Michele Davidson, PhD, PMHNP-BC, PMH-C, CNM, CFN
Dr. Michele Davidson is a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, certified nurse midwife and forensic nurse who founded Chesapeake Bay Psychiatry, a private practice located in Virginia, that specializes in perinatal and women’s mental health. Dr. Davidson attended Marymount University for her nursing education as a registered nurse, and later received a BSN from George Mason University. Dr. Davidson holds a MSN and certificate in nurse midwifery from Case Western Reserve University and a PhD in nursing administration and health policy and a post-master’s certificate as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, all from George Mason University.
Dr. Davidson held an appointment at George Mason University as an associate professor for 20 years. During that time, she developed the Smith Island Community Health Program, the graduate forensic nursing certificate program and briefly headed up the PhD Program during her tenure there. She is a best-selling book author of over 35 maternal-newborn nursing and psychiatric textbooks, receiving the American Journal of Nursing Book Award in 2012 for her book, A Nurse’s Guide to Women’s Mental Health. She has published over 75 papers in peer reviewed journals and is a frequent speaker at international and national conferences.
Dr. Davidson is a postpartum psychosis survivor who later began research in PMADs out of frustration for the lack of information on postpartum psychosis. She eventually developed the Davidson Conceptual Model of Prodromal Postpartum Psychosis Symptomology to better understand risk factors for PPP. She was the coordinator for PPP with Postpartum Support International for 12 years before accepting her board appointment.
Dr. Davidson founded the Smith Island Foundation, a non-profit organization providing health service screenings on Smith Island in 2004 and served as the executive director for 10 years. She has also served as a board member for Smith Island United, another non-profit benefiting the rural island community in Maryland. She is an advocate for families with children with disabilities, providing consultation to multiple organizations and agencies.
The Davidson family own the Smith Island Inn and Vacation properties and Visiting Cape Charles Vacation Properties in Maryland and Virginia. She has been married to her nurse practitioner husband for over 30 years and has children. Dr. Davidson’s son, Hayden, is also active in committee work on PPP within PSI.
