Board of Directors

Dan Schwab, Chairman of the Board
Dan has worked in the field of human resource development for more than 25 years. These experiences led to his current roles of facilitator, leadership educator and coach. Consulting with a wide variety of organizations in the public and private sectors, Dan works to “liberate the leader in everyone” and thereby inspire a world that is green, humane and inclusive. In addition to his private consulting work, Dan is Senior Associate and Director of the Human Resource Assistance Program with Training Resources for the Environmental Community (TREC), a non-profit engaged in building the capacity of environmental organizations across western North America.

Dan has traveled widely and many of those trips have been with his wife, Diann. Having first visited Nepal 34 years ago, he's very happy to help PiSL bring a needed service to deserving communities!
Dr. Reno Taini, Treasurer of the Board
Reno has worked in the field of education for over 35 years. He started as a biology teacher and then created an innovative environmental education program for teens that has been replicated throughout the world. Reno has received numerous awards for this remarkable program that has helped hundreds of kids graduate from high school. He was honored for his work by being named the California Teacher of the Year in 1982.  Reno has consulted with educators in over 20 countries to create  optimal learning environments for all children. Reno has a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology and was a Walking Summer Safari Guide in Kenya, East Africa for 25 years. 

Reno is the ultimate educator and a true adventurer. He is eager to visit Nepal to see the PiSL projects in action!
Dr. Laura Denton, Secretary of the Board
Laura has loved reading since the first time she picked up a book. Laura brings a broad range of experience to her work as a diagnostician and an educational therapist, including more than 20 years as a California educator. She currently works for the California Department of Education as an Educational Specialist. She is also the owner/operator of Reading, Rhyme & Reason, an educational consulting, therapy and assessment practice in Oakland. Laura has an Ed.D. in Instructional Leadership.  

Laura loves to teach children how to read. She is a strong advocate of early childhood literacy development and has a vision that all children in the world have the chance to become proficient readers!
Brett Cooper, Board Member
Brett is an organizational change consultant, and the co-founder and Managing Partner of Integris Performance Advisors. For over 15 years he has helped public and private organizations achieve outcome-based objectives such as improving measurable leadership behaviors, enhancing customer experience, increasing workforce engagement and improving financial results. Brett earned an MBA from the Stern School of Business at New York University and a Bachelor’s degree from San Diego State University. He is a frequent speaker on topics relating to business change and performance excellence. Brett is a volunteer coordinator for the East Bay Stand Down program, a not-for-profit serving homeless Veterans in the San Francisco Bay Area. 

With two young daughters, Sophia and Olivia, Brett  completely understands the importance of early childhood education. He is excited to contribute to PiSL's journey.
Katie Davis, Board Member
Katie has been working with working with nonprofits leaders, volunteers, and board members for nearly 20 years. Katie holds a Masters degree in Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management and a BS degree in Biology. She has served in a variety of roles in the nonprofit sector including Executive Director, Director of Philanthropy, Communications Director, Volunteer Coordinator and Board Member. She grew up on the east coast but in her early twenties decided that the wild – and not so wild west was where she wanted to grow her roots. Katie enjoys helping nonprofits to thrive – focusing on strategic and decisive organizational opportunities and fund development.
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​She enjoys getting stamps in her passport and when she is not working or traveling the world she can be found skiing, biking, and hiking the mountains near Bend, Oregon.