupational therapist and founder of Sensational Achievements, she has helped more than 800 children and families in her clinical practice build the skills they need to grow, connect, and thrive.
Her work has always centered on something simple, yet increasingly rare: helping children engage with the real world. Movement, play, curiosity, and human connection are at the core of her approach, especially as families navigate the growing influence of screens and technology.
That work has now reached a broader audience. Aubrey’s book, Uniquely Human: Raising Leaders and Creators in an AI World, offers a practical, thoughtful guide for all parents, including those of neurodiverse children, trying to make sense of raising children in today’s digital landscape. “Kids’ brains need movement, play, curiosity, and human interaction,” she explains. “When we balance tech with activities that build those skills, children actually thrive alongside technology instead of being consumed by it.”
Behind that growth is a long-standing relationship with CEDF. From financing her first clinic space to providing guidance on the fundamentals of running a business, CEDF has supported Aubrey through key moments—including navigating the uncertainty of COVID-19. That foundation helped her build a business that not only sustained and reinvented itself over 15 years, but expanded its reach and influence through educational and speaking initiatives.
Today, Aubrey’s work as a child development expert continues to grow—supporting families, training professionals, speaking to organizations, and reaching readers nationally with a message that feels both timely and deeply human.