Deer Park Woman Named Suffolk Healthcare Hero

DEER PARK, NY — A Deer Park woman was honored as a Suffolk County Healthcare Hero for her work with Catholic Health Long Island and her volunteer service to hospital patients.

Suffolk County Legislator Tom Donnelly selected Cheryl Otero as his 2026 Healthcare Hero for the 17th Legislative District.

This year’s honorees were recognized at the June 2 general meeting in Hauppauge, where Donnelly presented Otero with a county proclamation.

Otero has worked in the Catholic Health system for 14 years and currently serves as director of the Physician Onboarding Team, where she helps new physicians and medical practices get the resources and support needed to begin caring for patients.

She previously held several leadership roles, including assistant manager at Family Medical in West Sayville and director of Catholic Health’s Patient Navigation Hub, Donnelly’s office said.

Outside of work, Otero volunteers by making handmade chemo caps for cancer patients at Good Samaritan University Hospital and infant caps for newborns at St. Charles Hospital, according to Donnelly’s office.

Otero, a former U.S. Army Reservist, lives in Deer Park and remains active in the community.

The Suffolk County Legislature passed a resolution in 2021 designating June as “Healthcare Heroes Month” to recognize healthcare workers for their service and contributions. Each legislator selects a Healthcare Hero, and the honorees’ accomplishments are read into the record.

“Cheryl Otero is a superb example of compassion, professionalism and service in healthcare, all qualities of a hero,” Donnelly said. “Her commitment to supporting both patients and healthcare providers, combined with her willingness to give back to others in need, makes her truly deserving of recognition. On behalf of the 17th Legislative District and all of Suffolk County, I am proud to recognize her as my Healthcare Hero.”