I am so excited to be part of the True Colors leadership! As a local middle school teacher who is passionate about helping educators understand how to work with Queer youth and as a Queer person myself, I understand firsthand how important this organization is and the impact it is making on our area youth. Recent research indicates that 21% of Gen Z adults identify as LGBTQ+, with trends indicating that this number will continue to rise with Gen Alpha. These young Queer folks deserve to have an affirming space to simply exist without fear of safety and access to services and support that have not always been accessible to the Queer community. Outside of my time at True Colors, I sponsor the school play, the school's GSA, am a PhD student at K-State, a booklover, and a dog and cat dad. We are going to do amazing things together here!

Hi! I'm Jayme Morris-Hardeman. I'm a lifelong advocate, volunteer, and public servant. I've spent 24 years advocating for victims of child abuse and neglect through Sunflower CASA and serve as the Executive Director of Thrive!, a local nonprofit poverty reduction program. I'm passionate about ensuring equity and inclusion for our LGBTQ+ youth.

I am thrilled to be a founding board member for True Colors, creating space for queer youth to be completely at home and protected. My family has lived in Manhattan since 1993, coming for K State and never leaving. I have two fantastic children, two needy dogs, one husband who comes along on all my adventures, one job that brings a paycheck and lots of volunteer activities that bring me joy. I love to read and you can often find me on the deck sofa or in the hammock with a good book. I might be napping, but I will still have the book nearby. 

I grew up in rural Virginia in the 1970's & 80's. The world was very different when it came to LGBTQAI+ issues; there just weren't any of "those issues" because the people in the queer community were suppressed and under constant threat. TC provides a haven that never existed when I was a teen. TC is vital because it affirms that all people matter and all deserve respect and a safe place to thrive. I am honored to serve on the Board because it allows me to foster growth of an organization that I could have used as a teen. My passion is my work. I am an attorney who has a reputation for protecting the most vulnerable, especially children involved in the court system. I am the managing attorney for the Disability Rights Center of Kansas for its crime victims unit. In my position at the DRC I protect crime victims with disabilities. In my free time I enjoy cooking, hammocking, and playing Pokemon Go.

Hey y'all! I'm Teresa Parks and I'm so excited to be on the board for True Colors! I started life as a military brat and had already lived in three different states by the time I was ten and we settled here in Manhattan after my mom's retirement. I graduated from Manhattan High School, got my bachelor’s degree in Sociology/Criminology from Kansas State University and a Master’s in Administration of Justice and Security. I spent a large portion of my professional career providing advocacy for everything from domestic violence and sexual assault survivors to wounded soldiers before transitioning into vocational and employment training for the military. As the current Career Center liaison to the College of Health and Human Sciences at K-State, I get to work with young people and help them prepare for a successful future. One thing I have always been passionate about is finding good trouble to get myself into.  I am never known for holding my tongue when I see injustice, and I will always be an ally to those who have been marginalized, discriminated against, or abused in any way. Equity and inclusion for all is my life goal and I am honored to be allowed to serve in this capacity for the youth in this community!

Hi, I am Tana Warner. It is my honor to have the opportunity to serve on the board of True Colors! I currently work as the office manager for a local software development company, and I also work as the Coach for Thrive! I have previously served as the Treasurer for MAPJ, and currently the Treasurer for True Colors and Serve (a common good incubator for local elections). I have 2 grown children and recently became a Nana (as my 6 month old grandson recently named me)! My grandson is my new favorite thing! I am passionate about advocating for underserved/under-represented populations. As I became an empty nester, I have become passionate about working to make Manhattan a community that is fair and equitable for all! I am committed to making the world a better place. I have always been an ally of the LGBTQ+ community and I am thrilled to have this opportunity to serve in a meaningful way.  I look forward to the great things that True Colors can do for our youth and our community! 

It's a great privilege to serve on this board. I am a therapist and owner of a counseling practice in Manhattan called Weese Counseling Services, LLC that provides LGBTQ+ affirming care to teens and adults in the community. My wife and I have two young kids and the friendliest Australian Shepherd ever. I can typically be found chasing them around, working on projects around our home, and baking. I am honored to serve on the Board and be on the frontlines of the creation of such a meaningful and vital organization. 

Hi! My name is Brandon Katt. I am an attorney here in Manhattan. My husband (Marc) and I have lived here since undergrad and met at K-State. Together, we aspire to build a diverse and inclusive community in Manhattan. We enjoy cooking with friends, we have 3 cats, love to garden, kayak, and hike around the Flint Hills. We have a deep passion for nature and a deeper passion for helping people reach their full-potential. My husband has a mental health background.  We aspire to use our professional skills to elevate our community. We love to travel and have been trying to see every national park possible. We love to read and to play board-games with friends. It is such a profound joy to get to work with such motivated and compassionate people, but above that--give children a place to be safe.

Howdy! I'm a lifelong Kansan and currently work as a civil rights attorney, protecting the rights of queer and trans Kansans. I have been focused on queer and trans liberation work for the past 7 years, and am thrilled to be a part of True Color's work supporting and empowering queer and trans youth in Manhattan and surrounding communities. I'm a big fan of bolo ties, Johnny Cash, antique typewriters, and farmers markets. 

Hello all! I am originally from Arkansas and moved to Manhattan 19 years ago. I graduated from a small liberal arts school, John Brown University. I come from a large and very eclectic family but grew up in a small southern town. As a family it was crucial to seek out and discover all the diversity that was not represented in our community. I married my husband and moved to Manhattan to open a steak restaurant; Doe’s EAT Place. The restaurant closed and Arkansas called, but my love of Manhattan was absolute. I am on the USD383 team and consistently seek out meaningful ways to support our students. I will always be an ally and advocate for our queer youth, and it is truly an honor to serve the True Colors family. My purpose is to give all that I am into making your future brighter and life full. Thank you for allowing me to join the fight and make the change!!