Albuquerque Public Schools
December Employees Who Make a Difference
This month's honorees include a payroll manager, an equipment operator, a counselor and a nurse.
Albuquerque Public Schools is proud of the many dedicated professionals who work tirelessly to support students. Now in its eighth year, the Employee Recognition Program honors these outstanding staff members.
December’s Honorees
Michelle Candelaria
Ruben Chavez
Jalen McGee
Santana Torrez
The honorees will be featured on APS electronic billboards around town and honored at a reception. They will also receive a lasting memento.
Michelle Candelaria – Payroll Manager, APS Finance
As a payroll manager, Michelle Candelaria plays a critical role in ensuring thousands of APS employees are paid accurately and on time every two weeks. Her nominator praised her positive approach, writing, “Michelle brings such a ‘can-do’ attitude to her job. She is efficient, effective, knowledgeable and kind.” She is known for her steady leadership, her willingness to support colleagues and her commitment to making complex systems feel manageable for everyone.
Her nominator recalled a moment when she made a mistake that could have affected an employee’s paycheck, and Candelaria immediately stepped in, saying, “Everything can be fixed,” before helping address the issue with care and professionalism. “Michelle always has a smile on her face and works hard with her staff to make sure each payroll processes accurately and on-time,” her colleague added. She goes above and beyond to resolve issues quickly, keep employees informed, and ensure the payroll process “just happens,” even when the work behind it is anything but simple.
Ruben Chavez – Equipment Operator, APS Maintenance & Operations
Ruben Chavez is known across schools for his reliability, pride in his work and exceptional dedication to helping campuses look their best. His nominator wrote, “Ruben is truly exceptional and consistently goes above and beyond for our school community.” Whether he’s completing a scheduled job or finding ways to support additional needs, he brings warmth, positivity and a genuine desire to serve students, families and staff.
His commitment doesn’t stop at regular hours. “He often brings a crew on weekends to help with yard maintenance and other projects,” his nominator shared, describing his initiative to improve school grounds without being asked. Principals citywide request him by name because, as she put it, “His approach to everything is with love, caring and wanting the best for everyone.” No matter the campus, Chavez shows up with reliability, kindness and a work ethic that lifts entire school communities.
Jalen McGee – Counselor, Atrisco Heritage Academy High School
At Atrisco Heritage Academy, Jalen McGee is known for her ability to connect deeply with students and create a safe, welcoming environment. Her nominator—a student—said, “Ms. McGee is a caring counselor who consistently puts students first and goes above and beyond in her role.” She provides unwavering support, encouragement and even snacks to ensure students feel cared for and ready to learn. Her influence extends beyond academics, shaping students’ outlooks and helping them develop confidence, resilience and purpose.
One of her student’s most powerful reflections was, “Ms. McGee shows up for students and families in every way possible.” She is known for uplifting those who are often overlooked, fostering growth and connecting students to opportunities. The student added, “She has had the greatest impact on my life throughout high school,” and shared that McGee’s dedication began even before Atrisco, when she created a safe and welcoming community center space where “students wished the center could remain open around the clock.” McGee’s compassion, commitment and presence continue to shape lives every day.
Santana Torrez – Nurse, Roosevelt Middle School
Santana Torrez brings a rare combination of clinical expertise, calm under pressure and deep compassion to Roosevelt Middle School. Her nominator noted her kindness and readiness to act, saying, “Santana is always so kind when caring for students. She never hesitates to jump into action when something comes up.” As a registered nurse with ER experience, she handles emergencies with confidence and care, earning the trust of students, staff and families alike.
Her colleague shared powerful examples of her impact: “I have watched Santana not only care for students but also save them,” describing moments when she responded to choking incidents and supported a student after a seizure. She also provides comfort to staff, including helping her nominator through severe panic attacks. Beyond the health office, Torrez organizes community health fairs, brings in health care partners and makes sure families have access to essential services. “She is a huge asset to our school and community,” her colleague wrote, adding that Torrez has become not only a trusted nurse but also a valued friend.
This recognition is made possible through the support of TIG and the APS Education Foundation, who partner each month to celebrate outstanding APS support staff. Nominate an APS employee that’s making a difference today! Learn more and submit your nominations on the APS Employee Recognition Program website.