Mr. Chris Payne started Cool Care Club in 1996. He had worked for KSU's Center for Child Development for nearly two years, running their school-aged program, and decided he wanted to venture out and try it on his own. The rest, as they say, is history. :)
Chris is originally from Tecumseh (just east of Topeka)...but fell in love with Manhattan when he came to Kansas State University to earn his Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education. He decided to stay and make his home here. In addition to Cool Care Club, he's been a teacher in USD 383 for the past 25+ years. He also earned a Master's Degree from K-State in Leadership and Administration.
He and his wife, Amy, have four children - Caleb, Alison, Amanda, and Carter. They also have a cat, named Cosby, who acts more like a dog than a cat. Mr. Chris loves the challenge of a big landscaping or home renovation project and has tackled many. He's also a big K-State fan and can be found cheering for the Wildcats at all home football and basketball games. He has the unique hobby of collecting Skelly Oil Company memorabilia. His office is home to a collection of more than 1800 Skelly items.
Mr. Chris is glad that Cool Care Club is able to provide a needed and valued service to the Manhattan community. He is pleased with the well controlled and planned growth that CCC has been able to make throughout the years to accommodate more and more families. Chris says, "I am constantly looking for ways to better myself, my business, and my community...while staying grounded with the core components that have made us so successful...excellent staff, excellent facilities, and excellent programming."
Mr. Chris and Miss Crystal take a break at The Salina River Festival. The make-and-take craft area for the kids is incredible!
