About Me

Renee Pena-Lopez, MSEd – Early Childhood Learning Specialist

I like to say that if Maria Montessori and Mister Rogers had a baby—it would be me.

Let me back up and tell you how I got here.

I was born premature to deaf parents, and my language development was delayed by six months. I didn’t know it then, but I was also a neurodiverse child—Dyslexic from the start—and I’m proud of it!

I was the curious only child with a love for dance, Hooked on Phonics, and Nancy Drew. That, plus a sprinkle of perfectionism, helped me land a full scholarship at Bard. It was there I discovered how I actually learned. (Spoiler: academic papers were my kryptonite. And yes, I still Google spelling.)

I cried over not getting the help I needed sooner. It was heartbreaking. But as I always say: You don’t know what you don’t know. That’s why I created my podcast—to share resources and advocate for others.

Fast forward to working at an enrichment center on the Upper West Side, where I fell in love with Early Childhood Education, advocating for others, and most of all—supporting neurodivergent learners. That’s when everything clicked.

I became a Special Education Itinerant Teacher (SEIT)—my true calling. This is where I discovered the power of guided play in nurturing development and connection.

My Approach

Play, Relationships, Connection

But truthfully, it was motherhood that pulled me into what I now call: The Magic of Littles.

My daughter—my Pumpkin—rejected early intervention services twice. She was labeled “the troubled kid,” even though she had me: a specialist in helping Littles connect through play. And still, I was at my wits' end.

I wanted to offer her teachers real support—but didn’t know how. Then it hit me:

They only knew what they had been taught.

They didn’t know what I knew about child development, behavior regulation, or the unique needs of a neurodiverse child. These amazing educators—on the frontlines—needed more: More support. More empathy. More tools rooted in guided play and connection.

So that’s what I set out to give them.

Why I Do This

This is why I proudly call myself the “fake love child” of Maria Montessori and Mister Rogers. I’m here to blend evidence-based strategies with real-life compassion—and sprinkle it all with magic.

I believe in nurturing neurodiverse children through responsive, relationship-based teaching and the power of guided play.

Let’s reimagine what early childhood support can look like—together.

Whether you're a teacher, caregiver, or fellow advocate: You are a Little’s biggest champion.

Let’s work together and bring the magic back into learning.

A woman with dark skin and glasses, with braided hair pulled back, is smiling and focused while playing a block-stacking game on a light wooden table. The blocks are red, yellow, and blue, and a partially built tower stands in front of them.