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.
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.
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
Jason Graves – 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.
Nicole Lockner
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 Nikiski Community council, and I manage the Nikiski Community Garden. I love to do arts and crafts.
Pam Nelson – Transportation
