Welcome to Our Team: Introducing Karis Manning
The Cottonwood District is pleased to welcome Karis Manning as the newest member of our team. Karis brings a strong blend of reliability, energy, and attention to detail; qualities that will serve her well as she begins her work with local programs, clients, and community partners.
Karis has experience in a variety of roles, each shaped by her commitment to serving others and supporting local businesses. Most recently, she served as Assistant Manager at Riedel’s Garden Center in Hays, where she provided plant care, customer assistance, and helped oversee day-to-day operations. Her experience in horticulture settings, combined with her ability to train staff, manage tasks, and maintain facilities, has prepared her well for contributing to Extension work.
Karis also spent time as a Floral Specialist at Dillons in Hays, where she created arrangements and helped customers select plants and products tailored to their needs. Before moving into plant-focused work, Karis gained significant experience in early childhood settings, including serving as Assistant Manager and Lead Teacher at Scribbles and Giggles in Wichita and working as a family nanny. She’s also worked in customer service and retail management, including time at Paramount Antique Mall, giving her a well-rounded skill set and strong communication experience.
No matter the role, Karis has shown a passion for working alongside people, helping families and local businesses succeed, and learning new skills along the way. She describes herself as someone who enjoys growth, both personally and professionally, and she is excited to learn more about Extension programming while contributing her strengths in organization, communication, and customer service.
Please help us welcome Karis to the Cottonwood District. We are excited to have her here and look forward to the positive impact she will bring to our work and our communities.