About Us
What is Therapix?
Therapix is a groundbreaking AI-powered platform dedicated to empowering children with developmental challenges or additional needs. Designed with a neuro-affirmative approach, it offers a robust suite of evidence-based therapeutic strategies crafted by a multidisciplinary team of experts in occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, and psychology. Through short, animated videos, Therapix brings professional expertise right to the fingertips of parents, caregivers, teachers, and therapists, creating an accessible, supportive learning environment for children at home and school.
How are we different?
Unlike traditional learning tools, Therapix is built for the one in five children who struggle with developmental, behavioral, or learning issues. There is no need for a diagnosis- it is designed to let parents and teachers set functional goals and work on them quickly. Its content is tailored to support meaningful goals, rather than focusing solely on diagnosis, making it ideal for children with or without formal assessments. The platform’s Universal Design Principles ensure that it’s easy to navigate for users of all abilities and backgrounds, with an intuitive interface free from jargon.
How do we transform support?
​Therapix doesn’t just educate; it transforms how we support children of determination. By fostering collaboration between parents, teachers, and therapists, it ensures consistent progress on shared goals, helping children thrive and meet their potential in a holistic, empowering way. Accessible, affordable, and highly engaging, Therapix redefines therapeutic learning for families and educators.
The Team
Banu Balaji
Occupational Therapist / CEO & Founder of Therapix
Banu Balaji is a seasoned occupational therapist with over two decades of experience in HSE, Ireland, specialising in working with children and families within the realm of child and adolescent mental health. Banu is a visionary entrepreneur, embarking on an exciting technology to revolutionise support systems for parents and teachers of children of determination, leveraging innovative solutions to enhance accessibility and quality of care.
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Banu also produces and hosts the Therapod podcast where she makes therapeutic information easy to understand and accessible to parents and teachers.
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Julie O’Meara
Speech and Language Therapist
Julie is an experienced speech and language therapist dedicated to supporting children, adolescents, and young adults. With over 10 years of practice across Vietnam, Australia, the UK, and Ireland, she brings a global perspective to her work. Julie has significant experience in mental health, where she combines her expertise in communication with a deep understanding of emotional well-being. An advocate for neuro-affirming and trauma-informed care, she is passionate about helping families enhance communication and connection to foster secure, positive relationships with their children. Julie specializes in neurodevelopmental assessments and interventions for conditions such as ASD, DLD, and ADHD, providing tailored support throughout the lifespan.
Dr. Elizabeth Joy Shaffer
Founder of Therapeutic Innovations International, LLC
Dr. Elizabeth Joy Shaffer is the founder of Therapeutic Innovations International, LLC. With a strong foundation in occupational therapy and human development, she has devoted her career to creating ground-breaking therapeutic solutions that tackle complex educational and health challenges globally.
Dr. Shaffer is a Distinguished Fellow of the International Forum for Inclusion Professionals and serves as co-chair of the IFIP Specialist and Therapist Board. A U.S. board-certified occupational therapist residing with her family in Belgium, she facilitates onsite and online training and coaching programs, merging Eastern health practices with Western evidence-based therapeutic approaches to enhance the growth and development of families and educational institutions worldwide.
Dr Micaela Connolly
Clinical and Educational Psychologist
Micaela is a senior educational and child psychologist with over 25
years’ experience of working in disability services, providing psychological support to
children and adults. She currently works on an interdisciplinary team
in a disability service for children and young people. Micaela’s work involves
assessment, therapy, training, and the development and implementation of materials
and programmes to advance understanding and awareness of autism and ways to
support autistic people.
She is passionate about working in a person-centred, neuroaffirmative, and strengths-focused way. She is a
chartered member of the Psychological Society of Ireland.
Marie Vanden Broeke
Educational Psychologist
Marie is an Educational Psychologist from New Zealand. She is equipped with a Master’s in Cognitive and Behavioural Neuroscience and a Master’s in Educational Psychology, as well as significant experience in the field of special education. Marie specialises in supporting children and young people facing learning, behavioural, social, and/or emotional challenges, doing so by empowering parents and teachers with knowledge and skills.
Abigail Kuffour Duah-Antwi
Special Needs Educator
Abigail is a seasoned and dedicated educator with over 14 years of experience in early years and primary education, having worked across Ghana, Malaysia, and the United Arab Emirates. Currently based in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, Abigail's expertise lies in supporting students with special educational needs, including those with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention-Deficit/Hyper-Activity Disorder, Dyslexia, and Down's Syndrome.
Fred Iles
Creative Director
Fred Iles is a writer and director, working in Bristol, UK. With 10+ years’ experience in the filmmaking industry, he has specialised in social impact storytelling. He has worked with the NHS, countless charities, local authorities, community organisations, and even an inclusive theatre company to craft visually engaging films and animations that help to make people's lives that little bit better
