Nancy M. Welch MD, MHA, MBA has served as a public health director in Virginia since 1976. Currently, she is the Director of the Chesapeake Health Department. Over the years she has also served as the acting health director for the Western Tidewater Health District as needed. Her major professional focus is utilizing data analysis as a persuasive motivator for individuals and communities to actively engage in healthier lifestyle habits. She received her B.S. at Lynchburg College, Degree in Medicine at Duke University and M.B.A. at Old Dominion University. Her Pediatric Residency and Masters of Health Administration were at the University of Colorado. She is board certified in both Pediatrics and Public Health/ Preventive Medicine; Dr. Welch is also a Retired Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve. Dr. Welch’s book, “Healing Emotional Wounds—A Story of Overcoming the Long Hard Road to Recovery from Abuse and Abandonment,” was recently published and is available in bookstores and at Amazon.com. It chronicles the story of her adoption of two Ukrainian children and their struggles to overcome emotional and behavioral challenges.
As both a Pediatrician and Health Director, I realize the importance of positive influences in the lives of young people. Smart Transitions provides both the caring and training to assist young persons towards the goal of knowing they can achieve and be proud.