Karin Krankel, Director
Karin started at the Senior Center as a summer Intern in 1997 and achieved the position of Assistant Director the following Spring. In 2004 she was promoted to Director making her one of the youngest Senior Center Directors in New Jersey. Shortly thereafter in 2009, under her direction, the Fair Lawn Senior Center was voted #1 Senior Center by the Bergen Record. As a college graduate with a BA in Gerontology and Art Therapy, she loves the challenge of planning and implementing innovative programs, activities and events. Karin is married, the mother of two adorable children, an animal lover and saver who enjoys everything about food, arts & crafts, improv and theater. Her strong belief in the mind-body-spirit connection thrives in every aspect of the Fair Lawn Senior Center and feels blessed to hear members calling it their “second home.”
Donna J. Neill, Assistant Director
Donna started her employment in September of 1996 as the original Fitness Instructor for the Senior Center. Donna developed and implemented a fitness program which is still going strong. In 2004, she was promoted to Assistant Director, but still oversees the current program. Donna is married with 2 dogs at home, she loves the outdoors, teaching fitness classes part time, working in the yard and volunteering. She prides herself on learning every members’ name at the Center and likes to make people laugh.
Nancy Whittaker, Fitness Instructor
Nancy joined the Fair Lawn Senior Center in September 2005. She specializes in senior fitness class throughout many gyms and senior centers in Bergen County. She is certified through AFAA Aerobics and Fitness Association of America and ETC Certified in Senior strength and conditioning. Nancy’s joy is teaching group exercise classes and working with active older adults and has been recognized throughout the Bergen County as helping senior citizens achieve their exercise goals. Her experience here at the Fair Lawn Senior Center has brought her great opportunities to meet and learn with the members. Her main goal for teaching is to spread knowledge, energy and fun while creating a safe, encouraging atmosphere and healthy life style. When Nancy isn’t teaching, she enjoys going for walks, bike riding, cooking and spending time with her family.
Maria Leone
Maria started working at the Fair Lawn Senior Center in March 2019. She loves going to work because of the friendly faces, its positive atmosphere, and all the different programs. Her favorite part is being able to see the seniors’ smiling faces and listen to their stories.
Gale Miceli
Gale Miceli is the proud mother of Lori and Tom and proud grandmother of three beautiful grandchildren. She worked in the medical field for over 30 years. Gale is thrilled to be a part of the Fair Lawn Senior Center family as the Kitchen Supervisor. She says that she had the privilege of being trained by Mike Carangi in the kitchen and she hopes she is making him proud. Gale is enjoying every moment of being at the Senior Center.
Paul Shansky
Paul studies Tai Chi and Internal Arts under his Sifu Richard Clear and is an associate instructor with New Jersey Tai Chi. Paul has earned the following Professional Instructor Certifications; Tai Chi, Push Hands, Fa Kung Healing, Qigong and Self Defense. Paul lives in Fair Lawn and loves meeting new participants.
Reese Citro
Reese Citro attends the ECLC School in Ho-Ho-Kus, New Jersey. He started working at the Fair Lawn Senior Center in February of 2022 handling a variety of maintenance jobs. Reese is graduating in 2023 and hopes to keep working at the Senior Center after he graduates. He enjoys working at the Center as well as he gets to socialize with the seniors and staff members. Reese is a big fan of ice hockey, baseball and participates in the Special Olympics. Reese has many other hobbies such as doing yard work, gardening, swimming, hiking, fishing, camping and playing with his two dogs. He also likes to collect sneakers and mechanical banks.
Veronica Vazquez, Weekend Supervisor
Veronica worked in Fitness/Customer Service for a trading bank for over 30 years. She is a proud mother of 5 kids. Currently working as a middle school secretary, Veronica loves running, fitness and most importantly, spending time with her family. She says “I absolutely love working at the Senior Center. I love listening to their life stories, watching them dance and socialize with each other.”