John Matos, known as "Johnny" at CenterLight, was a typical college student trying to figure out his career path. After his father sustained an injury in college, he helped his dad navigate his recovery.
"He would tell me every other day to give him status updates on his therapy that he was receiving for his injured knee."
Now, Johnny has been at CenterLight for more than 30 years, making a difference in the lives of participants as an occupational therapist. When asked what has kept him working here all these years, he says,
"What has kept me here is the mission, the people, and the participants. I believe in the programs, services, and organizational structure, and I've been fortunate to work with supportive colleagues who helped me grow along the way. Most of all, the participants are the heart of the organization, and they give purpose to do the work. It means a lot to me that I can keep participants in their home and out of institutions. There's no better place to be than home."
Johnny has been at CenterLight for over 30 years. This photo was taken in 2006.
When asked about his favorite memories, Johnny shared,
"I have many great memories, and it's hard to name just one. Seeing participants make functional progress in rehab and the joy on their faces when they receive essential rehabilitation equipment is incredibly rewarding. Also, celebrating company milestones with colleagues makes it feel like family."
For those looking to start a career in occupational therapy, Johnny advises:
"Volunteer to get real exposure to the field. It's a good way to observe different settings and see what fits you. Second, stay curious and open to learning. This field rewards people who listen and adapt. Third, build genuine working relationships with clients and colleagues – that's when meaningful growth happens."
NoPOInfo_Johnny_Matos Last Updated August 17, 2026
CenterLight Healthcare has an approved PACE contract with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and NY State Department of Health (NYSDOH). Enrollment in CenterLight Healthcare PACE depends on renewal of its contract with CMS and NYSDOH. Participants may be fully and personally liable for the cost of unauthorized or out-of-PACE program agreement services. Upon enrollment, the PACE program will be the participant’s sole service provider. Participants will have access to all services needed as identified by the Interdisciplinary Team, but not to a specific provider of these services. Please contact us for more information.
