Meet Our Providers

WELCOME!

PROUDLY SERVING CHILDREN SINCE 1992...

Dr. Emejuru opened the doors of Children's Health Associates of Tidewater with a vision to provide compassionate, high-quality care to children and their families. Today CHAT proudly serves multiple generations —many of our patients are the children and grandchildren of those who once came to us as kids themselves.

It's always a joy to see familiar faces and the smiles of families who have trusted us for decades. One of the most common things we hear from our patients is how comforting it is to see the same friendly staff year after year in our office. Several members of our team have been with CHAT for over 20 years, and many others nearly as long.

At Children's Health Associates of Tidewater, we strive to create a welcoming environment where children feel safe, comfortable and cared for—and where families know they can trust our providers to deliver the best care possible for every visit!

Michelle Wise, DNP, CPNP, PMHS

Michelle is a dual-certified advanced practice pediatric nurse practitioner with over 35 years of clinical experience. Her dedication to pediatric care and mental health has shaped a distinguished and impactful career. Originally from New York City, Dr. Wise earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from CUNY Herbert H. Lehman College in 1977. After relocating to Virginia, she worked in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Riverside Regional Medical Center. A few years later, she chose to transition from the hospital setting and pursue her Pediatric Nurse Practitioner certification at SUNY Stony Brook. Driven by a desire to serve, Dr. Wise joined the United States Air Force Nurse Corps. During her time as an officer, she recognized the growing need for mental health support among military dependents and went on to obtain certification as a Pediatric Mental Health Specialist (PMHS).

In the years before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, she observed the significant impact of reduced physical activity and social isolation on children’s health—particularly a rise in pediatric obesity. Utilizing her GI Bill benefits, Dr. Wise focused her doctoral work on developing prevention and intervention strategies for childhood obesity within the pediatric primary care setting. Known for her enthusiasm, compassion, and decades-long commitment to pediatric health, Dr. Wise continues to provide holistic and evidence-based care to children and families.

Outside of her clinical work, she enjoys spending quality time with her daughters and grandchildren.

Stacy Lawton, MSN, CPNP-PC

Stacy is a board-certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and Lieutenant Commander in the United States Navy Reserves. With a deep commitment to both civilian and military service, she is committed to delivering compassionate, evidence-based care to children and their families. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Hampton University and completed her graduate degree at Virginia Commonwealth University/Medical College of Virginia, specializing in pediatric primary care.

With years of clinical experience, she is dedicated to creating a safe, supportive environment where every child feels seen and heard. Stacy believes in empowering families with the knowledge and tools they need to raise healthy, thriving kids. Her clinical interests include childhood nutrition, preventative health, and adolescent wellness. Proudly serving the Chesapeake community, Stacy continues to advocate for accessible
inclusive pediatric care.

Outside of work, she enjoys reading, hiking, shopping and game nights with family.

Molly Girard, MSN, FNP-C

Molly is a dedicated Pediatric Nurse Practitioner who brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care. Born and raised in Clinton, Mississippi, Molly earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Southern Mississippi. She spent several years working as a registered nurse in Neonatal Intensive Care Units across Mississippi, Virginia, Georgia, and California, gaining valuable experience in caring for critically ill newborns.

In 2020, Molly completed her Master of Science in Nursing at the University of South Alabama and began her career as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner in primary care. She is passionate about building meaningful relationships with her patients and their families, and feels honored to care for the pediatric population.

Molly now lives in Virginia Beach with her husband, Britton, a Naval pilot, along with their two children and beloved pets. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, cheering on the Buffalo Bills, thrifting, and exploring the outdoors.

Ogubuike Emejuru, MD, MPH, FAAP

Dr. Ogu Emejuru is a board-certified pediatrician who is committed to providing compassionate, empathetic, and high-quality care to children and working hand in hand with their families. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the University of Alabama in Huntsville, Alabama, and a Doctor of Medicine from the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine. He completed a pediatric internship and residency and a mini fellowship in sickle cell disease at Howard University Hospital in Washington, D.C. He holds a master's degree in public health from the Milken Institute School of Public Health of The George Washington University in Washington, DC. He is an assistant professor of clinical pediatrics (community) at the Mason & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences Eastern Virginia Medical School at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia.

He is in professional practice and owns and operates Children's Health Associates of Tidewater and CHAT Behavioral Services, a mental health practice in Chesapeake, Virginia. He has a particular interest in the mental health of children. He completed the mental health course offered by the REACH Institute to enhance his skills in the care of children with common mental health issues. He has attending privileges at the Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters in Norfolk, Virginia. Dr. Emejuru was named Top Pediatrics Doc, Coastal Virginia Magazine, September 2014. Dr. Emejuru has been keenly involved with significant efforts to improve healthcare delivery in Nigeria and has partnered with major nongovernmental American organizations such as Physicians for Peace in carrying out medical missions to enhance pediatric care, one of which was introducing the initial Helping Baby Breath program in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. He is the founder of Medical Visions for Peace, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that has taught and transferred skills to numerous medical providers during medical trips. He is certified by the American Board of Pediatrics and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics and a member of the sections of International Child Health, Community Health of the American Academy of Pediatrics and served as a board member of several civic organizations, including the Sickle Cell Society in Norfolk, Virginia. He was one of a few physicians invited to the White House to be honored by President George Bush for medical volunteer missions in Nigeria. https://physiciansforpeace.wordpress.com/2008/05/.../pfp-at-the-white-house

Lenoa “Leni” Walker, MSN, CPNP-PC

Leona is a certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner who is passionate about providing high-quality, compassionate care to children and their families. Born and raised in the Hampton Roads area, Leni always knew she wanted to work with children and make a difference in their lives.

She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Old Dominion University and began her nursing career in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters. After six years of hands-on experience, she returned to ODU to pursue her Master of Science in Nursing, specializing as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner.

As a long-standing member of Children’s Health Associates of Tidewater, Leni has built strong, lasting relationships with families in the community. She is especially passionate about disease prevention and promoting healthy lifestyles, encouraging children and families to develop habits that lead to long-term wellness.

Outside of work, Leni enjoys staying active, going on cruises, taking weekend road trips, and spending quality time with friends and family.