Sasha Fallon
I have been the Executive Director at Nikiski Senior Center since December 2020. I bring a wealth of knowledge when it comes to grants, social services and community resources. I am also a long time Nikiski resident. I have an amazing husband and three beautiful children. My passion has always been to help people but working with individuals and families in my wonderful community is a privilege. Thank you all for the warm welcome!
Sue Tauriainen
I am Sue Tauriainen, Financial Officer, for Nikiski Senior Citizens, Inc. My husband, Ray, and I have been lifetime members of the center for 20 years. We are the proud parents of 3 loving children, their spouses and 13 grandchildren. My first experience in Alaska was 1967 & 1968. Ray spent his Army tour of duty in Anchorage at Ft Richardson. We returned to Nikiski, Alaska in May of 1977. I worked for over 30 years in fish plants, managing accounting offices. My current position at Nikiski Senior Center began in August 2015. If I can be of assistance to you, please ask. I look forward to another great year serving the wonderful seniors at NSC. The candy dish is always open.
John Walker
I’m still relatively new to Alaska, moving here in 2010. I was a Navy brat and then Navy myself. Social services is my third career and I have finally found what I want to be when I grow up. In previous lives I was a maintenance mechanic before obtaining a BS in Environmental Health from Missouri Southern State University. I spent 4 years as an inspector, specializing in food safety, then began my own food safety training and consulting business. In 2018, I became the executive director of Soldotna Area Senior Citizens, Inc. In 2021, I became the Southcentral Personal Care Services Program Manager for Access Alaska, Inc. I started with Nikiski Senior Center in August of 2023 as the administrative assistant and I am thrilled to be working at a senior center again. I look forward to meeting new seniors and reuniting with others.
Kelsey Fitzpatrick
Hi! I’m Kelsey and I am so grateful to now be the first face you see when you walk in to the Nikiski Senior Center. I was born In Napa, California, but Alaskan raised. I have lived here more than 30 years and wouldn’t want to be anywhere else in the whole entire world. I am a wife of 9 nine years with two amazing children. In the past I have worked on road construction on Alaskan highways, gardening for the City of Kenai, and taking a helicopter to the frozen inlet to cook on platforms. I take pride in my work ethic, and I am always eager to learn new things. My passion is caring for others and making people laugh. I am excited to be here and look forward to seeing you.
Jeff Dirks
I am the Maintenance/Janitor at the Nikiski Senior Center. I have been doing this job for about 7 years now and enjoy everyone I work with. Over the years, I have met a lot of interesting people and like to help the seniors that come to the center. I hope to continue meeting and helping more seniors for many years to come.
Jonathan Watson – Head Cook
Tayalur Drake – Assistant Cook
Dani Kebschull
My name is Dani Kebschull and I’m the new Program Coordinator for the Kenai Peninsula Family Caregiver Support Program (KPFCSP), a State grant from the Senior and Disabilities Services. This grant is near and dear to my heart, having worked in the program for over 9 years at the Soldotna location. Now it’s back and better than ever before right here at the Nikiski Senior Center!
I’ve lived in Soldotna nearly all my life, gone to elementary school, the first “junior high, the only high school then, KCHS, and received an AAS in Human Services and a BA in Anthropology at the Kenai Peninsula College. My husband and I were married in 1977 (in Soldotna!) and recently celebrated 46 married years this past October. I have seen many changes to the Peninsula and in the grant program.
Lisa Greenleaf
I’m Lisa Greenleaf, and I’ve worked in the professional care world for 20 years in Alaska. I am a newlywed – getting “hitched” one year ago, and my husband John & I built a home here in Nikiski. I love to garden, enjoy crime thrillers and sewing. My son, age 36 is married and lives in Oregon with his wife and my grandson!
I have a degree in Psychology and another in Human Services through UAA / Kenai Peninsula College. I also had the privilege to work with Nikiski Senior Center from 2008 – 2012 with the Senior In-Home Services program. It was an honor to serve our community then, and I look forward to being of service now. Our Family Caregiver Support Program is ready to hear from you and meet your needs. Better yet, catch me in the lunchroom and say hi!
Toni Loop
Hi, I’m Toni, the Activities Director at NSC. I’ve been a Nikiski resident since 1997. My husband, Casey, and I have three sons and own a small farm. I volunteer in several organizations like 4-H and North Peninsula Community council, and I manage the Nikiski Community Garden. I love to do arts and crafts.
Pam Nelson – Transportation
Emilia Viste
Hello! My name is Emilia, I am one of the Drivers in Transportation for the Nikiski Senior Center. I’ve been a resident of Nikiski since the start of 2024 but was born and raised in Alaska. Growing up, I fell in love with the great outdoors Alaska has to offer, and the drive it takes to care for Alaska’s people! In 2023 I graduated from IDEA (Interior Distance Education of Alaska) Homeschooling and became a wife to my sweetheart, Gabor Lloyd.
Having built many connections and friendships since then, we have moved towns, bought property here locally and started building our first home. I’m a lover of anything Jesus, coffee and local related! Looking forward to getting more involved with the community to serve and support here in Nikiski.