Quintessential medex, midwife and nursing educator Shelene ‘Sarah’ De Peana is a ‘Special Person’

May 18, 2025 Features / Columnists, News, Special Person, Waterfalls Magazine

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Fulfilling key roles in Guyana’s health service…

By Shania Williams

Kaieteur News- Medical professionals, more specifically nurses are the backbone of an efficient healthcare system, often they are first point of contact for patients entering a health facility.

Many dedicate their entire lives to this demanding field, committing themselves to the wellbeing of others. Patient care is not only a critical responsibility but also a skillful art that requires compassion, precision, and dedication.

Following the recent observance of International Nurses Day, The Waterfalls caught up with Shelene ‘Sarah’ De Peana, a quintessential midwife, medex, and nursing educator who specializes in diabetes care who has dedicated 29 years of her life to the medical field.

At the tender age of 17-years-old, this week’s Special Person, began her work in the healthcare sector at the Vergenoegen Health Centre as a voluntary worker.

She recalled that the day she was given the opportunity to work in the community’s health centre. “A member of the community had approached me with an exciting opportunity: the Vergenoegen Health Centre was seeking volunteers to join their team. Initially, I had little understanding of what my role would entail at this health facility, but I felt a spark of curiosity and decided to embrace the challenge,” De Peana said.

De Peana noted nonetheless that “From the very first day, I found myself immersed in an environment brimming with compassion and care and it ignited a deep passion within me.”

She continued, “The work we did was not just a duty; it felt like a calling. I often reflect on my path and say that God has chosen this noble profession for me, guiding my steps and nurturing my desire to serve others in meaningful ways.”

Today, De Peana serves the people of Guyana with the same dedication that she started off with.  And though her journey seemed challenging at times, De Peana has persevered and continues to do what she loves.

 

VILLAGE VALUES

Born on January 14, 1978, in the small yet spirited village of Vergenoegen, East Bank Essequibo (EBE), De Peana grew up in modest surroundings. Her father, Roland, was a cane harvester and her mother, Lilly, a dedicated housewife. With two younger brothers and a tight-knit extended family, her early life was steeped in love, tradition, and values.

She told The Waterfalls that her village had quite the impact on her even today. “The community in which I grew up was a densely populated area with a predominantly Afro-Guyanese population, and it played a significant role in shaping my childhood,” she said.  “Moral values were the most important thing imparted to me, mainly by the older generation. Those values still resonate within me as they helped to shape my life. I am forever grateful to my family (aunts, uncles, etc.), who also played an integral role in my molding and upbringing.”

De Peana’s early childhood educational journey included attending Vergenoegen Nursery, Philadelphia Primary School, and Stewartville Secondary School. Upon completing her secondary education, she engaged in assisting with lessons for young children in the community.

“I have long harboured a passion for teaching; however, my aspiration extends beyond being an ordinary teacher. I aimed to acquire specialized skills in the field,” she said.

The healthcare provider told this publication that her desire for teaching and discipline flows naturally.

“I recall a childhood activity in which I would converse with the posts beneath our house, imagining them as children, and I even playfully struck them with lashes, reinforcing my affinity for teaching and learning,” she recalled with a laugh.

De Peana’s heart for education has followed her throughout her career. She has taught with the University of Guyana’s Alpha Foundation, mentored Peace Corps volunteers, and now lectures part-time while managing the Medex Programme.

Her expertise spans maternal and child health, chronic disease prevention, and motivational speaking. She’s also the external examiner for disease control among Community Health Workers.

 

MODEL MIDWIFE

In the earliest stages of her career, De Peana was encouraged and mentored by Medex Kamini Mahadeo and other dedicated nurses.

De Peana quickly developed a deep love for the profession which led her to pursue the Ministry of Health’s Midwifery Programme in 1998.

Back then, as a young nurse, she overcame significant financial and emotional hurdles along the way, including studying by lamplight and witnessing domestic violence at home.

Despite the hardships, she showed unwavering strength and commitment.

“I remember my mom borrowing money sometimes to support my education and taking on domestic work to ensure I stayed in school. I studied by lamp light, as electricity was scarce in my area,” De Peana said.

Those challenges De Peana said only fueled her drive to break free from the struggle and the negative cycles that surrounded her life.

“Although our home life was far from perfect, I remained motivated to rise above the struggles,” she said.

A devoted Christian, De Peana says her unwavering faith in God, has guided her through challenges, personal growth, and professional triumphs.

By 21, the nursing professional graduated from the programme and became one of the youngest registered midwives in Guyana. She returned to her community to serve.  “I joyfully returned to Vergenoegen Health Centre, dedicating six years to serving my community,” she said.

Her commitment led her to participate in the Medex Training Programme for another two years. She expressed gratitude for the persons who helped her throughout her journey

“I am forever grateful to Dr. Holly Alexander and Nurse Laurna Browne, who passionately advocated for me in this programme. Their unwavering support continues to inspire me every day.”

SERVICE AND LEADERSHIP

Over the next 20 years, De Peana’s journey through the healthcare system has been nothing short of remarkable. She has served in every administrative region in Guyana in multiple roles:  as midwife, medex, nursing educator, diabetes educator, VIA provider, outreach team leader, and coordinator of national training programmes.

Notably, she was instrumental in managing the Diabetic Foot Centre, leading the National Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA) (cervical cancer) screening initiative, and mentoring countless young professionals through the Medex Training Programme.

Mrs. De Peana is currently Coordinator of the Medex Training Programme at the Health Sciences Education, Ministry of Health.  “My responsibilities are both varied and extensive. As a passionate advocate for young people, I engage in mentorship with my students, guiding them in multiple capacities to equip them for the professional world. Through personalized support and tailored advice, I focus on developing their skills, boosting their confidence, and inspiring them to reach their full potential as they prepare to embark on their careers,” she related.

Throughout her journey her commitment did not go unnoticed. In 2022, she was named one of the 25 Influential Women Leaders by NICO Consulting Inc. and Cerulean Incorporated.

For dedicated service in the healthcare system, De Peana holds several other awards including for an award as outstanding Midwife of the Year (International Day for Midwives) – Ministry of Health – Region #3; an award for helping Mothers have healthy pregnancies and healthy babies (International Day of Midwives) – Ministry of Health – Region #3;  Recognition of Outstanding Excellence in the VIA Programme (Cervical Cancer Awareness Month) – Ministry of Health – Chronic Disease Unit 2023 & Camp; and  International Nurses Day (Commitment in shaping future health care providers – Health Sciences Education (Ministry of Health).

FAMILY AND FAITH

Besides her very fulfilling medical career, De Peana is a devoted wife and mother. She and her husband, Ray share three sons, Symeon, Iyshon, and Isaiah. They are also proud grandparents to baby Asher.

Together, the couple prioritizes family time, whether through weekend adventures, attending church or quiet evenings at home. Alongside her husband, De Peana helps to manage Twinkles Elementary School and My Michelle’s Boutique.

When asked on how she balanced her work life and personal life, De Peana asserted, “striking a balance between work and personal life has always posed a significant challenge for me.”

“My career demands a great deal of my energy and focus, and I often find myself fully immersed in the tasks at hand.  In the afternoons, once the workday concludes, I cherish the moments spent with family, along with our weekends and holidays together.”

She continued “We deeply value adventure as a form of relaxation, often seeking out activities that ignite our spirits. Whether it’s exploring nature trails, or embarking on spontaneous road trips, those shared experiences rejuvenate us and provide a much-needed escape from the hustle of our daily responsibilities.”

She expressed that her greatest achievement has been discovering her purpose and embracing it with all her heart.

“The journey wasn’t easy; I faced countless obstacles that at times felt insurmountable. Yet, through perseverance and determination, I overcame each challenge that stood in my way. I have an immense sense of gratitude for how far I’ve come, rising from humble beginnings to a place of fulfillment and achievement. It’s a testament to the power of resilience and belief in oneself. If I can traverse this path and achieve my dreams, then I truly believe that anyone has the potential to do the same,” De Peana explained.

Looking ahead, this week’s Special Person aspires to become a Professor to share her knowledge and inspiring the next generation.

She also has bigger dreams of becoming an author. “I also dream of being an author, weaving stories that captivate and enlighten readers. A central part of my mission is to empower women and young girls, helping them to discover their potential and pursue their dreams with confidence and determination,” she shared.

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