FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Therapy Smarts Founder Avani Shah Named a 2026 Triangle Business Journal Health Care Leadership Award Honoree

Durham, NC — March 4, 2026 — Avani Shah, founder and CEO of Therapy Smarts Inc., has been recognized as one of the region’s outstanding health care leaders by Triangle Business Journal in its 2026 Health Care Leadership Awards. The annual awards celebrate individuals across the Triangle who are making a significant impact in health care through leadership, innovation, and dedication to improving patient outcomes. 

Shah was selected among a distinguished group of physicians, executives, and innovators who are shaping the future of health care across the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill region. The Health Care Leadership Awards recognize leaders whose work strengthens the region’s health systems, expands access to care, and improves the well-being of the communities they serve. 

As the founder of Therapy Smarts, Shah has spent over a decade transforming pediatric therapy services across the Triangle. Under her leadership, the company has grown rapidly while maintaining a strong mission: helping children overcome developmental challenges through compassionate, evidence-based therapy services. Therapy Smarts provides pediatric physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, Mental health, Psychology evaluations and applied behavior analysis (ABA) services to families throughout Durham, Chapel Hill, and surrounding communities.

“Being recognized by the Triangle Business Journal alongside so many inspiring health care leaders is truly an honor,” said Shah. “At Therapy Smarts, our mission every day is to ensure that every child receives the support they need to grow, communicate, and thrive. This recognition is not just about me—it reflects the extraordinary dedication of our therapists, staff, and the families who trust us with their children’s journeys. Together, we are turning challenges into meaningful progress and helping children reach their fullest potential.”

Founded in 2016, Therapy Smarts has grown into one of the region’s fastest-expanding pediatric therapy providers, recently earning national recognition on the Inc. 5000 list of America’s fastest-growing companies. The organization now serves families across the Triangle with clinics in Durham and Chapel Hill and plans for continued growth to meet the increasing need for pediatric therapy services.

Beyond clinical care, Shah has also become a leading advocate for pediatric therapy access in North Carolina. She has worked with community leaders, policymakers, and health care partners to raise awareness about the importance of early intervention services and the impact policy decisions can have on children and families who rely on these essential therapies.

The 2026 Health Care Leadership Awards recognize leaders from across the Triangle who are advancing the region’s health care industry through innovation, community service, and commitment to patient care. Honorees will be celebrated by Triangle Business Journal during a special awards program later this year.