Paying It Forward: Honoring Jane Case-Smith for Commitment to Occupational Therapy Education and Research

This issue of the American Journal of Occupational Therapy is dedicated to the life and legacy of Jane CaseSmith, an occupational therapy scholar and servant–leader of the highest order. Her work, diverse in its breadth and depth, touched the lives of countless children; families; and occupational therapy students, clinicians, and educators. In the year since her passing, those of us who were blessed to know Jane have cherished precious memories and missed her dearly. Jane was a truly exceptional mentor. I, for my part, am just one of her many protégés, honored to have trained alongside her. In his meditation on showing gratitude to one’s mentors, Pausch (2008) wrote, “I could never adequately pay him back, so I just have to pay it forward” (p. 157). This statement feels appropriate as I think about Jane. Many of the profession’s best and brightest have benefited from the guidance and support she gave freely. It is right, then, that we celebrate Jane’s generosity to the profession by paying it forward. As guest editor for this special issue, I am honored to present articles that reflect Jane’s enduring passions for occupational therapy education and research.