Our Staff
In her weekly column for the Manistee News Advocate, Executive Director Sarah Howard described her team in this way: "We had an amazing week at the senior center. There is always so much happening, and I am so proud of my wonderful colleagues. They are all eager to be helpful and kind. It warms my heart to see them hugging or visiting with our wonderful seniors, and I often hear them comforting those who are having a tough time. If you ever feel like you could use a pick-me-up, stop by the center, and they will make you feel like family." Let’s meet them here:
Sarah Howard, Executive Director
Email: mccoa.sh@gmail.com
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Family is what comes to mind for Sarah Howard when thinking of MCCOA/Wagoner Center. Everyone is a part of this wonderful family, and we all care and watch out for each other, she will tell you. Sarah’s role as Executive Director finds her responsible for ways to make the lives of the County’s Seniors even better. These include the activities, programs, special events and trips.
Sarah especially enjoys being part of the changes. The need and search (by a lot of great people) for a bigger building resulted in the Wagoner Center. When the Meals Program was dropped in our laps, Sarah viewed it as a great opportunity to try something new, figuring out how to run this huge government program with a small staff and do what was best for our Manistee County Homebound Seniors. Funding was secured and this was up and running – during a pandemic!
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Additional words that demonstrate the kindness and care Sarah feels: Another part of my job I love is finding the help our seniors need to survive when times are tough. The kind words or lovely cards that come in show how we are making a huge difference in people's lives. Sarah believes that she is ultimately responsible for the good and the bad – doing whatever needs to be done.
This leader of the Senior Center can be found shopping for the Food Bank, covering a meals route, hanging party decorations, shoveling snow, doing maintenance projects, attending meetings and cleaning toilets – to name a few of the (what seems like) 500+ tasks she completes weekly.
Sarah’s family at home is comprised of Tony, her husband (married in 1986), three great grown kids and seven of the sweetest grandchildren. Sarah expressed her love for her grandkids, describing them as the best things that have ever happened to me – adding that they make her laugh and are always happy to see her.
What should be mentioned here is that we all have Tony to thank for Sarah’s presence at MCCOA. In 2013, he proclaimed that he’d seen the perfect job for her (in the newspaper) and convinced Sarah to look. And in one of the fastest hires made, Sarah had just arrived home from her MCCOA interview when the call came with her Program Coordinator job offer. Within a year, she was made Executive Director. Clearly, they saw in Sarah what is witnessed daily by all of us with the good fortune to know her at Wagoner Center and beyond!
Darene Sutter, Manager of Staff and Operations
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Darene Sutter joined the MCCOA Team as Manager of Staff and Operations in Fall 2025. She brought with her years of experience in education, more specifically in special education. The precise organization, coordination and collaboration skills practiced in that career lend themselves well at Wagoner Center.
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Referring to the past and present, Darene said she enjoys seeking out and finding the strengths of her colleagues, learning what each enjoys and incorporating these into their routines and tasks.
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“Communication is huge here,” Darene stated. She meets daily with her team to briefly discuss each day’s plans, learning what’s on the daily agendas of each colleague and what she can do to help. One gets the impression that treating others with fairness and kindness is high on this Managers list. To her, it is about building camaraderie among her team.
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Darene often says with pride that she and her husband have been blessed with one daughter and two sons, along with a bonus daughter and bonus grandchildren who grew into their family through the years. One might ask: Who is luckiest here?
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She describes her love of times devoted to family and friends and being outdoors. She laughs while describing how much of that time is spent around meals as they camp and boat. Music regrounds this wise woman who describes juggling life and work in search of a balance. Listening to music, preferably in a concert setting (oftentimes featuring the area's wealth of talent) brings joy.
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It is clear that Darene is also bringing joy and additional gifts to her position at the Senior Center!
Nate Markham, Activities and Volunteer Coordinator
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Nate Markham has said that his Sundays find him looking forward to work the next day. He is, of course, referring to his position as Activities and Volunteers Coordinator, as of Fall 2025.
A “people person” is Nate’s self-description – which is easily confirmed by those who engage with him at the Wagoner Center – and beyond. He’s also the resident “tech guy,” which he comes by honestly – thanks to a grandmother’s encouragement of Nate, at age five, to become well-versed on the computer – beginning with DOS. His early work ethic continued with a job pulling weeds in carrot fields at age 12. A strong work ethic has always been important in his family.
He grew up in Imlay City and speaks fondly of his mother, a longtime line person for AT&T. A calling to work in the non-profit realm began in early 2005, while living in Flint. His fondness for event planning soon presented itself – and there’s been no looking back.
Residing in Manistee since 2011, Nate and his wife are proud parents of two daughters. Soon after moving to Manistee, Nate earned his Associate of Arts and Sciences from West Shore Community College in 2014.
Nate looks forward to developing new programs and is excited about the remodeling project and additional plans in the works for MCCOA – adding that he hopes to be here to see these happen and help in any way he can. Those who know Nate join in the hope that he will remain on board a long time to contribute his skills and talents.
You may wish to ask Nate about his vinyl record collection – specializing in classic rock, jazz, and hip-hop music. And did we mention he’s a disc jockey?!
Nanette "Netters" Cooper, Receptionist
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Nanette “Netters” Cooper has always said she won the Lotto, when referring to Son Jamie (named for his late father) and Daughter Amber. With their degrees, jobs in IT and Accounts Receivable, respectively, were earned by each – with the bonus being that both reside in Manistee.
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They’re my world, this proud mom quietly states with a smile. Another large and important part of Netter’s World is the Senior Center, which gained this energetic, engaging and welcoming woman on September 15, 2021. She loves her work with Bingo, the Food Bank – and just greeting and helping all of the Seniors.
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How rare is it for one person to remember the names of all who enter and enjoy the Center each day? And many are unknown recipients of her flash prayers. “She brightens up your spirits,” was how Netters was described by a colleague. She does approach work with a sense of fun, as illustrated in her fond reference to the Center’s bookkeeper as “Checkbook Chickie.”
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The love and care for others began with Netters’ best childhood ever with her amazing dad and mom (who was confined to a wheelchair with Polio – yet lived as though no handicap existed) and her guardian angel sister. And so, Netters now finds herself in a place where she pays it forward each day.
Dodie Nickleson, Administrative Assistant
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Dodie Nickleson’s face lights up when describing her role of Administrative Assistant. She enthusiastically describes how she loves to help with Wagoner Center’s activities for the Seniors – including the set-up and take-down. Anything that allows her to be “remotely creative” brings a smile. These opportunities have included events for July 4th and Fall, which have her excitedly looking forward to helping turn the center into a
holiday setting for all to enjoy.
In charge of the Reimbursement Program, Dodie says she loves performing this bimonthly task. Doing so has provided an opportunity for her to learn QuickBooks.
A Manistee native, you may recognize Dodie from her prior employment with Manistee County Blacker Airport. She was afforded opportunities to travel and was sad to leave.
Dodie and her husband have two grown children and are a “proud golden retriever family.”
Outside interests for Dodie number quite a few. A gift of a camera from her husband led to classes and self-learning, with photography bringing a new opportunity – and a Garden Club photography competition win. Family, Senior, and Wedding photos are well-received – although Dodie claims to be an amateur.
An interest in crafts is shared with her daughter. Also met with great enthusiasm is Vlogging (Video Blogging/Logging) with a group of women from across the country who have become Dodie’s friends. Guests at Wagoner Center would not be surprised at all to learn how easily this engaging woman makes friends!
Alice Clark, Part-time Assistant Receptionist
Alice is a solid fit with her caring, professional and kindhearted colleagues. This energetic Senior has such fond memories of her times volunteering, that she happily landed her current job. A typical day may find Alice greeting people, assisting one in finding their destination in the Center, answering the phone, keeping the coffee coming and treats available, checking in movie goers and supporting Bingo – which this upbeat woman said is a huge number who enjoy the game.
As a Volunteer, Alice helps keep the library in order and Food Bank items organized. Alice said she enjoys the people – that they are “all so sweet.” She said that even one perceived as a possible “grouch” will leave with a smile on their face. We believe that Alice might have something to do with this positive sign.
A “LifeSaver” during Covid was Teddy Louise, Alice’s “spoiled rotten” cat.” “But I’ll still keep her,” she was quick to add about this Homeward Bound rescue. Laughingly, Alice wondered aloud (and with tongue in cheek) about how one is able to return anything “spoiled” to the supermarket – and whether this might apply to Teddy Louise. Although Alice will tell you that she’s terrible with names, she will remember a face. Shared by her, were stories of Senior Guests who were checked on when they were no-shows at the Center. “This is what we do. We’re family.”
Kristen Mezeske, Senior Nutrition Coordinator
Email: mccoa.km@gmail.com
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Kristen Mezeske is a humble person who will describe the special folks in her life before getting around to talking about herself. She’ll tell you she is very proud of, and happy for, her family. This refers to her husband of 23 years and their daughter, a college sophomore studying Business and Communications Administration – while a member of the school’s swim team.
The first words from Kristen about her role as Nutrition Coordinator were: I have big shoes to fill – a tip of the hat to Hilary McKie, her highly-regarded predecessor. This role will find Kristen doing Client assessments in person and by phone, overseeing the mobile meals drivers, finding substitutes, providing training for the drivers, generating meal reports and much more. And in true Kristen-form, she credits, again and again, Meal Transporter Staci Johnson (more about her on this page) for Kristen’s arrival to the Senior Center and being a huge source of support in the job.
Kristen set out to study Nursing, chose to marry the man of her dreams and devoted 12 years to the Manistee Area Public Schools District before MCCOA had the good fortune to meet and onboard her. She enjoys basketball, volleyball and all things water – including the backyard pool that provides countless gatherings of family and friends throughout the summer. We get the impression that Kristen enjoys family and friends year round.
Molly Cichy, Bookkeeper
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Molly Cichy began her fine work at the Senior Center the day after she was offered the job! That was Friday the 13th of July 2012. There’s nothing unlucky here! She will tell you she’s a part-time Bookkeeper who makes deposits, pays bills, oversees payroll, prepares for an annual audit and simply steps in to help, as needed.
What you may not know is that Molly is a U.S. postage stamp enthusiast. When you’ve received mail from the Senior Center, your attention may have been drawn to the stamp’s artwork. Those are chosen with all of us in mind. How special is that? Molly has been involved in animal rescues since 1988. In 2014, Save a Buddy Fund was founded by Molly and Mike Fatke, her late husband, in honor of their beloved rescue dog Buddy (shown in the photo). Some of the costs to spay or neuter one’s dog or puppy are offset – thanks to this non-profit. Just one more reason to feel grateful to and for Molly!
Lindsay Meyer, RN Med Management
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​Lindsay Meyer arrived at the Senior Center in August 2022 and sets a fast pace to keep up with everyone. Talk about making good use of one’s time – while doing something you love! To name only two…every Wednesday there’s Lindsay’s hour-long blood pressure clinic at the Center. Then there are the home visits to the Seniors who wish to have support in the ordering, delivery and organization of their medications.
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Beginning as a Certified Nursing Assistant in 2006 fueled her love of nursing. This led to a few years of study to earn her RN associate’s degree in 2011 from Westshore Community College and her bachelor’s degree in 2022 from the University of Texas at Arlington. Thankfully, her move to Manistee coincided with her nightshift work at the hospital, and an enjoyment for acute care.
Because Lindsay appears to have the energy and enthusiasm of Tigger, she is currently working on her master’s at the University of Michigan to be a Family Nurse Practitioner.
Lindsay is an adoptive mom to still-spry dogs Hannah and Sophie and to cat Tinkerbell. Her self-taught journey to learn Spanish is in its third year of consecutive days of studying. Add to that Lindsay’s weekly piano lessons and her enjoyment of creating jewelry with beads for family and friends. How grateful are we for Lindsay to have time for the Senior Center!
McKenzie Bramble - Meal Transporter
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It takes only a few minutes with McKenzie Bramble to understand that she cares about others well beyond her role as a Meal Transporter for MCCOA. She feels that this job was “meant to be” for her. The young woman added that she is “definitely blessed” and “thanks God all of the time” for her job.
Originally from Manistee, McKenzie returned here after 12 years in California. Her parents are pastors, and McKenzie also enjoys serving the community. Mondays find her feeding the homeless and then some of her congregation’s members on Wednesdays. Additionally, she helps at the Lighthouse Pregnancy Center. And it’s no surprise that McKenzie gave her time to support her sister’s successful County Commissioner bid last fall.
McKenzie fondly described caring for a 99-year-old woman in a home with no phone reception. The two read books and watched westerns together. A proud mom to her young son, McKenzie tells how the two love being active outdoors. Especially important to this mother is to ensure her schedule allows her to work while her boy is at school, so they can spend time together. McKenzie said that her vital role at MCCOA is where she’s “meant to be.” We would all gratefully agree.