A Calling Rooted in Family and Memory

Celebrating AAPI Heritage Month with Gesila Koven

This Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, A.G. Rhodes is proud to celebrate the stories, cultures, and journeys that shape our team, including the inspiring path of Gesila Koven, Director of Clinical Reimbursement.

Gesila grew up in Bohol, a small island province in the Philippines, where family, faith, and community shape daily life. “Everyone knew each other,” she shared. “Our grandparents lived with us, and caring for elders was simply part of life.”

From an early age, Gesila knew she wanted to be a nurse. One of her greatest inspirations was her aunt, who worked as a nurse in Seattle. “I remember looking through her photo albums,” Gesila said. “Seeing snow and life in the U.S., it felt like a dream. I wanted to follow that path.”

In the Philippines, elders are most often cared for within the family, creating a deep cultural respect for aging and intergenerational connection. For Gesila, helping care for her grandparents alongside her cousins quietly shaped a calling she would come to embrace years later.

Culture, Community, and Connection
Life in Gesila’s hometown was simple, joyful, and centered on relationships. She recalls days spent by the ocean collecting seashells, gathering clams, and playing in the streets.

Food was central to daily life and connection. “Meals were always shared,” she said. Staple dishes included rice, seafood, vegetables, and traditional favorites like adobo, lumpia (Filipino spring rolls), and humba, a savory pork stew popular in her region.

Hospitality is a defining part of Filipino culture, especially during town fiestas. “Every month, different towns celebrate,” Gesila explained. “Every home prepares food, and anyone, invited or not, is welcome to come in and eat.”

Language reflects the Philippines’ rich diversity. Gesila grew up speaking Cebuano at home, learned Tagalog in school, and was educated in English, something that later helped her transition into nursing in the United States.

A Leap of Faith
In 1992, at just 24 years old, Gesila left her close-knit community to come to the United States on a nursing visa. “It was my first time away from home,” she said. “I came to Atlanta without knowing anyone.”

The transition brought culture shock, language barriers, and an entirely new healthcare environment. Even the field of long-term care was unfamiliar. “We didn’t really have nursing homes where I grew up,” she said. “At first, I didn’t know if I could do it.”

Discovering a Purpose in Eldercare
Over time, something changed. Through conversations with residents, volunteering for outings with Activities, and listening to elders’ life stories, Gesila found meaning in the work. “It stopped feeling like work,” she said. “It felt like family.”

She recalls sitting with residents and hearing stories of love, resilience, and reunion; moments that transformed how she saw her role. “You realize every person has a story. That really stayed with me.”

That realization led to a lifelong commitment to elder care and a career spanning clinical and leadership roles. “I truly feel like this is where I belong,” she said. “This is what I’m meant to do.”

A Personal Turning Point
Early in her time in the U.S., Gesila experienced a profound loss. Her father passed away while she was far from home. “I was very close to my father,” she shared with a hitch in her voice. “Even now, when I talk about him, it still makes me emotional.”

Not being there in his final moments left a lasting impact. “The last time I saw him was when he sent me off at the airport,” she said. “That memory stays with me.”

In that difficult time, far from family, without the ease of today’s instant communication, Gesila leaned on those around her. “The residents and my coworkers became my support,” she said. “They became like family.”

That experience deepened her empathy and reshaped her sense of purpose. “I understand what it means to miss someone, to hold onto memories,” she said. “It changes the way you care for people.”

Today, the memory of her father continues to guide her work, reminding her how meaningful presence, connection, and compassion can be.

Finding Home at A.G. Rhodes
After years of traveling the country in her role as a corporate director for a large company and then the upheaval during the pandemic, Gesila wanted more stability in her life. “I was looking for something more grounded,” she said. “When I learned about A.G. Rhodes, I was drawn to its nonprofit mission and focus on compassionate, person-centered care. It just felt right.”

Five years later, she brings not only expertise but also deep compassion and cultural perspective to her work, honoring the lives, stories, and memories of the elders we serve.

Honoring Heritage and Purpose
Gesila’s journey reflects the strength and values of many AAPI healthcare professionals, rooted in family, inspired by those who came before them, and guided by a deep respect for elders.

“It really comes back to family,” she said. “The people who raised us, the memories we carry, and the stories our elders share. That’s why this work matters.”