Frequently Asked Questions
No, we are a retail store with a sensory room available for use. We are not a "play" or "recreational" facility. You may come in and try products from weighted vests to sensory swings and more. Use the sensory room to take a break and reset.
Sometimes a stop into our store can be helpful for regulation. That is ok. However, we do ask that you respect the products on display. They are there for our community to try and not for continued play. Our staff knows that swinging for a bit or playing in the sensory bin can be helpful in regulating from the day. We just ask that you and those you care for respect the space and the customers that are there to shop.
No children should be left unsupervised with our staff and our staff should not be expected to supervise your children. Often our staff interacts and enjoys playing games and having fun, but unfortunately, they also have a job to do and cannot always entertain. We wish we could!
YES! We believe all people should have a place where they belong. We have one rule: No apologies allowed for regulatory behavior. Because of our intentional design based on studies regarding sensory supportive spaces, many behaviors are not seen in our space. We have all LED lighting, floors are laid in one direction, the space is open with very little blocking visually, the color palette is intentional, and there are plenty of items to support regulation. Because our space is SO FUN, many do get overstimulated with excitement. We can mitigate that by utilizing the sensory room for regulation.
Please call ahead and let us know what will best support you or your child. Examples of accommodations:
- Dimming the lights
- Positioning a staff member at the front door to stop eloping.
- Giving them safe items and space to throw.
- Giving private regulation time in the sensory room upon arrival.
- Entering through the side door, rather than the front door.
- Having a favorite swing ready and available.
- Removing products that may become a hyperfocus.
Unfortunately, all sales are final on oral motor tools for sanitary reasons. If you find that there is a defect when opening, please contact us right away.
Often a flavored chew can have an intense smell and taste when first opened. This is due to it sitting inside the packaging. Even unflavored chews can sometimes smell "different" at first. We always recommend washing any chew before using. This will help level out the flavor or smell.
Yes, purchase orders can be sent to purchasing@sensorytoolhouse.com.
For a copy of our W-2 click here.
Yes, we are a new vendor with ClassWallet and are currently working with Texas Education Agency- SSES.
ClassWallet's Frequently Asked Questions
SSES Frequently Asked Questions
For step-by-step instructions on how to order, click here.
We are excited to announce that our Workshops, Consulting, Speaking and Event services are now available with Equity Access Solutions, LLC (EquiAcc).
EquiAcc was formed by Lauren Howard and Katie McMurray to house the training and consulting that has become a respected and needed service throughout our country. To learn more about the services provided, visit EquiAcc.com.
Sensory Tool House, LLC is committed to giving back to our community and supporting causes that align with our values and mission. As a young and small business, we recognize the importance of planning our charitable contributions in advance to ensure they align with our budgetary constraints.
Donation Request Eligibility
Sensory Tool House, LLC welcomes donation requests from organizations and individuals that share our commitment to making a positive impact on our community. To be eligible for consideration, the donation request must be submitted at least three (6) months ahead of the anticipated donation need to allow for proper planning within our budgetary constraints.
Our Team
Our team is comprised of an incredible group of subject matter experts with diverse backgrounds. Below are some of the faces you may see when visiting Sensory Tool House.
Administrative Assistant and Subject Matter Expert
Amelia McCarry
Meet Amelia, an individual who brings a wealth of experience to the table. With over 10 years in special education, they have worked with students of all abilities and know exactly how to make a positive impact.
Amelia is a wealth of knowledge. You will not only see her on the sales floor, but often in community supporting sensory spaces and teaching digital literacy to sensory regulation.
But here's the twist: Amelia is not only a former special education teacher, she's also Autistic and has ADHD. Discovering her neurodivergence later in life, they now passionately advocate for recognizing the symptoms of neurodivergence in people of all genders. It's all about ensuring that everyone receives the support they need to thrive.
Amelia loves to indulge in some good old LEGO building. And, of course, nothing beats spending quality time with her loving husband and their adorable dogs.
Neurodivergent
(Any Pronouns)
Subject Matter Expert
Brooke Stalker
Brooke has extensive childcare experience, which has fostered patience and care in her personality. She enjoys learning and spending her free time outdoors, engaging in activities like hiking, running, and skiing. Brooke values Sensory Tool House as a unique resource in our community, providing tools that are not commonly available in other stores for everyday life.
(She/Her)
Subject Matter Expert
Izzy
Izzy is a student and amazing big sister to her brother who is neurodivergent. She is fluent in American Sign Language and an avid volunteer. Izzy has been with Sensory Tool House since the early days and is a wealth of information.
(She/Her)
Subject Matter Expert
Liz March
Liz is a neurodivergent, former para-educator, who grew up with a special education teacher for a mom. She works with her mom to teach dance classes to people of varying abilities, and varying ages. She has worked with ages 3-61 in her short time teaching dance. Liz is currently taking classes to receive a bachelor's in education. She is an animal lover. She has one cat, and her roommates have a cat and a dog.
Neurodivergent
(She/Her)
Subject Matter Expert
Mykalah McMurray
Mykalah previously worked at Sensory Tool House and she is back! Mykalah is a natural caregiver, with experience working with children and in healthcare. She is excited to be back.
Neurodivergent
(She/Her)
In Training
Zero
Zero is a student, and an artist. He has been a student teacher and wishes to become a teacher. Zero enjoys reading, drawing, and learning as much as he can about anything. He can't wait to keep learning about Sensory
Tool House!
(He/Him)
In Training
Catherine Peacher
Catherine is the one of the newest members of our team.
Like others on our team, Catherine was diagnosed as Neurodivergent
later in life. This has helped her recognize the need and importance for spaces
and communities like Sensory Tool House, LLC.
Catherine has lived a couple different lives before joining STH; from a Behavioral Therapist, Summer Camp Counselor, and even a Cake Decorator. Catherine brings creativity to everything they do. From art projects to creative problem solving, they probably have an idea!
She comes from a family of small business owners, and is
passionate about the communities they build. In her free time she enjoys learning and creating in many different niches. As a former Botany and Zoology student, they enjoy all things regarding plants and animals. When Catherine isn't at our store, she can be found spending quality time with her partner at home.
Neurodivergent
(She/They)
Subject Matter Expert
John and Buddy
John is the oldest son of Katie and Dan McMurray. He has shaped the vision of Sensory Tool House and taught his parents more than any book could.
John is an avid baseball player and pitcher, hoping to possibly play at a college. His other passions are dogs and mustangs. No, not the horse, the car. He hopes to take both of those passions forward as a vet tech traveling to work in a mustang one day.
Buddy is usually by John’s side. He is his service dog. Buddy is a giant! Part Newfoundland and part Poodle (ask John about the silly combo names that has). Don’t be alarmed by his size. Buddy is a gentle giant. When he is working DO NOT PET HIM. At times John will allow Buddy to meet people. There is a special routine they have, please listen to John on the proper way to meet Buddy. Be prepared to shake paws.
Neurodivergent
(He/Him)
Customer Service
Evan
Evan is a student, athlete, and committed musician. He is very involved in band, playing multiple instruments. Evan is a huge support for his older brother who is autistic. He has grown up learning how to communicate and support those who have differences. He also has two older sisters that he loves dearly and enjoys annoying with his “little brother” talents, which he will surely teach to his nephew.
Evan brings humor and energy everywhere he goes. Don’t be alarmed if you see him joking around with staff or giving them a “bad” time. He has fun, but will be right there to support and help you during your visit.
Neurodivergent
(He/Him)
Director of Operations
Lauren Howard
Lauren Howard is the Director of Operations for Sensory Tool House, LLC and Co-Founder of Equity Access Solutions, LLC. Lauren is the parent of three neurodivergent children, a military wife, and avid volunteer in our community. She is committed to making our communities inclusive to those who are neurodivergent and disabled.
Her work includes teaching businesses, educators, community organizations, and others about neurodiversity and breaking down the biases
that are present in our communities. It is through her lived experience and education that she can connect and make this important change.
Lauren’s work has been recognized locally and nationally. She is the recipient of the 2023 Lewis County Inclusion at Work award. Nationally, The Green Beret Foundation named her The Green Beret Spouse of the Year for 2023 for her dedication to our country and community. Most recently she was named one of the 2024 South Sound Exceptional Woman Awardees.
Neurodivergent
(She/Her)
Purchasing & Contracts
Kelsey Sheets
Kelsey comes to Sensory Tool House, LLC with a background in corporate purchasing. She is a queer neurodivergent and the mother to two young children who are ND, one which is autistic. She believes strongly that neurodivergence doesn't have to be a barrier to success.
Kelsey is passionate about providing access to necessary sensory tools and devices to the community and to DSHS clients so they too, can access their very best comfort and potential. She has a strong interest in the intersections of neurodivergence and queer identities.
Kelsey is an active community volunteer with the Thurston County Disaster Assistance Response Team. Currently she is the secretary of the organization and pushes for disability recognition in emergency/disaster planning.
Kelsey acknowledges that she lives and does business on the traditional and unceded land of the Coast Salish Peoples.
Neurodivergent
(She, Her)
Inventory Specialish
Frances Gregory
Frances has eight years of collective business experience in the book industry and a BA from the Evergreen State College.
They are a published poet with a history in punk music and organizing around transformative justice and mental health advocacy. They love roller skating, crafting, and watching movies.
Late diagnosed with ASD, they look forward to serving the neurodivergent community through their work at Sensory Tool House.
Neurodivergent
(They, Them)
CEO and Founder
Katie McMurray
Katie McMurray, M.Ed., CDMS is the founder and chief executive officer of Sensory Tool House, LLC and Co-Founder of Equity Access Solutions, LLC. For over 17 years Katie has worked with the community as a teacher, volunteer, vocational counselor, and certified disability management specialist. She is also the parent of four neurodivergent children and understands the challenges of caregiving and supporting loved ones who are autistic, have ADHD, dyscalculia, sensory processing disorder, and brain differences due to adverse childhood experiences.
With her master’s degree in Guidance and Counseling, she focused on sensory processing disorder and has continued her passion to learn
and further support the neurodivergent community.
Katie is an award-winning neurodivergent business owner who has proven increasing access to employment and providing a culture of support for all increases productivity, retention, and innovation. Her model of inclusion in the workforce named her Boss of the Year in 2023 and Washington's Small Business Development Council's Star Client of the year. She has been featured in various publications and podcasts.
As a neurodivergent person, vocational counselor, and caregiver of those who are neurodivergent she understands the barriers in our communities that lead to greater unemployment in the neurodivergent population. She also understands the value that a neurodivergent workforce brings to businesses. Productivity, employee retention, and overall business metrics increase when employing and supporting a neurodivergent workforce.
When not working Katie loves to be by the water and spend time with her four kids and grandson.
Neurodivergent
(She/Her)
Katie's Rock
Dan McMurray
It is likely that you will see Dan around STH. He might be patching a wall, fixing something, filling in behind the register, picking up one of the kids, or just checking in.
Though Dan has a day job, he has been a huge supporter of Katie and the entire team, always willing to lend a hand. When not being put to work or voluntold he enjoys spending time with his family, especially on the water.
(He/Him)
General Cleaner
Diego
We are so thankful for Diego who has been with us since day one. He is an important part of our team!
