The Center for Women is passionately committed to excellence in women’s health. We build relationships with our patients based on courtesy, trust, and respect and confidentiality.
We encourage you to learn more about the qualifications and personalities of our physicians. Simply click on the links below.
Dr. Jennifer Baird, M.D., F.A.C.O.G. received her undergraduate degree and her medical degree at West Virginia University in Morgantown, WV. She completed a residency in obstetrics and gynecology at The Ohio State University in Columbus, OH. Her special interests include minimally invasive surgery, uterine ablation and contraception. She is also a NAMS Certified Menopause Practitioner.
Prior to joining The Center for Women in 1999, she was associated with Mount Carmel East in Columbus, Ohio and with Planned Parenthood of Southeast Ohio. She is a Fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
In addition to practicing medicine, Dr. Baird enjoys spending time with her husband, two children and her animals. She also enjoys riding horses and actively assisting her kids with their 4H projects.
Gaye Choleva, D.N.P., C.N.M. graduated from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio with a Doctorate in Nursing and Board Certified in Midwifery. She has been practicing as a Certified Nurse Midwife since 1993. She pioneered the first Nurse Midwifery practice in the Youngstown area.
Dr. Choleva’s scope of practice is both obstetrical and gynecological. She has a full range gynecological practice including contraception, hormone replacement therapy management, in office procedures, breast issues and bone issues. Patient ages vary from preteens to their 90’s.
In addition to practicing midwifery, Dr. Choleva enjoys spending time with her three sons, two grandsons, and one granddaughter. She also enjoys traveling, watching the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the Cleveland Indians.
** Retiring January 31, 2023 **
Keri Speicher, APRN,NP-C received her Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from Akron University and her Master’s Degree from Malone University. Keri is a graduate of Malone University Family Nurse Practitioner Program and is certified in Ohio as a Family Nurse Practitioner. She is also a NAMS Certified Menopause Practitioner.
Prior to joining The Center for Women in September 2012, Keri worked as a pediatric nurse for 13 years at Akron Children’s Hospital in Akron and the Mahoning Valley. Keri brings a total of approximately 25 years of nursing experience to her role here at The Center for Women.
Keri and her husband live near the area with their two wonderful daughters and a cuddly bichon frise puppy named Molly.
Debbie Walker, APRN, NP-C received her Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from Waynesburg University in Washington, PA and her Master’s Degree in Nursing from Youngstown State University.
Debbie is a board certified Family Nurse Practitioner in Ohio and Pennsylvania. She has 13 years of nursing experience in outpatient, surgery and intensive care. Prior to joining The Center for Women in 2022 she worked in Nephrology and Oncology.
Debbie enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters. She also enjoys reading, attending concerts and traveling to new places.
Jacqueline Shaffer, WHNP-BC received her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Nursing from Kent State University. Jackie is a graduate of Kent State’s Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner program and is NCC Board Certified as a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner.
Jackie has more than 28 years of nursing experience, with the past 17 years being dedicated to the health and well-being of women throughout their life span. Jackie’s passion for learning and growing in the nursing profession gives rise to her ability to provide optimal health care and continue to serve women of all ages in our community.
Jackie has lived in the Mahoning Valley her entire life raising six wonderful children; five daughters and one son. In her free time, she likes to run in the beautiful Mill Creek Park, spend time with her adorable granddaughter and frequent concerts and events in our area.