About Us New

Meet the Founder of Therapeutic Innovations International, LLC.

I'm Dr. Elizabeth Joy Shaffer, I am an American board-certified occupational therapist, speaker, published researcher, mother, and foreign service spouse passionate about helping all children, especially those with autism, ADD/ADHD, and other complex needs. My career began upon graduating from the University of Pittsburgh’s Health and Rehabilitation Sciences in 2001. Over the past 20+ years, I have provided OT interventions to children from early childhood to high school within the international community. I currently reside in Brussels, Belgium but have lived and worked in Estonia, Canada, Romania, Argentina, Northern Macedonia, Italy, and the United States. I founded Therapeutic Innovations International, LLC in 2015 with the intention of helping thousands of children and families worldwide through new and innovative approaches to skill development.

Proudest Moments

receiving the U.S. Secretary of State for co-creating Northern Macedonia's first autism symposium, multiple interdisciplinary professional/parent training workshops, and the region's first privately run multidisciplinary child-development center. In addition to working with children, I love educating professionals and parents through onsite and online workshops incorporating a multitude of modalities, drawing from years of research looking for new and innovative solutions to helping children and families in a fun and practical way. I can relate to the challenge experienced by the children and parents I work with, which is why I help when and where I can.

Awards, Specialties, & Certifications

American Board Certified Occupational Therapist

WPS Sensory Integration Certified (Ayers)

Certified HeartMath® Health Provider

Play-based Interventions | Therapeutic Exercises

Brain Gym® | Rhythmic Movement Training

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Mindfulness Practitioner (Level III)

Life Skills Training | Self-regulation Training

Stress Management | Therapeutic Listening®

Behavior Modification & Redirection Techniques

2012 Secretary of State Award for Volunteerism

Distinguished Fellow of the International Forum of Inclusive Professionals

1000+

Children & Families Supported

50+

Seminars & Workshops Facilitated

20+

Years of Professional Experience

Popular Programs & Services

Teacher Trainings

Social-Emotional Drama Groups

Parent Workshops

Why Therapeutic Innovations International was Estabilished

I get it. As a parent of two uniquely developing children, I know the challenges and obstacles we often encounter. By combining my professional and parental knowledge and experience, I have learned how to approach each day in a way that creates better outcomes for my children and me. Now I share these insights, tools, and practices to help other parents.

As a highly sensitive person, I deeply understand our children's needs and obstacles, as I have experienced many of the same challenges as my pediatric clients. This is why ensuring our neurodivergent children are understood and their unique needs and strengths are supported at home and school is a core part of my work.

As a Pediatric Occupational Therapist with 20+ years of experience working in clinical, home, community, and educational settings, I've witnessed the benefits of helping children with autism, ADD/ADHD, and developmental delays in a way that brings out their strengths while giving them tools and support to overcome or adapt to their challenges.