Cottonwood Connections August 2022 | Page 7

Hi!  My name is Monique Koerner.  I’m the new Family and Community Wellness Extension Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District.  I’m passionate about the community of Hays and the families and children that live here!

Hays is my hometown and I graduated from Hays High School and Fort Hays State University.  Most recently I graduated from Fort Hays State University in 2019 with a Masters in Professional Studies with an emphasis in Public Health Administration.  Before being hired as an extension agent, I worked for Early Childhood Connections.  I was a home visitor for Early Head Start and Parents as Teachers.

My family consists of my husband, Lance, five children ranging in age from 25-15, and two dogs.  A long-haired Chihuahua named Bella, and a yellow lab named Phiobe, round out the family.

Advocating for and supporting families who breastfeed is also a passion of mine.  I have been a La Leche League Leader for almost 23 years and an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) for 11 years. 

I’m excited to begin my new position with K-State.  I plan on being at the Backpack for Kids event on Aug 4, at the Presbyterian Church from 7am-6pm, Go Truck Go on Sept 22, at Early Childhood Connections 5-7pm, and have started planning the annual Family Dinner Night make and take pizza event the last Monday in September.  Please come out and say “hi”!  I look forward to seeing old friends and acquaintances as well as making new ones.

If you ever need anything, you can find me at our office located at 601 Main St.  I can also be contacted at 785-628-9430 or [email protected].