"The power of one, if fearless and focused, is formidable, but the power of many working together is better."
- Gloria Macapagal Arroyo -
Collaboration & Connecting Great Minds with Great Visions, Can Make Great Changes.
I'm Elizabeth Joy Shaffer, an Occupational Therapist, mother, speaker, neurodivergent, & advocate for a more inclusive & enjoyable world for all.
Educational Background:
*University of Pittsburgh, School of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences, Cum Laude, 2001
*Chatham University, Doctorate of Occupational Therapy, Cum Laude, 2018
Training & Certifications: Too many to list. I love learning!
I am from the United States but have lived and worked in Italy, Northern Macedonia, Argentina, Romania, Canada, Estonia, & Belgium.
Projects I am Proud of:
Empowering Through Knowledge
Empowering professionals and parents within the autism community of Northern Macedonia through seminars, professional & parental training, & fostering the development of interdisciplinary child development organizations in the private sector.
2012 - 2013
In collaboration with the NGO In My World, Detski Svet Istok, Peace Corps, & made possible by the US Public Diplomacy Grants Program.
Parental Stress Research & Program Development
On the implications of unmanaged stress in families raising children with special needs & the impact of a mindfulness-based workshop in reducing parental stress. Access the published research HERE.
2018 -2023
The research resulted in the development of an online program for parents to gain the knowledge, tools, & support to manage stress. With the intention of supporting positive co-regulation within the family while parents model various practices for promoting social & emotional health to their children.
Sensory Integration Training Across Romania
Over 20 education & training seminars for NGOs, educational institutions, orphanages, child-development sectors, & OT college students in Romania.
2015 - 2017
In collaboration with the Romanian Ministry of Education, Autism Speaks, Institute for Child Development Bucharest, RCE, and AISB.
OT in the Classroom: Self-Regulation Success for All
Facilitating inclusivity and self-regulated learning in educational settings around the world through a myriad of training initiatives.
2018 -2023
In collaboration with the Educational Collaborative for International Schools (ECIS) & Kristi Troutman, OTR/L. Supported by the Elizabeth Casson Trust in support of advancing occupational therapy's role in inclusion and service provision within international school settings.
Perspectives of the People I Have Had the Pleasure of Working With:
Elizabeth has such a wealth of knowledge from her Occupational Therapist training, but also her own experience in raising kids on the spectrum. She always wants to learn more, so she can pass that knowledge on to her clients and surrounds herself with a network of other practitioners who can support her clients as needed. She is such a warm and caring person, she will feel like your best friend the moment you start working with her, and you'll know you are in good hands.
Melissa Deally
Your Guided Health Journey
Elizabeth is an expert in what we special needs parents need and want, for ourselves and for our amazing kids. She is the full package: wisdom, skills, compassion, energy, dedication--and the most encouraging smile. Thank you, Elizabeth, for who you are and all you do!
Heidi Rome
Mom Spectrum Oasis
As a special educator and rehabilitator, I accomplished a personal and professional transformation when I met and started working/collaborating with Elizabeth Shaffer. Her words and support helped me be more open-minded, have a greater and deeper understanding for parents and their children, and their everyday struggles and challenges. Elizabeth is extremely professional, extremely knowledgeable, positive, and very passionate about her work, and she is able to convey her knowledge and passion to others. Her guidance helped the foundation of our center, one very unique place for early intervention services for parents and children.
Maja Trajchova
Founder of Kreativa Istok
Elizabeth Shaffer has built an amazing program for parents to learn how to deal with the stress of parenting a child with special needs. Not only is she a rock star in her field of study, but she is a wonderful human being.
April Remfrey
Remfrey Educational Consulting
Collaborative Partnerships
Certifications & Affiliations
How Can I Help?
Regulated Learning for All
Professional Development Training for Schools: Collaborative training approach where educators gain the knowledge & tools to build the child's cognitive, social-emotional, and sensory regulation abilities within the classroom.
Podcasts, Interviews, & Summits
I have spoken about many topics, from "Changing the Parenting Paradigm" to "Occupational Therapy in the Classroom: Self-regulation Success for All." I love sharing information and inspiring stories with others.
Seminars & Training
Onsite & online talks & workshops for to help parents in promoting children's self-regulation and emotional inte
