Chantel Bedlington

Manager of Kinship Navigation, ACH Child and Family Services; Fort Worth

Chantel Bedlington is the Kinship Navigator Manager at ACH Child and Family Services and has become one of the leading voices for informal kinship in Texas. Chantel was an informal kinship caregiver herself for several years when she and her husband became the temporary conservators of her niece and nephew. The experience of being a kinship caregiver and experiencing the struggles firsthand led Chantel to join in the work of support and advocacy for Kinship caregivers.

She and her husband have 3 children both biologically and through adoption. Providing hope and security for children is very near and dear to Chantel’s heart.

Prior to leading the Kinship Navigator Program at ACH, Chantel served for 15 years in pastoral ministry, most recently as a chaplain at Cook Children’s Hospital providing counseling and support for hospital staff and families experiencing trauma. Chantel has a BS in Biblical Studies and a MA in Christian Education from Dallas Baptist University.