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.
