She began working in Mexico City in 1976 in some of the poorest areas of the city as a social worker and educator with an international organization. Since moving to San Diego in 1989 and obtaining a BA in Spanish, Dr. Welland has volunteered with Mexican migrant workers and their families. Her doctoral dissertation explored culturally appropriate approaches for Latino men in treatment for intimate partner violence, an interest that grew out of her experience working with Latino men in domestic violence groups beginning in 1995. During this period she also co-facilitated groups for partner abusive men at the U.S. Navy with David Wexler, PhD.