Learn more about Breakthrough Behavior staff and their background as we celebrate and honor National Hispanic Heritage Month.
Luis Montanez, Clinic Manager | Osceola Clinic
What is your background and where is your family from?
I come from a Hispanic household (Puerto Rican) and I was born and grew up in Puerto Rico. I moved to Florida in 2004.
How is your Hispanic heritage important to you?
Tradition and culture are important to me and my family, and I particularly enjoy sharing our Hispanic heritage (typically, this month there will be various activities that will prompt for people to ask questions about our culture and how we celebrate it, and I love to share this). I also look forward to this time of the year, as this is when many Latinos also display or share items of their culture and tradition, and it is not only a fun opportunity to experience this with them, but to learn the differences in between each Hispanic culture. It creates a major bond where we are all Hispanic and not divided by our nationality.
Who were your role models growing up?
Orlando Hernandez Pedroso (“El Duque”), Ivan Rodriguez and Marc Anthony.
Why do you work in the behavior analysis field?
I personally find it very rewarding and fulfilling. As a child, I had serious ADD, and I was treated differently by my peers. Unfortunately, society (children specifically) pushes away or treats differently those with disabilities or special needs. I have seen the pain and sadness this causes to these individuals and I wanted to make a difference.
What advice would you give to other Hispanic Americans looking to start their career in this industry?
I would say this is a field where you are able to be part of the children’s lives, and help them grow to be fully independent adults as they grow. You are helping individuals learn how to live in today’s world, gain their confidence, and live happy lives. To me, there is nothing more rewarding than that as a career.
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