Our Team
Kirti Shah
Director, M.A. Clinical Psychology | Diploma in Forensic Science Post Graduate Diploma in Forensic Psychology | Certified Play Therapist Entrepreneurship Program, IIM BangaloreMs. Kirti Shah is a passionate advocate for inclusion and mental health, dedicated to transforming the way society perceives and supports individuals with diverse needs. With over a decade of experience, Kirti has worked extensively with children and adults as a counsellor and mental health professional. She is the visionary behind KNACK Ability Enhancement Services (2014–2017), which operated in Mumbai and Vadodara, and is now the driving force behind Little Pods, a dynamic initiative fostering inclusion and empowerment for children with special needs. Her work with schools and pre-schools to design and implement inclusive education systems has significantly impacted educators, parents, and students alike. By collaborating with teachers and training professionals, she has successfully bridged the gap between mainstream education and the needs of neurodiverse children. Empowering families and creating sustainable systems of support remain at the heart of her vision for a world where inclusion is not an exception, but a norm.
– kirtishah@littlepods.inMessage from the director
“The interpretation of dreams is a great art” – Paracelsus Each child is a dream; different yet innovative in his/her own way, and all they need is an interpreter. Once a dream is interpreted, it just needs that extra push to be turned into reality. Genuine care and understanding is the approach towards interpreting the dream. A little push, using tailor-made intervention plans and well-coordinated teamwork, can strengthen and channelize the child’s abilities towards an independent functioning. Little Pods is an attempt to bring in a set of carefully chosen expert professionals under an umbrella, catering to different needs of an individual with Special Needs, our aim is towards an enhanced quality of life. Taking a step to start including various programs for adults was a big thoughtful approach and the overwhelmingly positive response has proved as thrive to do better. It’s amazing to be associated with big brands to fetch employment opportunities, it’s indeed a constant learning opportunity. I am pleased to introduce these services with a promise to strive towards a healthy relationship with all our associates.Core Team
Ashwini Deshpande Nagarhalli
Clinical Psychologist, Head – Interventions M.Phil. in Clinical Psychology (Rehabilitation Council of India approved), M.A. in Clinical PsychologyWith over 10 years of extensive experience in the field of mental health, Ashwini has built a strong reputation for her precision in assessment, diagnostic expertise, and the design of effective intervention strategies. Her research work on the “Neuropsychological Profile of Various Neurological Conditions” and “Effectiveness of Cognitive Retraining in Chronic Mental Illness” reflects her deep commitment to advancing evidence-based practices. A gold medalist recognized by The Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad University, Baroda, Ashwini has been honored for her exceptional academic achievements and contributions to clinical psychology. Over the past decade, she has focused on mentoring and training professionals, equipping them with the skills needed to deliver outcome-driven interventions. Her leadership in intervention planning and execution has been instrumental in bringing measurable progress for individuals and families she supports.
– ashwinideshpande@littlepods.in
Stephanie George
Home-Schooling Coordinator | M.A. in Clinical Psychology Certified Rational Emotive Behavior Therapist (REBT)With over 10 years of experience in special education and mental health, Stephanie George has worked across diverse settings, taking on roles such as shadow teaching, counselling, remedial interventions, and professional training. Her work is driven by a deep passion for empowering children with special needs and supporting their families. As the Home-Schooling Coordinator at Little Pods, Stephanie plays a pivotal role in designing, planning, and mentoring professionals to deliver structured, goal-oriented home-schooling programs. With her vision and expertise, she is shaping home-schooling as a progressive and effective educational alternative for children with special needs in India, ensuring every child benefits from personalized learning and holistic development. She also leads collaboration between parents, schools, and the Little Pods team to ensure seamless execution of customized educational plans.
– stephaniegeorge@littlepods.inJigna Datar
HR – Admin – HeadMs. Jigna Datar comes from a background of handling HR and Admin profile at various levels with a rich experience of 10 years. Her interpersonal skills are excellent which makes her a natural at understanding and dealing with activities of such nature. Her previous experience with companies like IL&FS has developed her into a thorough professional. Over the last 6 years, she has been head of HR and Admin department at Little Pods. With her in charge of this department, the quality of professionals being included in the team has improved and thus translated into a very special team of professionals and trainers.
– jignadatar@littlepods.in
Meet our Squad
Qualified Professionals and Trainers
We strive to work together to build and maintain trusting and respectful relationships with both clients and our employees.
Clinical and Counselling Psychologist
85%
Early childhood Educationalist
75%
Remedial and Special Educators
60%
Shaila Karkera
Intervention Executive
Jayni Dodhia
Co-consultant
Sweta Nagarseth
Training & Development Manager
Himanshi Shah
Intervention Executive