Gale Hanson, who works as an education assistant in the Ability Focused Learning Center, said she loves working with kids, especially “seeing the light come on” when they learn something new.

Ms. Hanson, who is originally from Santa Fe, has also worked in banking and at the Taxation and Revenue Department. She is working toward earning her degree at Santa Fe Community College.

At their church, Christian Life, Gale and her husband teach marriage classes and also work with a youth group. They have also been active in trying to preserve DeVargas Middle School, running the organization “Voices for DeVargas Middle School.”

The Hansons have three children.