Board of Directors
Janet Watt
Janet Watt is the Co-founder and Chairman of the Board of Little Owl Foundation for Childhood Education. She and her husband created the Little Owl Foundation to promote, engage, and support progressive education for children and open up funding opportunities for educators and youth. Janet has supported education and youth development for years by serving on boards that advance those principles.
Laurence Watt
Laurence Watt is the Co-Founder and Corporate Treasurer for Little Owl Foundation for Childhood Education. Laurence previously served as a City of Long Beach Cultural Heritage Commissioner, and currently serves on the board of the St. Barnabas Finance Committee. Laurence has a passion for lifelong learning and values supporting children, families, and educators in their educational journey. He has long been an advocate of innovative practices and supports the idea that education is not a one-size-fits-all path and that progressive-thinking education allows each person to find their own gifts.
Ruben Mancillas
Ruben Mancillas is a lifelong educator and Long Beach resident. Ruben is a resource specialist in the ABC Unified School District working with at-promise students with identified learning disabilities. He is active in the American Federation of Teachers, the California Federation of Teachers, and serves as the chief negotiator for his local union, the ABC Federation of Teachers. Ruben has worked at the state and federal levels on a number of education initiatives via his union involvement. His participation on the board of the Little Owl Foundation for Childhood Education reflects a long commitment to expanding educational opportunities to the entire Long Beach community.
Daysha Austin
Daysha began her career in public and community service in the early 1990’s while working for the Brotherhood Crusade, a non-profit organization that was committed to and understood the tremendous need to empower and uplift the community – both economically and socially. She’s been a dedicated community leader in the City of Long Beach for more than two decades. She currently serves as District Director to a Member of the State Assembly, is married and a proud mother of three sons.
Naphar Isley
Naphar Isley is a third-generation Long Beach native committed to her community. A devoted wife and mother, Naphar is also an active member of the PTA board, where she has contributed to various initiatives to support local education. As the parent of a former Little Owl student, she brings a personal understanding of the educational journey and the importance of fostering a nurturing learning environment. Naphar is passionate about the belief that education is not a one-size-fits-all experience and advocates for innovative approaches to teaching that prepare students for the future.
Dana Greenlee
Dana Greenlee is a lifelong resident of Long Beach, California. As a parent, Dana understands and values the critical role early childhood education plays in building confidence and long-term success for children. Dana is committed to supporting the Foundation’s mission and contributing thoughtful insight to advance access, quality, and impact in early childhood education.
Stacey Lewis
Stacey Lewis is a dynamic and highly sought-after transformational influencer, leader, speaker, career catalyst, mentor, and self-proclaimed disruptor. Stacey is the Founder, CEO, Creator, and Chief Influencer of @HRInterrupted, a nationally recognized HR consultancy firm. She is the former Chief Human Resources Officer for the Port of Long Beach, the second busiest seaport in the country. She is also a former Personnel Commissioner for Long Beach Unified School District, and holds several leadership positions on local boards, including Girls Inc. of Los Angeles.