For more than sixteen years, Melissa Wood has been a steady and trusted presence within Franciscan Health, serving as a bridge between employers, clinic teams, and account executives across Northern Indiana and Cook County, Illinois. In her role as Direct to Employer Account Executive Liaison, Melissa supports the day-to-day coordination and client relationships that keep the WorkingWell and HEALTHeACCESS programs running seamlessly behind the scenes. She ensures that every employer partnership reflects Franciscan’s values of compassion, communication, and excellence.

Melissa’s journey with Franciscan began at the Woodland Surgery Center, where she honed her skills in scheduling and patient coordination before joining the WorkingWell team. She was quickly drawn to the occupational health field, inspired by its proactive, relationship-based approach to wellness. “I knew working with private insurance wasn’t for me,” she recalls. “Once I learned about WorkingWell, I knew it was a better fit—it was about people, not paperwork.” That conviction has shaped her career ever since.

Today, Melissa plays a central role in designing and maintaining company-specific procedures and protocols that give employers, employees, and clinic teams a clear understanding of expectations and processes. Her focus on open communication, consistent feedback, and client collaboration has strengthened partnerships across industries—from manufacturing to education and municipal services. She measures success not just through metrics, but through the trust and responsiveness that define long-term relationships.

Melissa takes special pride in helping employers and employees feel seen and supported. Whether she’s troubleshooting an account question, refining a clinic workflow, or facilitating a client walk-through, she brings empathy and clarity to every interaction. “The most rewarding part of my work,” she says, “is uncovering what people need to do their best work—sometimes it’s better systems or communication, but often, it’s just taking the time to listen.”

Beyond her professional role, Melissa embodies the same commitment to connection in her personal life. She’s an Elite Cheer Mom, School Room Mom, and go-to event planner, roles that keep her deeply involved in her community and constantly on the move. Those experiences—coordinating teams, planning celebrations, balancing personalities—mirror her professional strengths: organization, creativity, and the ability to stay composed under pressure.

Her approach to client relationships is grounded in trust, collaboration, and continuous improvement. She stays up to date on industry best practices through webinars, conferences, and professional networks, ensuring that employers benefit from the most current occupational health standards. Melissa also finds inspiration in the mission-driven teamwork of her colleagues: “We all share the same goal—to build healthier workplaces and communities. Knowing that we can rely on one another makes the work meaningful.”

Her guiding motto captures her professional and personal outlook:

“Your smile is your logo, your personality is your business card, and how you leave others feeling after an experience with you becomes your trademark.”