Welch is a native of Portage, Wisconsin.  She attended Central College in Pella, Iowa and received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education and German.  During her junior year she studied abroad in Germany and Austria.  She is a former teacher.  Prior to accepting the Youth Development position she was the County Youth Coordinator for ISU Extension in Cherokee County.  She and her husband Jon have two children. They will reside in Ryan, Iowa.