Leading Ladies: Lena Gokey

Story by Amelia Bowen
For more than two decades, Lena Gokey has dedicated her career to caring for others, though nursing was not the path she originally expected to take. While living in Arizona and working in banking, Lena was pregnant and under the care of a nurse practitioner. The experience made such an impression that she began viewing healthcare in a whole new way. She returned to school, earned her RN, BSN and MSN degrees from Western Kentucky University and became a Family Nurse Practitioner. Western Kentucky University has remained a vital part of her journey. In addition to clinical practice, Lena has spent many years working part-time as a clinical instructor in WKU’s nursing department, helping prepare future nurses for their own careers. In May 2020, she opened Select Health in Bowling Green to create a practice where patients never felt rushed and taking care of the whole person mattered. The practice now offers primary care, weight management, hormone optimization, IV hydration, aesthetics and advanced skin and laser treatments. “My mission is to care for others with compassion and purpose, helping people feel seen, supported, confident and empowered to live healthier ,happier lives,” Lena says. The years since opening brought some of the hardest experiences of her life. In July 2021, Lena lost her 24-year-old son AJ in a car accident. Only months later, the December tornado devastated her practice, leaving her to rebuild while navigating the unimaginable loss of her son. Those experiences changed how she views life, relationships and patient care, instilling an awareness that everyone carries unseen stories. “Success is having meaningful relationships, cherishing time with the people I love, making memories with my family and knowing that the work I do has made a positive difference in someone else’s life,” Lena says. Family is at the center of Lena’s world. She and her husband, Dorian Almendarez, share three children, Zachary, AJ and Anna-Catherine along with five grandchildren and cherished bonus children. Select Health actively supports local causes, including the Warren County Humane Society, the American Cancer Society, St. Joseph Catholic School and Lost River Cave’s Cocktails on the Trail event, while proudly serving as title sponsor for BG Girls Cotillion. “Don’t give up,” Lena says. “Hard seasons will come, but they will pass. Keep your faith, give yourself grace and trust that even the hardest chapters can lead to growth, purpose and something meaningful.”