Emily Hanson Serves Kids In Our Community

Emily and Josh Hanson moved to Findlay with their three children, Wesley, Caleb and Alice, in April, 2016. Josh is the Senior Pastor at Gateway Church and Emily considers herself a “professional volunteer” with a variety of roles. As they begin their fourth year in Findlay, Emily stands out because of her commitment to serving children in our community. She is currently the President of the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) at Glenwood Middle School, a volunteer with Findlay North PTO, a child mentor and a Sunday school teacher at Gateway Church.

Emily has a Bachelor’s Degree in Piano Performance and a Master’s Degree in Education. Originally from Florida, she has taught in a number of states due to moves their family has made. She has homeschooled in the past, but currently her children attend three different Findlay City Schools, Bigelow Hill, Glenwood and Findlay High School. “No matter where we live I know there will be a PTO and they are always looking for help. I have always believed in the importance of being really involved with your kids,” she says.

Glenwood and Findlay North PTO

Emily got involved in the Glenwood PTO last school year and became the organization’s President this school year. She credits Stephanie Yu, Robyn Wight and Stacey Gratz with helping Glenwood’s PTO run smoothly and effectively.

Findlay North PTO is busy year-round. “There is something going on each month because there are three schools including Northview, Jacobs and Bigelow Hill. We also offer opportunities for people to enjoy themselves like Bakery Bingo in February. It is such a big hit!” she shares.

Motivated by love

Emily explains that loving others is her main reason for volunteering. “I look for any opportunity to get to know people and just love them. I figure out their needs and make sure not to be overbearing with my own personal agenda. I am also a mentor for Children’s Mentoring Connection of Hancock County,” she says.

In addition to school involvement and mentoring, Emily teaches fifth grade Sunday school classes year-round at Gateway Church. “It’s a big class, but we have fun and I develop a relationship with them. Once kids know that you really care they are going to behave. Kids need to trust too,” she says.

Emily’s favorite part of volunteering is getting to know others. “I enjoy learning about people and their stories. Everyone is coming to the table for a different reason and everyone has a different background,” she says.

Q&A with Emily Hanson

Favorite place to spend time as a family: We like Painters’ Pottery. It’s the only place in town that you can actually go shopping, spend a lot of time having fun together and walk out with gifts to give other people.
Favorite place to shop: Once Upon a Child.
Favorite restaurant: Chick-fil-a.
Favorite coffee shop: George House.

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