Executive Board

Executive Board

Dido Balla photo

Dido Balla

Chairperson

Dido is an accomplished educator, international speaker, nonprofit founder, and the Chief Executive Officer of KM365. 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, Diversity Equity Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB), 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 KM365, 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 photo

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.

He recognizes the importance of teaching and guiding children toward success in his work and personal life. Through his longtime work with Kindness Matters 365, 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 KM365 are an extension of his professional passion and daily work.

Laura Reiss photo

Laura Reiss

Founder/Director

Laura has always believed in a world where people support and celebrate each other. 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. This kindness movement that began as a single club became the Kindness Matters 365 Foundation, Inc., a not-for-profit organization that educates and inspires children about being kind to themselves, others, and the world.

Through extraordinary programs nourished with Gratitude, Compassion, and Kindness, Kindness Matters 365 equips kids and teens with knowledge and skills for their social and emotional well-being. We empower their exploration and discovery in caring for themselves and each other today and for a better future. Through founding KM365, Laura has created what she believes is the answer to empowering our youth by giving them the tools necessary to powerfully navigate life and give back, all while being their best versions. Laura believes in a kinder world and works towards this every day.