Susan Manella, D.O. first became involved with the Jewish Federation of Broward County in the late 80’s. It was important to her and her husband, Ross, to get involved in a Jewish organization that supported Jews locally, in Israel and around the world.

Getting involved with women’s causes and bonding with other Jewish professional women, was also a priority, so she became very involved with the Federation’s Women Division.

In the past few years, Dr. Manella has become even more involved. In 2007, she went to Israel with her synagogue B’nai Aviv. The trip truly impacted her, which inspired her to become a Lion of Judah (LOJ). In 2008, she revisited Israel with the LOJ mission. She is now on the board of the Women’s Division and on the board of the Executive Circle of the Federation.

“The Jewish Federation has been part of our lives for years,” said Dr. Manella. She was originally from Valley Stream on Long Island, but completed her residency at Nova Southeastern University, and decided to stay in Florida. The Manellas, who live in Weston, have two children – a son, David, and a daughter, Morgan.

They believe in setting an example, and try to be positive role models for their children, especially in giving back to the community. While Susan is active with the Women’s Division and Lion of Judah, Ross, who is an attorney with a practice in Fort Lauderdale, is active with the Business and Professions Division of the Federation.

Dr. Manella loves reading, and really enjoys helping people. “I am so happy to be doing what I do every day,” she says. Her practice includes a focus on wellness and weight loss that is part of an overall program that she calls Lifestyles Management.

David is currently a freshman at Harvard, and loving it, says his mom. Morgan, who suffers from Crohn’s Disease, started a support group for kids with Crohn’s, which met last year at the JCC and hopes to get involved this year with Super Sunday.

Susan Manella is proud of both children’s success and dedication. “I hope that my children will learn from my husband’s and my example and will one day be active within the Federation and the Jewish Community,” she said. “I can see them continuing our family legacy of giving back.”

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