Meet Selene Castilla, One of Our Teammates Shaping Mission-Based Healthcare at Adventist Health

Selene Castilla, Nutrition and Diabetes Programs Coordinator for Adventist Health White Memorial, 15 years with Adventist Health

Selene Castilla is a health educator at Adventist Health White Memorial in East Los Angeles. Her work includes managing the nationally recognized Healthy Eating Lifestyle Program (HELP). As part of the program, she teaches children ages 5 to 12 how healthy lifestyle choices can change their lives. The program has a 70% success rate in adults and a 75% success rate in children. “Everyone can make little changes every day that at the end of the year will impact their health to prevent chronic disease,” says Selene.

What is your best habit?

My best habit is staying connected to God through prayer every day. Somehow it always brings me back into a peaceful state.

Who has had the biggest influence on your life?

My sister. We’re not sisters who hang out together all the time. Growing up we both had our different friends. But my sister has always been there for me. She’s always taking care of me, pushing me to do my best to thrive. She’s a very smart woman, and I admire her wisdom.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Don’t be afraid. Just do it. When I talk to young people, I tell them, “Go to school. Don’t let anything stop you.” There will always be challenges and detours. Nothing in life is a straight line. But through any detours, God is making us stronger and better. He has a purpose for each of us.

What do you love about working at Adventist Health?

I came to Adventist Health from corporate America where it was brutal. They bring you up, and they bring you down. I love that at White Memorial we are a family. Of course, nothing is 100%, but my executives are beautiful, humble people. They’re loving and caring, and it all starts with their leadership.

Do you have a colleague you admire?

My manager, Mary. We have developed a really close bond. She inspires me to continuously educate myself and grow. She is my go-to in my professional life. She’s my mentor.

What one word describes your experience at Adventist Health?

Service. That’s what we’re here for. We have a mission to make this community healthier.

Do you have a favorite Bible character?

Recently my favorite is Moses. He was not perfect. Yet God had a very important job for Moses. He was raised as a prince, and I’m pretty sure when he was young he was very egocentric. Then he killed someone. Moses was a murderer. Then God called him, and he didn’t want to listen. But God had a purpose. Moses was so unfit for the job. If God had asked you and me, “Do you recommend Moses for this job?” we would say, “Definitely not. He doesn’t speak well. He killed somebody. He doesn’t understand their pain. There’s someone better.” But God chooses brokenness. God chooses people who are not amazing to do the most special jobs.

What gives you hope?

God gives me hope. God has pulled me through and helped me grow so much. God is my hope and my strength.

Explore opportunities to join the Adventist Health team at AdventistHealth.org/careers.

Read more inspiring stories about the Adventist Health team:
Meet Adam Lee
Meet Chris Hagen
Meet Haley Pacholec
Meet Jasmin Huila Flores
Meet Jesse Seibel
Meet Larry Hamilton
Terry Johnsson