Kris has been teaching for 39 years, all in Early Childhood. She graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, with a dual major in Elementary and Early Childhood Education (a pilot program at the time) and a minor in music education. Kris has taught in the states of Nebraska, California, Missouri, and most recently, Kansas. Kris received her MaEd from Baker University. Kris currently teaches full-day PreK in a small south-central Kansas community. In addition to Kris' teaching responsibilities, she is an active member of her PEO chapter, a philanthropic, educational organization for women, and serves as the chairperson of the Community Giving Committee. Kris is also a trainer for Resilience Reno County. Resilience Reno County is an initiative that will work to break the cycle of poverty by raising awareness and educating of ACES, and equipping the community with resources on healing from adverse childhood Experiences. Kris and her husband have been married for 31 years, have three grown children and one granddaughter.