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Atherton, CA

Kindness Ambassadors

Grant Amount

$15,500

Year Awarded

2025-2026

Project Coordinator

Daniella Martinez Lefer

Grant Type

Team

Local Association

Los Lomitas Education Association

Focus Area

Social Emotional Learning

About the Project

The Kindness Ambassadors Program empowers students, particularly those not traditionally seen as leaders, to develop confidence, empathy, and leadership through student-led activities, school-wide initiatives, and structured mentorship. By organizing lunchtime enrichment sessions that promote kindness and provide a safe, inclusive space, Ambassadors help foster meaningful connections between peers and staff, contributing to a more compassionate school culture. A mentorship model between 4th and 5th graders and middle school Leadership Students supports leadership growth at all levels, preparing younger students for future roles while offering older students meaningful opportunities to lead.

Meet the Project Coordinator

Daniella Martinez Lefer

Daniella Lefer and Jennifer Montalvo are passionate leaders and advocates, serving as Support Teacher and Counselor for 4th and 5th grades. As Co-Presidents of LLEA, they’ve led bold initiatives in partnership with CTA, championing equity, student well-being, and educator voice. Recognizing the deep social-emotional challenges students faced post-pandemic, they co-founded the Kindness Ambassadors club to create a culture of inclusion, empathy, and student leadership for children of all abilities.

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