Therapeutic Innovations International

Empowering children, parents, and educators by integrating human development and self-regulation with education to create supportive environments where every child can thrive

Our Methodology

The Empowered Person Framework

Delivering structured training programs, digital learning resources, and coaching and consultative support designed to equip parents and educators with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to support children's emotional regulation, resilience, and development.

The programs are built on the Empowered Person Framework, a holistic, three-layer model developed by Dr. Shaffer that addresses growth at the individual level, within relationships, and through the roles people play as parents, educators, and community members.

The framework draws on occupational therapy, child development, neuroscience, sensory integration, psychology, and lived experience to provide practical, research-grounded strategies that work in real family and classroom environments.

The Empowered Person: Framework for Enhancing Human Intelligence & Development

As artificial intelligence advances, human intelligence must evolve too. The Empowered Person framework highlights:

Self-Awareness: Identifying factors that influence self-agency and self-regulation

Intelligence: Understanding oneself and how to overcome barriers to learning and engagement

Action: Establishing habits and routines for effective change.

Reflection: Assessing progress for lasting impact.

A Vision for Systemic Change

By embedding these principles into education, schools, education systems, and parenting, the framework envisions a society where individuals, both children and adults, thrive with confidence, resilience, and purpose. It advocates for environments that nurture growth and unlock human potential.

200+

Presentations & Workshops

10,000+

Children, Families, & Educators Supported

25+

Years of Professional Experience

The Founder

Hi, I'm Dr. Elizabeth Joy Shaffer, OTD, OTR/L

An internationally renowned, board-certified American occupational therapist driven by a deep passion for empowering children, families, and schools.

Dedicated to creating systemic change, she prioritizes human needs and development in education, healthcare, and family health. Her work draws on professional experience working with thousands of children and families worldwide. A published researcher and author, influential leader, and inspiring keynote speaker, she champions neurodiversity and envisions a world where every child thrives.

My Background

I have been in the shoes of many of my clients (as a neurodivergent student who struggled, a mom raising two boys with autism, a woman who was burned out giving without receiving - not taking care of myself in the way I needed to so I could give my kids what they truly needed from me (love, patience, grounded presence, and compassionate guidance).

Not only do I go deeper into understanding the root causes of problems and challenges my clients face (also, I want these answers for myself and my kids too), but I am also passionate about finding the best/most impactful/easiest/sustainable/quickest solutions to help people move beyond their blocks and challenges (because life is hard and most of us live busy lives and need solutions that we can actually do and that bring results).

My work merges Western-based (traditional) and Eastern-based (non-traditional) health-promoting practices in a fun and dynamic approach to support my client's needs.

When I show up for my clients in individual sessions, group training, or public speaking events, I do it in a state of flow. It is not only the information I share that makes the difference. The energy I share with others inspires them and motivates them to put the information and learning into action.