Sensory Tool House (STH) has received this year’s Distinguished Leaders Award from Leadership Thurston County. Celebrating community leadership for more than 20 years, the Distinguished Leaders Awards recognize individuals who demonstrate outstanding initiative, inspire others, and make a significant impact that extends beyond their own organizations through meaningful community involvement. This marks the second consecutive year a retailer making a strong local impact has earned the honor.
Founded during the COVID lockdown, STH grew from founder Katie McMurray’s personal experience as a neurodivergent adult and as the mother of a child with autism spectrum disorder. She identified a clear gap in the marketplace. Many individuals with neurosensitivities need to touch, feel, and test products before purchasing, an experience rarely available through online shopping. Today, 90% of the store’s staff identify as neurodivergent, allowing them to provide informed and empathetic guidance that helps customers make confident decisions.
Local teachers, therapists, and parents consistently praise the store’s welcoming and supportive environment. In addition to retail services, STH offers employer training programs focused on understanding and leveraging neurodivergent strengths in the workplace, equipping businesses to build inclusive teams where all employees can thrive.
Those who know McMurray describe her as courageous, innovative, and deeply committed to her community. Sensory Tool House demonstrates how retail can be both economically vibrant and mission-driven. WR is proud to count STH among its members and celebrates this well-deserved recognition of leadership and impact.
