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.
Georgina Braun
I am the administrative assistant at the Nikiski Senior Center and have been working here for about 4 years. I am married and have one daughter who recently graduated from high school. I am a dog lover and currently have 3 in my home plus 1 cat. When not at work, I enjoy spending time with family and travel to Oregon as often as I can to spend time with my twin sister.
Jeff Dirks
I am the Maintenance/Janitor at the Nikiski Senior Center. I have been doing this job for about 5 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.
Kelly Strauch
My name is Kelly J Strauch, I was born in 1959 and I am embarrassed to say that I was born in California. By the time I turned one my parents whisked me away to Chicago. It was not the Chicago we know of today, otherwise known as the largest shooting range in America lol. Luckily, I grew up in a very nice suburb, known as Hoffman Estates. I was pretty much just a normal kid doing boy scouts, football and wrestling. I am a lover of animals and have always had a faithful dog or three by my side. Fun fact, I grew up with Rin Tin Tin’s puppy; my parents bred their female to the movie star. Also, my uncle Joe was in “Our Gang Comedies” and “The Little Rascals”; he was known as the kid they called Chubby!!
Thank you all for the warm welcome back and all the smiles. I really missed the folks here and am proud and happy to be back with you all. I hope to bring back smiles and maybe some healthy pounds to your diets as well as make your pallet smile…
Carol Joy
I have lived in Nikiski since 1952 on my parents homestead property on Daniels Lake where I currently still live. I enjoy fishing, hunting, picking berries and boating amongst many other things! I have worked at the center for many years as receptionist, dishwasher and more currently, the waitress. I love my job and the people and enjoy seeing all of my dear and near friends!
Jerri Bitzen
I have lived in Alaska since 1986. I love to hunt, fish and trap. I have 2 children and have been blessed with a granddaughter. I am thrilled to be able to work at Nikiski Senior Center and being able to give back to my community.
Laurajean Kear
I am a mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. I have lived in Nikiski for over 20 years and have been employed with the Nikiski Senior Center for over half of that time. I have worn many hats and had many titles. I recently took a new position of Transportation Specialist. However, running activities makes me happy. You will often see me working BINGO, weddings, and other fun events like Santa comes to Nikiski and the Craft Fairs.
Teri Langston
I was born in Alaska and have made my home in Nikiski since a young teenager. I have raised 4 children here and love hiking, beach combing for agates, berry picking and staying active. I lead several exercise classes within the community and feel honored to be working at Nikiski Senior Center and to get to know our local seniors.