Teachable Moments and a Lasting Impact

This year marks 20 years of service at Siskin Hospital for Manetha Woodard, but her connection to the Siskin legacy began long before her own career.

Founded in 1900, Siskin Steel & Supply Co. has employed thousands of individuals across region in its 125 years, including Manetha’s grandfather and father. Her grandfather, Fletcher Armor, Sr. was even friends with Mose Siskin, the company’s co-owner and eventual inspiration behind Siskin Hospital for Physical rehabilitation. Her father Jerome Armor, affectionately known as Spider at work, spent nearly three decades at Siskin Steel before retiring less than ten years ago.

Growing up, Manetha was active, ambitious, and deeply involved in her school community. Being a classically trained violinist, acting as captain of the cheerleading team, president of the honor society, and class officer for all four years of high school were just a few of her many achievements.

“I definitely kept my parents busy and on their toes,” Manetha said with a laugh.

She also spent many summers studying at nearby University of the South as one of the first participants of the Sewanee Summer Scholars program.  It was no surprise when Manetha was awarded the Siskin Steel scholarship, available to employee’s children, but she was trilled just the same.

Initially a pre-med major, she eventually found her passion in exercise physiology with a concentration in cardiac rehab. After graduation, she worked in cardiac rehab for a little over a year before beginning her career at Siskin Hospital as a HealthLink Plus fitness instructor, a partnership program with Erlanger, and a manager of one of the outpatient therapy clinics.

“I think I’ve worked at almost every Siskin Outpatient Therapy location during my time with the organization,” she said.

In 2021, she transitioned to her current position as the supervisor of the Outpatient Business Office. While she still interacts with patients through scheduling, referrals, and insurance verification, much of her role now involves managing people.

Manetha describes her management style and approachable and hands-on. Her favorite saying for when something goes awry? “This is a teachable moment.”

“Because we are a patient-focused clinic, I tell my team we need to look like a duck on water, where all you see on the surface is us gliding along, even if we are paddling a hundred miles an hour underneath,” said Manetha.

It’s Siskin Hospital’s patient first approach and the people that have kept her here all these years.

“I don’t think I have met an unpleasant person in my 20 years,” she shared. “From day one, I’ve felt welcomed.”

Outside of work, Manetha and her husband are proud parents of two grown daughters. Now that they are empty nesters, they have used their free time to travel the world. So far, their favorite places to visit have been Lisbon, Portugal and Bali. Eventually they hope to visit all seven continents, but admit Antarctica may be a stretch, even for seasoned travelers.

Manetha, we are so glad to have such a dedicated leader on our team. Thank you for all that you do!