Our Very Own Painting Guru
Celebrating 25 Years of Making a Difference Through Therapeutic Recreation
Michelle Van Etten, Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (TRS) at CenterLight Healthcare Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), is celebrating 25 years at the organization in 2025. We spoke to Michelle about her commitment to CenterLight participants and to making a difference in their lives.
What inspired you to choose a career in healthcare, specifically in therapeutic recreation?
Growing up, I was always interested in recreation, crafts, and being creative. As a teenager, I worked as a camp counselor and later with an organization which supported people with disabilities. I loved taking them on trips and engaging them in activities. I originally planned on going to college for occupational therapy before I discovered Therapeutic Recreation.
How did you first start your journey at CenterLight?
After working in assisted living and nursing homes, I realized I wanted something different. In those settings, I often felt unfulfilled leaving at the end of the day because the patients stayed behind.
Then I came across CenterLight in 2000, I had only been out of school about a year. I immediately loved the concept and mission: keeping participants in their homes while still offering a place where they could socialize, eat meals, and take part in activities. It reminded me of a school for older adults, with a day full of programs and then the comfort of returning home afterward.
That’s also when I started the painting group. A few participants were looking for something new, and since I’ve always loved art, I introduced it. They quickly embraced it, and it’s grown into a central part of my work ever since.
Can you walk us through a typical day in your life as a TRS?
I like to greet every participant individually. It’s important to me to connect personally. After breakfast, we begin morning activities. Sometimes that’s the painting group in our dedicated art room, which makes participants feel special, like true artists with their own studio.
Afternoons might include entertainment, adaptive sports, trivia, bingo, or word games. We make sure there’s variety so everyone has something they enjoy. Beyond activities, we’re also part of the care team. Participants often come to us with concerns, and since we spend so much time with them, we help triage and connect them with the right support.
What do you consider the most rewarding aspect of your job as a TRS?
Seeing participants build confidence. So many came in saying, “I can’t paint,” and then they surprise themselves. I’d start simple like holding a brush, dabbing paint, drawing a heart and watch their skills grow. The joy and pride they feel in their work is the most rewarding part.
Some participants even shared that when they were younger, opportunities like this weren’t available to them, especially for women. So being able to give them this chance now means a lot.
Share a memorable story involving a participant that has stuck with you throughout your career.
During COVID, I started virtual painting sessions. I FaceTimed with participants and we had supplies sent to their homes. Even though we were apart, we could still paint together. That experience reminded me how important creativity and connection are, and it’s one of my favorite memories.
After 25 years of working at CenterLight, what continues to connect you with the organization's mission?
The appreciation, kindness, and thoughtfulness of the participants when I see them. They make me happy--they've become like part of my family.
I also have had so much support from my managers and my department. Anytime I've had an idea or wanted to try something new for the participants, they work with me to make it happen.
What is your personal mission as a TRS?
I want to help each participant reach their full capability with their creativity and art skills. I want to bring everybody up, from being a beginner to where they could say, "I'm really an artist!" It is my goal to do this for as many participants as possible.
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Last updated October 15, 2025