Shelly Tucker graduated from Arkansas State University with her Bachelor’s in Psychology and later obtained her Master’s in Business Administration from Bellevue University. Not only has Shelly been the Director of Miracle Kids Success Academy since we opened in December, 2009, she also serves as the Vice President of Operations for Miracle Kids and our sister company, Kids Unlimited Learning Academy (located in Cabot, Farmington, Fort Smith and Searcy, Arkansas). Shelly began working with children who have developmental delays and/or medical risks/needs almost 20 years ago. While known for her can-do attitude and ability to juggle many tasks at once, her #1 passion is the children and families we serve. She makes it a priority to know each child and works closely with staff and family to ensure the children reach their potential. Shelly is married with two talented children of her own. In her spare time, she loves spending time with her family (usually at some sort of sporting event) and working out. Shelly has received training in the SCERTS model, a comprehensive team-based model for enhancing abilities in Social Communication and Emotional Regulation and implementing Transnational Supports for children with autism spectrum disorder and other disabilities. She is also trained in the STAR Program (Strategies for Teaching based on Autism Research). STAR uses ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) instructional methods of discrete trial training, pivotal response training and teaching functional routines to help children with autism and other developmental disabilities and delays.

Shelly may be contacted at shellytucker@mymiraclekids.com.

After attending Arkansas State University for her Bachelor’s Degree, Dr. Huffstutter received both her Master of Arts Degree (2004) and Doctorate Degree (2006) in Clinical Psychology from the Forest Institute of Professional Psychology in Springfield, MO. She completed her pre-doctoral internship and post-doctoral training at Royal Oaks Hospital. After her training, she continued on as the Pre-Adolescent Program Director. She has worked in various settings including private practice, community mental health, county jail, schools and hospitals. She has assessed and treated a variety of mental health diagnoses. Her clinical interest include autism spectrum disorders, childhood aggression, assessment and play therapy. In 2009, Dr. Huffstutter relocated back to her home-state of Arkansas and began her work with Miracle Kids Success Academy. She is a member of both the American Psychological Association and the Arkansas Psychological Association. When she has free time she enjoys reading, scrapbooking and spending time with her family, especially her two nephews! Dr. Huffstutter loves to volunteer for any program giving to children and families. Her main focus in charity work is the Make-a-Wish Foundation and St. Jude.

Dr. Huffstutter has received training in the following approaches:

• Strategies for Teaching based on Autism Research (STAR Curriculum Training). A developmental curriculum content appropriate for students with ASD and other developmental disabilities.
• SCERTS model, a comprehensive team-based model for enhancing abilities in Social Communication and Emotional Regulation and implementing Transnational Supports for children with autism spectrum disorder and other disabilities.

Dr. Huffstutter may be contacted at elizabethhuffstutter@mymiraclekids.com. 

Jill is our Director of Education. She graduated from Union University in 2012 with her Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education and Learning Foundations. She is married and has two wonderful children. She believes good communication and the willingness to help others are key components that are needed to make the ideal teacher. Jill is a licensed pre-k through 6th grade teacher with years of experience. In her spare time, she likes to spend time with her family and continue to grow in her faith. Jill has received training in Early Childhood Environment  Rating Scale Training (ECERS-3) and Strategies for Teaching based on Autism Research (STAR Curriculum Training). A developmental curriculum content appropriate for students with ASD and other developmental disabilities. Her favorite part of her job at Kids Unlimited is being able to make a difference in children’s lives by fostering kindness and compassion.

Jill can be contacted at jillgruenewald@mymiraclekids.com.