Coming Full Circle with Siskin Hospital

The dream that Mose and Garrsion Siskin had to make a difference in the lives of those with disabilities, has been thriving at Siskin Hospital for the past 35 years, but its impact in the community began well before that.

Shane (middle child) with Mose and Garrison Siskin

Born with spina bifida, Shane Hullender went through multiple treatments and surgeries before reaching his second birthday. From Ringgold, Georgia, his mother enrolled him in a specialized program in nearby Chattanooga, Tennessee, the Siskin Preschool (which later became the Siskin Children’s Institute and Early Learning Center).

“The therapists, teachers and aids were able to adapt to whatever disability each student had and work with us,” said Shane.

For the next three years, Shane spent most of his days attending therapy and preschool classes at the Siskin Preschool, learning to read, write and basic math skills, all in preparation for attending public school. Once starting school in the first grade, Shane’s time with the organization came to an end, but he remained in contact with many of his teachers and therapists.

“Siskin was always in the back of my mind,” said Shane. Fast forward several years, Shane is working as a television producer for Local 3 News but decides he needs a fresh start. He saw a job posting for a scheduler at Siskin Hospital, and decided to take the chance, in part because of his prior connection to the Siskin family and Institute, and the rest is history.

During his time at Siskin Hospital, Shane has worked in many areas of the organization. From outpatient scheduling, medical records, case management and COVID-19 screening to his current position with the Siskin Health and Fitness Center, Shane has become a staple in the Siskin Hospital community.

“The people here are wonderful and it is a great place to work. I have made a lot of lifelong friends,” said Shane. In 2024, Shane experienced Siskin Hospital and his peers from yet another point of view. Suffering from a heart attack and undergoing bypass surgery, Shane spent time as a patient in the inpatient rehabilitation facility and continued with outpatient therapy.

“I tried my best for them and they did their best for me,” said Shane.

Returning to work just a few months after his heart attack, Shane credits his therapists and nursing team for getting him back to where he wanted to be, Siskin Hospital.

“There is a richness to this organization. It has made such an impact on the community

and my own life, and it is because of Mose and Garrison Siskin’s passion for helping others,” said Shane. “They gave people the hope of doing something with their lives other than just being disabled.

Shane, thank you for your 25+ years of dedicated service to Siskin Hospital and the dream that started many years ago.