After years of dedicated service, Debbie Nicholas, our beloved Administrative Assistant, is retiring. Her contributions to Sierra Community House have been immeasurable, and as she transitions to this new chapter, we want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible impact she’s had on our team, our community, and the many lives she’s touched.
A Career Marked by Dedication
Debbie joined Project MANA in 2016. Over the years, she has not only provided exceptional administrative support, but also built lasting relationships with colleagues, clients, and community members. Her role has evolved, but her unwavering commitment to our mission and values remained constant throughout her career.
From managing schedules to coordinating events and ensuring smooth communication across departments, Debbie’s contributions have been crucial to the success of our operations. She’s been the friendly face at the front desk, the trusted source of information, and the problem solver we could always count on.
She shared, “Retirement is a gift that I am blessed to receive as many do not get that luxury. I am thinking of this as simply a transition away from paid work to being able to follow my passions and values by enjoying travel, learning, prioritizing my friends and family, and serving my community through volunteering. My nine years with Project MANA and Sierra Community House have been a true joy for me. The mission and passion of my colleagues and community members have brought so much joy and fulfillment to my life. I cannot thank them enough for their support, and while I will no longer be with them on weekdays, I will be supporting our organization and community as a volunteer.”
A Few Words From Her Colleagues
“Debbie embodies the Sierra Community House mission more than I can explain with words..but I will try! I sit a few seats away from Debbie at our Incline office and oftentimes, her face is the first thing I see when I open the front door and start my work day. She is empathetic, intelligent, hardworking, and an extremely smart and savvy woman. She is a pillar of our SCH family and we will miss her dearly. I am grateful to know her, and I am excited for her well-deserved retirement era!”
Shannon Falker, Communications Director
“It’s been such a pleasure getting to know Debbie over the past few years. Her energy is contagious, and I will miss it terribly in the office. I’m in awe of everything she does, both inside and outside of work, to make our community a better place. I’ve especially loved her southern charm, which always brings warmth and laughter to any room. I wish her all the best in her well-deserved retirement!”
– Allison Edwards, Development Director
Debbie is the glue that holds this whole operation together. I am not sure how we will carry on without her, but we will have to figure it out! She has been committed to our mission for many years, starting with volunteering at Tahoe SAFE Alliance, then working at Project MANA. For the past 6 years, she has been a core member of the SCH team, working her magic across programs. I cannot adequtaley express my gratitude to Debbie for all of her support in her role as the Administrative Assistant. Thank you, Debbie, for helping me keep my head on straight!
– Paul Bancroft, Executive Director
A New Chapter
As Debbie embarks on her well-deserved retirement, we wish her nothing but the best. While we’ll certainly miss her presence in the office, we know that the next chapter in her life will be just as rewarding. We hope she enjoys the time to relax, explore new passions, and spend time with loved ones.
Thank you, Debbie, for all you’ve done. You’ve been an incredible asset to Sierra Community House, and your legacy will continue to inspire us for years to come.
For ways to get involved, visit our website here.

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