Celebrating Excellence in Home Visiting: Wendy Welch Named 2026 National Home Visitor of the Year
Idaho is home to one of the nation’s inspiring home visitors: Wendy Welch of the Eastern Idaho Public Health Department. Recently nominated as a 2026 National Home Visitor of the Year, Wendy has devoted over two decades to supporting families through the Parents as Teachers (PAT) home visiting model as a Child Development Specialist, Lead Educator.
Wendy’s journey into home visiting began after seven years of teaching elementary school. Following a family relocation back to Idaho, she took time off to raise her young children. A friend encouraged her to consider a part-time home visiting position, recognizing her background as an educator. Initially hesitant, Wendy quickly discovered the profound impact of home visiting and has never looked back.
“It just really is so wonderful. Every day is new, it’s never the same, and you always have unexpected things come up,” Wendy shared.
“Those are the magical moments. When kids and parents just come together, and they ‘get’ each other. That’s the magic—helping them be fully present with their child.”
The Magic of Home Visiting
For Wendy, the heart of home visiting lies in the connections she forms with families and the intimate moments of discovery she witnesses. She recalls the joy of sitting with parents on the floor, watching a child reach a milestone and seeing a parent’s eyes light up in wonder.
“Those are the magical moments,” she said. “When kids and parents just come together, and they ‘get’ each other. That’s the magic—helping them be fully present with their child.”
Her work focuses on empowering parents, helping them recognize their children’s strengths, and supporting them through both challenges and triumphs. Families often tell her they look forward to her visits, not just for guidance, but as a dedicated moment of connection.
One of her families said this about her: “When Wendy comes it feels like a friend and the information and activities that she brings help me and teach me. I have help with my son from my family, but when she visits and the way that she says things to me… it just makes sense and it helps me as a parent.”
Another family goes on to say: “The reason I started in the Parents as Teachers home visiting program when my husband and I had our child was that Wendy came to MY home when I was a child… my mom was part of the El Valor de los Padres program… My mom was a single mom raising four children and would often work two to three jobs. During visits with Wendy as a child I received opportunities and education that definitely helped me and now my daughter has that same opportunity. Wendy is an amazing person!”
“I have struggled with postpartum depression, and I was afraid to tell anyone. Wendy taught me that it was normal and we need to talk about it. She is a person who has changed me and my children's life for the better.”
Challenges & Changes Over 20 Years
Throughout her 20-year career, Wendy has witnessed both constant and evolving challenges for parents. Financial pressures, limited time at home, and societal expectations make parenting more demanding than ever. Many parents juggle multiple jobs, leaving less time for meaningful family interactions.
“There are more things pulling attention away from that critical role of connecting,” Wendy explained. “Home visiting allows us to slow down and remind families that the magic happens in those small moments—like play and one-on-one time.”
Wendy works across a region spanning seven counties, including rural and mountainous areas reaching toward the Salmon River Mountains and near Jackson Hole, Wyoming throughout Idaho. She emphasizes the importance of reflective practice for home visitors and staying connected to community resources to better serve families.
Wendy is active in supporting families who have a family member who has been incarcerated by providing home visits to family members raising the child while the parent is incarcerated. She teaches parenting classes as part of the Ignite program in the local county jail and helps incarcerated parents connect with their children with monthly "Book Mail" that allows parents and children to share a book together during virtual visits while the parent is away.
“We planted a seed—those small moments can grow into something beautiful that lasts a lifetime.”
A Memorable Moment
Among the many stories in her career, one moment that stands out is with a young mother, who had endured a difficult childhood, who was learning to embrace parenthood in new ways. When Wendy suggested reading to her baby, the mother looked surprised.
“You mean I can read to my child?” she asked.
Wendy took the family outside and together they read a board book with the baby nestled beside them. The child’s eyes lit up with curiosity, and the mother’s face reflected wonder and joy. That simple act sparked a new family ritual that continues today.
“We planted a seed,” Wendy said. “Those small moments can grow into something beautiful that lasts a lifetime.”
Looking to the Future of Home Visiting
Wendy dreams of a world where every parent can access a home visitor. She believes that more funding and support could expand these life-changing services to all families, regardless of circumstance.
“Every parent could use help in their parenting journey,” she said. “Home visiting is about connecting, not just delivering a curriculum. It’s about slowing down, noticing, and partnering with parents as they guide their children’s growth.”
Her advice to those considering a career in the field is clear: come in with an open heart, expect the unexpected, and leave your preconceptions at the door.
During National Home Visiting Week, Wendy is being celebrated for her dedication, skill, and compassion. Her recognition as a top home visitor is a testament to the profound impact of her work—helping families thrive, one small moment at a time.
Congratulations on your well-deserved selection as National Home Visitor of the Year, Wendy!
For more information on the Eastern Idaho Public Health Department, visit https://eiph.id.gov/.
Parents as Teachers: Parents as Teachers operates in local communities across the United States and around the world. With more than 1,000 affiliates using their evidence-based model, they nurture positive change for every child and every family. Learn more at https://parentsasteachers.org/
National Home Visiting Week: Celebrating home visiting and the professionals who make this field special! National Home Visiting Week (NHVW), is a yearly observance to celebrate and recognize home visitors and the positive impact they make on maternal and child health outcomes. In 2025, the Institute for the Advancement of Family Support Professionals (Institute), an organization focused on strengthening home visiting and human service programs across the country, began this grassroots movement with nonprofit partners and elected officials across the country. The 2026 National Home Visiting Week will be held April 20-24, 2026 nationwide. Learn more at www.theinstitutefsp.org/nhvweek
Institute for the Advancement of Family Support Professionals (Institute): The Institute is an organization focused on strengthening home visiting and human service programs across the country. The Institute offers home visitors and family support professionals everywhere the opportunity to learn new skills and grow their careers and is the national hub for personal growth, professional development and career advancement. Learn more at www.theinstitutefsp.org
#NHVW #NationalHomeVisitingWeek #NHVW2026 #HomeVisitingHeroes
Thank you to Molina Healthcare for providing 2026 corporate sponsorship, allowing us to provide a gift package to five home visitors across the country who we honor as National Home Visitors of the Year.