Meet Our Team

John Walker

Executive Director

I began my journey at the Nikiski Senior Center in 2023 as the Administrative Assistant and was appointed Executive Director in July 2025. Although I am still relatively new to Alaska, having moved here in 2010, I have embraced the state as my home. Growing up as a “Navy brat” and later serving in the Navy myself, I have a diverse background.

Social services is my third career, and I have finally discovered my passion. Prior to this, I worked as a maintenance mechanic before earning a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health from Missouri Southern State University. I spent four years as a health and safety inspector, specializing in food safety, and I later started my own food safety training and consulting business.

I genuinely enjoy working in nonprofits, particularly with seniors. The relationships I have built over the years are some of the most meaningful highlights of my life.

Libby Davis

Assistant Director

Originally from Minneapolis, I’ve lived and traveled all over the world, always eager for a new adventure. In 2018, I moved to Alaska to become a raft guide, and my soul instantly fell in love with this place. Although my curiosity and wandering spirit continue to lead me many places, one constant has remained: my passion for social services.

For more than 20 years, I’ve been dedicated to this field, with a special place in my heart for working with seniors. My creative side thrives in developing new passion projects that strengthen our communities and help people remain independent while enjoying the quality of life they not only choose but deserve.

Stepping into this position means I can keep contributing to a stronger, more connected community while staying true to my personal belief in doing good, uplifting others, and bringing positive energy into the world!

Jeff Dirks

Maintenance

I am the Maintenance/Janitor at the Nikiski Senior Center. I have began working at NSC in 2016 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

One would say I literally wear my passions on my sleeves. Fishing and from-scratch food have been at the core of my life from an early age. I’ve been working in the food service industry for over 16 years now. Becoming a professional baker/cook has taken me across the country chasing fish while expanding my knowledge in the kitchen. My favorite thing about the kitchen is taking raw ingredients and watching the process of turning it into an artwork that brings a smile to the face of the people eating my food. People coming back over and over to look for my food is what brings a smile to my face.

Bridget Lander

Assistant Cook

I was born here in Alaska and have been back here since 2016. I grew up working in my family’s multiple restaurant businesses. I have previously worked for another senior center and an assisted living facility. I started working at NSC in 2025 and I love working with seniors.

Jim Hudson

Dishwasher

I’ve been with NSC since 2023. I’ve lived in Alaska for 30 years. I am a retired massage therapist. I love working at NSC, especially the camaraderie of the staff in serving our seniors.

Nicole Wall

Front Desk

At my best, I am a wife and I am a mother. I value community, connectivity, and serving others everywhere I am. Though I was born and raised outside of this massive state, it is ultimately Alaska that I call home. 20 years thus far of raising a family on the Kenai Peninsula is a rich experience and helps me to appreciate and identify with where we are and the woman I am. Naturally, a person meets people. It is a great blessing that I get to encounter such an array of people from familiar and even far away places right here at NSC! Representing our area and supporting a diverse people all while being part of a team is a fulfillment that I am honored to exude.

Pam Nelson

Transportation Coordinator

My family and I moved to Alaska from Montana in 2000. We have 3 children, 8 grandchildren and 1 Great grandchild. I started coming to the Nikiski Senior Center in 2021 when it opened after Covid. I brought “The Ladies” from my Assisted Living Home along with my mom for lunch most Wednesdays for the wonderful fried chicken, craft classes, and friendly atmosphere. We all loved coming here. NSC was the highlight of our week. I cannot overstate the love that we all felt from the staff and the members. One day I said to my husband, “If I ever were to leave the profession of caregiving, I would love to work at the Nikiski Senior Center.” Well, low and behold, my wish came true, and I could not be happier!

I started working here in June of 2024. Currently I am the Transportation Coordinator, and when I’m not on the road I help with administration duties in the office.

Toni Loop

Activity Coordinator

I have lived in Nikiski since 1997. I love working with the seniors. I am a 4-H leader and Board of Director for Nikiski Community Council. I have three teenage boys and a wonderful husband.

Dani Kebschull

KPFCSP Program Manager

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!) I have seen many changes to the Peninsula and in the grant program.

Amy Jackman

Outreach Specialist, Kenai Peninsula Family Caregiver Support Program

Amy Jackman brings deep roots and heartfelt dedication to her role as Outreach Specialist with the Kenai Peninsula Family Caregiver Support Program. She raised both of her children in Kenai and is now blessed with grandchildren across Alaska, giving her a personal understanding of the joys and challenges families face in our communities. Passionate about supporting caregivers, Amy is committed to helping others reclaim self-sovereignty and well-being. She guides people through meditation and breathwork practices and serves as an educator on the Endocannabinoid System—sharing how cannabinoids can naturally support the central nervous system and promote healing. When she’s not connecting with caregivers, Amy enjoys traveling, music, gardening, and cultivating inner peace. She is excited to bring her experience, compassion, and community focus to the Kenai Peninsula Family Caregiver Support Program, helping local families thrive.

Molly the dog

Unofficial Emotional Support Animal

Molly is the unofficial Emotional Support Animal for Nikiski Senior Center’s staff and visitors. She has been with John since the beginning of his tenure at NSC in 2023. Molly excels at making people smile and always loves to see her visitors in the Admin Office. Stop in and say hi!