About Us
Pumpkin Littles is an educational center where children have a chance to have fun and learn valuable skills. Our knowledgeable staff uses a combination of the most renowned educational principles specifically molded to suit each particular child’s needs and the goals set for that child.
We develop programs to fit YOUR child’s needs rather than having children fit into the classes and programs we already have developed.
It has been proven through experience with many different principles of learning that the best approach to educating children depends on the child.
Through a combination of our various techniques children excel. Every child responds to something different; this is inherent in the nature of children. Every child has a different personality as well as different learning styles. While one theory may focus on the play of a child, another may focus on tasks.
We offer: ABA, Individualized 1:1 Sessions, Social Skills Groups, Summer Camps, Two Week Intensive Sessions, Behavior and Academic Programs, Yoga for Special Needs, Music Therapy, Sensory Gym and much more.
In developing a program based on the individual child we are able to help children excel to their greatest potential.
Our Staff
Founder
Michelle Beck is a graduate of The University of Michigan and holds a Dual- Masters degree from NYU in Early Childhood and Special Education with a Doctorate in Psychology in progress. Following years of teaching in the New York City Public Education System, involvement in the NYC Teachers’ Union and working in the Mental Health field in the state of California, Michelle returned in August 2008 to her hometown of Dallas, Texas, to open Pumpkin Littles LLC. Michelle specializes in behavior intervention techniques and academic based educational tools to productively facilitate the growth, nurturing and development of early childhood special education. Co-Teacher and Private Tutor
Michelle Cohen is a graduate of the University of Texas in Early Childhood Education. She holds a Masters Degree from SMU in Bilingual Education with a Gifted & Talented Focus. Michelle was a Kindergarten Team Leader and Literacy Specialist in the Plano School District. She helped struggling bilingual & monolingual readers (K– 2), attain confidence and competency in reading skills. She worked as mentor/advisor to staff and was recipient and co-author of the grant, Singing Our Way to Success: an interdisciplinary approach to teaching reading through music and movement. Michelle taught Pre-K at a local private school before joining Pumpkin Littles as co-teacher of the Two-Week Intensive Program, Private Reading Tutor and Spanish Instructor.Malka Tsoubery holds a degree in physical holistic psychotherapy from Tel Aviv, Israel and is a Certified Healer and Practitioner of Jin Shin Acupressure. She received her level 1 through 3 Reiki master certification in India and also specializes in meditation and guided imagery. She completed her training through the International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center Forest Academy in Catkills, NY and has continued in trainings related to Yogatherapy for special population such as special needs children, fertility treatments, cancer, mental retardation, mental disorders, depression and photogenic neurosis.
Malka Tsoubery NOW teaches ALL Yoga classes for Mothers, Fathers, Caregivers and Children at Pumpkin Littles.
Board Certified Associate Behavior Analyst (Candidate)
Yvette Pelikan is a graduate of Texas Tech University earning a degree in Human Development with a minor in Social Work. She holds a Masters Degree from The University of Texas at Arlington in Social Work. Yvette is a Licensed Masters Social Worker as well as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (Candidate). Yvette was a Behavior Resource Specialist for Carrollton Farmers Branch ISD for 3 years and then moved to Saint Louis, MO and was an Associate Behavior Analyst for Special School District. As an Associate Behavior Analyst, Yvette supervised ABA therapists in her district, created goals and objectives for student IEP's, develop student programming ,as well as provide consultation to teachers and parents She also worked as a District Behavior Coach for Manor ISD (Austin, TX), helping to create an Autism program. Yvette and her family moved back to Dallas in March of 2010 and has joined the Pumpkin Littles team as an ABA implementer/ consultant and tutor.
Annie Herndon is a graduate of Southern Methodist University with a Bachelors of Music in Music Therapy and a minor in psychology. Originally from Texas, she interned in the Iowa public schools before returning to Dallas. She received her music therapy certification in 2002. Annie has worked for various public and private schools in the DFW area, and she considers working with the school-aged population her passion. It is Annie's goal to help children learn, grow, and meet non-musical needs through music activites and experiences. In the past, Annie has worked for HEB ISD and Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD. Annie currently works for the Rise School of Dallas, where she has worked for many years, and Allen ISD. Annie is very excited to be the new music therapist at Pumpkin Littles!
