How Nursing Assistant Kelly Teghen’s faith in God led her to Bethany Children’s
At Bethany Children’s Health Center, our employees truly are the heartbeat that drives the organization. Every day, through the care and service they provide, they live our mission of maximizing the potential of every child and exemplify our core values of compassion, integrity, excellence, service and stewardship.
We hope you enjoy getting to know our amazing employees through our Heartbeat profiles.
Nursing Assistant, Kelly Teghen takes her favorite scripture to heart. “The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.” Psalm 32:8. Throughout Kelly’s life, God has led her in unexpected directions.
As the youngest of six children growing up in Cameroon, she thought she would become an accountant. Instead, she earned a bachelor’s degree in law and began her master’s studies in criminal justice. She credits God with her pivot to nursing.
“In my life, the things I never wanted to do seem to be the areas that God calls me to. I never wanted to work at a hospital because I was scared of blood,” she admits. “The day I decided I wanted to start living according to God’s will, my career was turned around completely. Divine direction is what I call that.”
When Kelly began nursing school, she had no desire to work with children, but as she was about to graduate, she decided to take some time to pray about applying for jobs. “It took me a while and I was the last in my class to get a job, but I had a divine revelation and direction to come here,” she says.
Today, she finds fulfillment when she is able to communicate with a patient and get a response or smile. “On a typical day I ensure the kids are well fed, groomed and comfortable,” she says. “I am honored by the opportunity to help maximize their potential. I get to do the things they are not able to do for themselves.”
As she reflects on Black History Month, Kelly explains that in Cameroon there is a day designated to celebrating independence from colonial masters, and a day to celebrate youth.
“These days serve as a reminder of our liberation and empowerment, so we live on remembering where we came from. Educating the younger generation on the history of the nation is very important and choosing a day to celebrate its liberation is equally important to serve as a reminder. However, the story isn’t meant for one month, it is a lifetime and what we do in our everyday lives that help in defining people,” she says.
To Kelly, relating to others is simple. “When I look at people, I see God’s wonderful creation and wonder what He was thinking while creating this masterpiece,” she shares. “There will always be some kind of difference in ideologies, but if we are like-minded in Christ it will make things much easier.”
Fun Facts
Three words your best friend would use to describe you: Very caring, fun, selfless
Favorite ways to spend free time: walking, watching TV (especially with loved ones), cooking/baking, dancing, singing, listening to gospel songs, play volleyball.
Favorite food: “I’m a foodie so I don’t really have much of a favorite, but if I were to choose it will be huckleberry and cocoyams. I can eat it year-round, especially when made with smoked fish or goat meat.”
If you could pick a superpower, what would it be and why? “Mind reader. Then I can know how best to serve or love on others so they can live a fulfilled life.”
From the bucket list: “To make heaven and hear these few words from God to me “Well done, good and faithful servant’”.