JUNEAU COMMISSION ON AGING – COMMISSIONERS
email us at [email protected] attn: JCOA
Deborah Craig – JCOA Chair
Deborah Craig volunteered with JCOA prior to becoming a commissioner (2023) and the Chair (2024). Retired after a social service/grant administration career, Deborah enjoys skiing and hiking around Juneau’s mountains with her husband. She’s committed to ensuring she is able to age in the community she loves by promoting an Age Friendly Community.
Ann Stepetin
Ann Stepetin has served as a commissioner for JCOA since 2021 and was one of the founding members of the Southeast Eldercare Coalition. She is the Wellness Coordinator for the Elders Program at Central Council Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska and has worked for the tribe since 2016. She enjoys family time and Alaska Native Culture events with her four kids and husband. She believes our Elders have set the path for our life journeys and their knowledge is integral to sustaining a safe and affordable community.
Carol Ende
Carol Ende worked in the field of Elderhood 30 plus years and is currently volunteering for several Juneau organizations. Carol enjoys hiking traveling and taking time enjoy the Juneau’s beautiful landscapes. She believes all Elders have the right to live where their well-being thrives no matter what challenges they face.
Jennifer Garrison
Jennifer Garrison joined JCOA in 2023 and works for Catholic Community Service as the Regional Coordinator for the Caregiver Support Program since 2019. Prior to that she owned and operated a homecare business and worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Bartlett Regional Hospital, Wildflower Court, and the Juneau Pioneers’ Home. She enjoys spending time with her family and exploring the great outdoors.
Kimberly Adkison
Kimberly Adkison, a member of the Juneau Commission on Aging since 2024. With a professional background in social work, Kimberly brings valuable experience in assisting a diverse range of Alaskans in achieving their goals. As a lifelong Alaskan, she treasures time with her family at their remote cabin and shared experiences with friends. Kimberly is committed to contributing to Juneau’s growth as a community that meets the needs of all its residents.
Linda Kruger
Linda Kruger worked for Alaska State Parks and was a Research Social Scientist for USDA Forest Service. She has served the JCOA for several years, is the Coordinator for the AARP Juneau Community Action Team (CAT), and active in supporting the Age-Friendly Juneau effort. Linda volunteers extensively for various groups, is on the Juneau World Affairs Council and the Juneau Hostel Board. She teaches water aerobics and enjoys walking for pleasure and exercise.
Diane Kyser
Diane Kyser is the founder of Widows & Widowers Garden Support Group! “We are all living in the garden of life!” At the 2024 SREC Summit, Diane, a widow since 2020, decided to start a much-needed widow’s support group with the encouragement of several SREC sponsors. Diane has worked with Juneau’s Elder population for 30 years in her therapeutic massage practice, Healing Hands of Alaska. She believes the process of becoming an Elder and growing in wisdom is a gift that benefits our diverse Juneau population. Diane has served on several boards in Juneau, is active in the US Coast Guard Auxiliary, enjoys vegetable gardening, hiking, boating, scuba diving and traveling. She believes in learning from our Elders, how to best promote a community where all are able to grow and thrive in our garden of life.
Chris Schapp
Chris Schapp recently started working at CCS as their Home and Community based coordinator in senior services. I have also worked at other non-profits in Juneau including Salvation Army and the Southeast Alaska Food Bank helping many seniors in those environments. I enjoy spending time on the water with my wife, boating and fishing. I also have five (5!) grandkids to keep up with. I enjoy professional sports, gardening, playing golf and traveling.
Barbara Murray
Barbara Murray worked for the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services as a Program Administrator and Deputy Director of Programs. She has served on several local boards and commissions, most currently as a member of the Juneau Community Garden board. She enjoys traveling, gardening and outdoor adventures with friends.
AGING! SO COOL, EVERYONE IS DOING IT!