About Us
About Us

Changing the world, one act of kindness at a time.

Kindness Matters began with a simple belief: that kindness can be taught, practiced, and lived every day. Meet the story and the people behind the movement.

Kindness Matters community event

Our story

Kindness starts here.

Kindness Matters was founded by Laura Reiss, a mother and educator who believed that kindness should be taught as a life skill. What began as a small school program grew into a global movement that empowers youth and communities to live with compassion and purpose.

Through programs that build emotional strength, empathy, and connection, we help people of all ages make kindness a way of life.

Kindness Matters kindness rock
“

There is something really magical about giving back where you can with what you have.

Laura Reiss, Founder

Mission

Emotional tools to thrive.

Our mission is to equip youth with the emotional tools they need to thrive, building confidence, empathy, resilience, and optimism through the simple and powerful practice of kindness.

Vision

Kindness as a daily practice.

Kindness Matters is a global movement where kindness is more than a single act. It is a daily practice woven into classrooms, homes, workplaces, and communities around the world.

What guides us

Our Guiding Beliefs and the 10 Kindness Skills.

🌱Capacity for Good
We believe all people, no matter their actions or circumstances, carry the potential for goodness.
💫Actions Matter
One small action today can change someone's day, week, year, or even their life.
🌍Shared Humanity
Our responsibility to care doesn't stop with those close to us. It extends to all people, because we are global citizens.
♾️Kindness Is Infinite
Kindness doesn't run out. In fact, the more you give, the more it grows.

↻ Hover or tap a belief to read it

🧠Awareness
💙Emotional Regulation
🌟Optimistic Thinking
🤝Empathy
❤️Compassion
🌎Connection
🙏Gratitude
✔️Personal Responsibility
✨Respect
🔄Reflection

Who we serve

Kindness is universal.

Our vision is to create a world where kindness is woven into the fabric of every school, every family, and every community. We work with:

🧒

Children & Teens

Seeking belonging, confidence, and ways to make a difference.

👨‍👩‍👧

Parents & Families

Looking for emotional support systems for their kids.

🎓

Educators & Leaders

Who want safer, more connected school cultures.

💛

Donors & Supporters

Who believe in a more compassionate, resilient future.

Meet our team

The people behind the movement.

Dido Balla
Dido Balla
Chairperson & Chief Executive Officer
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Dido is an accomplished educator, international speaker, nonprofit founder, and the CEO of Kindness Matters. With over a decade of experience in social-emotional learning and youth development across U.S. and global communities, his background blends classroom teaching, international training, and program development. He holds a Master of Science in Education from Johns Hopkins University. Before joining Kindness Matters, Dido was Head of Education for MindUP, The Goldie Hawn Foundation's preventative mental health program, and he is the founder of FitLit, a nonprofit combining fitness and literacy for youth.

Jamie Mavrides
Jamie Mavrides
Program Director
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Before joining the executive team at KM, Jamie was a second-grade teacher at Ben Gama in Palm Beach, where she also served as a Mindfulness Coach. She focused on instilling self-confidence in her students by encouraging them to become risk takers while celebrating both their trials and successes. Jamie has been a member of the Positive Discipline Association and is a certified Trauma-Informed yoga instructor. She is passionate about children's social and emotional well-being, as well as the mind-body connection, and strives to build a more empathetic world by equipping kids and teens with the life skills and strategies to help them thrive and find inner peace. With a background rooted in education and enriched by life experience, she brings authenticity and empathy to every aspect of her work, ensuring Kindness Matters programs are not only effective but also people centered. Jamie leads with compassion, curiosity, and the belief that growth happens through real connection and kindness. She resides in Boca Raton, FL, with her husband Dan, son Eli, and two dogs, Maxie and Luna.

Natrice Stephens
Natrice Stephens
Finance Coordinator
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Natrice serves as Finance Coordinator, overseeing financial operations, budgeting, and compliance to keep the organization audit-ready and positioned for sustainable growth. With a strong background in bookkeeping and financial management, she specializes in streamlining processes, strengthening internal controls, and building clear financial structures that promote transparency and efficiency.

Kimberly Wellington
Kimberly Wellington
Marketing & Communications
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Kimberly serves as the Marketing and Communications Consultant, leading storytelling, brand strategy, and community engagement. With a passion for connecting people and amplifying impact, she helps bring Kindness Matters initiatives to life through creative campaigns and meaningful communication.

Miriam Tankwah
Miriam Tankwah
Operations Manager
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Miriam is the Operations Manager, managing internal systems and supporting leadership, staff, and board members with organized processes and coordinated workflows. She also oversees donor data through Raiser's Edge NXT. Miriam holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and Management. Originally from Cameroon and now based in the U.S., she combines professional expertise with a commitment to kindness and thoughtful collaboration.

Chloe Nepveux
Chloe Nepveux
Development Associate
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Chloe is the Development Associate, helping grow the organization's impact through fundraising and community engagement. Originally from Macon, Georgia, she is a recent graduate of Palm Beach Atlantic University with a degree in Public Relations and Journalism. She brings strong communication skills, a love for connecting with people, and a genuine belief in the power of kindness.

Be part of the movement.

Every act of kindness matters, and together these small acts create lasting change. Join us.