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.
We offer youth-centered clubs, school assemblies, educator trainings, workplace programs, volunteer opportunities, and community events that promote emotional intelligence, compassion, and service. These experiences create a ripple effect that extends beyond youth to impact families, schools, organizations, and communities worldwide.
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.
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.
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 and teens seeking belonging, confidence, and ways to make a difference.
Parents and families looking for emotional support systems for their kids.
Educators and school leaders who want to foster safer, more connected school cultures.
Donors and supporters who believe in building a more compassionate, resilient future.
When young people feel seen, valued, and empowered, they thrive both inside and outside the classroom. Our programs reduce bullying, lower stress, build resilience, and strengthen communities through compassion. Every act of kindness matters, and together these small acts create lasting change.
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Dido Balla
Chairperson & Chief Executive Officer
Dido is an accomplished educator, international speaker, nonprofit founder, and the Chief Executive Officer of Kindness Matters. With over a decade of experience in social-emotional learning (SEL) and youth development across U.S. and global communities, his background is a powerful blend of classroom teaching, international training, and program development. Dido holds a Master of Science in Education from Johns Hopkins University and has dedicated his career to promoting emotional intelligence, mindfulness, and positive psychology. Known for his expertise in SEL, Belonging , and Education Leadership, he has trained educators and administrators from diverse school districts across the United States, including California, New York, Illinois, and Montana. His work has also spanned globally, impacting Jordan, Ukraine, Romania, Brazil, the Philippines, and Grenada. Before joining the Kindness Matters Foundation, Dido was the Head of Education for MindUP, The Goldie Hawn Foundation’s preventative mental health program. In this role, he pioneered SEL initiatives for students worldwide, creating a platform for young people to develop emotional regulation, resilience, compassion, and interpersonal skills. Dido is also the founder of FitLit, a nonprofit that empowers youth by combining fitness and literacy, supporting well-rounded growth in young people.
Andrew Reiss, MD
President/Secretary
Andrew earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia College of Arts and Sciences in 1991. He went on to earn his MD from the University of Virginia School of Medicine in 1998. He completed his residency training in Pediatrics at The Children’s Hospital in Denver, Colorado, and is a board-certified pediatrician with Pediatric Associates in Boca Raton, FL. Professionally, Andrew also enjoys volunteering locally and internationally in the care of children and enjoys teaching medical students at FAU School of Medicine. He recognizes the importance of teaching and guiding children toward success in his work and personal life. Through his longtime work with Kindness Matters , he has seen how contributing to our local community and participating in charitable events and organizations help children achieve these goals. His commitment and invaluable contributions to KM are an extension of his professional passion and daily work.
Laura Reiss
Founder/Director
Laura has always believed in a world where people support and celebrate one another. In 2008, she harnessed this belief and started the first Kindness program at Sunrise Park Elementary in Boca Raton, FL, where her children attended school. What began as a single club grew into the Kindness Matters 365 Foundation, Inc.—a not-for-profit organization committed to educating and inspiring children and communities to be kind to themselves, others, and the world. Today, Kindness Matters serves and supports all people with a mission to cultivate emotional well-being, self-awareness, and human connection. Our programs—rooted in Gratitude, Compassion, and Kindness—equip individuals with knowledge and tools to calm the nervous system, regulate emotions, and navigate life with confidence and care. We empower both youth and adults to care for themselves and each other, fostering a more peaceful, resilient, and inclusive world. Through founding Kindness Matters, Laura has created what she believes is the answer to empowering humanity—starting within. She continues to work each day toward her vision of a kinder world where everyone has the tools to be their best selves and make a meaningful difference.
Eric Schwartzman
Executive Board Member
Eric prioritizes love over hate, unity over division and empathetic humanism over unnecessary personal attacks. Though we are all strangers, and though we do not all speak a common language, Eric believes in the universal language of humanism and leverages genuine love, authenticity, transparency, respect and accountability to inspire those he touches to achieve their dreams. Professionally, Eric spent the bulk of his career as a senior financial, strategic and operational executive at Bed Bath & Beyond. Eric is a 3-time Chief Financial Officer with extensive experience in health care, technology, retail, consumer goods and hospitality.
Tonya Seavers Evans
Executive Board Member
Tonya is a seasoned public relations strategist, storyteller, and communications leader with more than 20 years of experience shaping the narratives of global brands, executives, and mission-driven organizations. She currently serves as a Public Relations Strategist at UKG (Ultimate Kronos Group), where she leads strategic media efforts and executive communications to elevate the company’s thought leadership and deepen its impact across diverse audiences. Tonya’s career spans corporate communications, employee engagement, and brand storytelling, with a focus on helping leaders clarify their voice and organizations align their messaging with their mission. Her work bridges the business and human sides of communication, and she is especially passionate about using storytelling to move people and ideas forward. A committed community leader, Tonya serves on the board of Slow Burn Theatre Company and was recently appointed to the board of Kindness Matters. She is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and frequently lends her expertise to initiatives focused on youth, women’s empowerment, and cultural development. An avid reader and traveler, Tonya brings curiosity, compassion, and clarity to every space she enters — whether leading from the boardroom, mentoring the next generation, or crafting stories that elevate brands and communities. She is also a proud sports mom, often found in the stands or on football fields around the country cheering on her two student-athlete children — Luke, who plays college football, and Kendall, who plays college volleyball.
Aly Heimovics
Executive Board Member
Aly is passionate about helping companies grow and communities thrive. With over 30 years of banking experience, Aly is Truist’s Middle Market Leader for the South Florida region. Aly currently serves on the Board of Directors of Broward Performing Arts Foundation and the Board of Kindness Matters 365. She previously served on the Advisory Board of FAU College of Arts and Letters and the Steering Committee for the CFO Leadership Council of South Florida. Aly was named to Women We Admire’s List of Top 50 Women Leaders in Miami in 2024. Aly earned her MBA from University of Miami and BBA from University of Georgia. When she isn't working, Aly enjoys time with her husband Joe, and kids, Zoe and Jake.
Sada Ortiz
Executive Assistant
Based in Guatemala, Sada serves as Administrative Executive Assistant, with a bachelor's degree in Telecommunication Administration and additional studies in Project Management. With eight years of experience in the BPO industry, specializing in customer service, team management, and business analysis, plus five years as an executive assistant, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise. Sada's passion for relationship building, fostering a caring environment, and supporting her team in every possible way aligns perfectly with our values.
Jamie Mavrides
Program Director
Before joining the executive team at KM, Jamie was a second-grade teacher at Ben Gama located in Palm Beach. While teaching, Jamie served as a Mindfulness Coach. Jamie focused on instilling self-confidence in her students by encouraging them to become risk takers while celebrating both her students' trials and successes. Jamie has also been a member of the Positive Discipline Association and is a certified Trauma-Informed yoga instructor. Jamie is passionate about children’s social and emotional well-being, as well as the mind–body connection. She strives to help to build a more empathetic world by equipping kids and teens with necessary life skills and strategies to help them thrive and find inner peace. What makes Jamie unique is in her ability to demonstrate expertise and professionalism with a pure heart and caring, sensitive soul. With a background rooted in education and enriched by life experience, she brings authenticity and empathy to every aspect of her work. Her commitment to lifelong learning and her deep dedication to the well-being of others ensures that 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. Jamie resides in Boca Raton, FL, with her husband, Dan, son, Eli, and two dogs, Maxie and Luna.
Miriam Tankwah
Operations Manager
Miriam is the Operations Manager at Kindness Matters (KM), where she manages internal systems and supports leadership, staff, and board members by maintaining organized processes and coordinating workflows that keep the team aligned and effective. She also oversees donor data through Raiser’s Edge NXT, supporting fundraising and engagement initiatives. Before joining KM, Miriam served as Executive Director with the President of the Board of Directors at the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), acting as the central liaison between the chairman, the Board, and the organization, ensuring smooth communication and coordinated operations. Miriam holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration & Management and brings extensive experience in operations, executive support, and systems management. Originally from Cameroon and now based in the U.S., she combines professional expertise with a commitment to kindness, balance, and thoughtful collaboration. Outside of work, she enjoys exercising, hiking, cooking, and exploring new adventures with her loved ones.
Kimberly Wellington
Marketing & Communications
Kimberly serves as the Marketing and Communications Consultant, where she leads storytelling, brand strategy, and community engagement efforts. With a passion for connecting people and amplifying impact, she helps bring KM initiatives to life through creative campaigns and meaningful communication.
Chloe Nepveux
Development Associate
Chloe is the Development Associate at Kindness Matters, where she helps grow the organization’s impact through fundraising and community engagement. Originally from Macon, Georgia, she’s a recent graduate of Palm Beach Atlantic University with a degree in Public Relations and Journalism. Chloe discovered her passion for development during an internship at the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County and built on that experience through roles with Jessica Lavin Philanthropy, McCaskle & Partners, and Fox Business Network. She brings strong communication skills, a love for connecting with people, and a genuine belief in the power of kindness.
Natrice Stephens
Finance Coordinator
Natrice serves as Finance Coordinator at KM, where she oversees financial operations, budgeting, and compliance to ensure the organization remains 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. At KM, Natrice works closely with leadership and program teams to ensure resources are effectively aligned with the organization’s mission of spreading kindness and empowering communities.
From youth-centered clubs, school assemblies, educator trainings, workplace programs, volunteer opportunities, and more, our programming creates a ripple effect that has a worldwide impact.
