Founding Members
The San Diego AALNC Chapter is proud to have these founding members as part of our chapter:
Joanne Behymer RN, MSN began her nursing career at The Christ Hospital School of Nursing in Cincinnati, Ohio. She completed a three year RN Diploma program and was licensed as a Registered Nurse. Later, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), graduating Magna Cum Laude, from Pepperdine University and a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from California State University Los Angeles. Also, she earned certificates in Public Health Nursing, Coronary Care Nursing and in Legal Nurse Consulting (LNC). Her nursing experience includes a variety of nursing disciplines and settings during many years of nursing. Joanne has had a successful independent LNC practice since 1987. Ms. Behymer was a founding member of the San Diego Association of Medical Legal Nurse Consultants (SDAMLNC) in San Diego in 1987 and the American Association of Legal Nurse Consultants (AALNC) in 1989. She served on the first board of directors of AALNC 1990-92 and authored the first national Membership Directory. She was instrumental in writing the national Code of Ethics and a member of the national Standards Committee which wrote the Scope of Practice and the early Standards of Care for Legal Nurse Consulting.
Rosanna Janes, RN, is the founder and first President of the San Diego Association of Medical Legal Nurse Consultants in 1986 (which later evolved into AALNC). Rosanna’s vision of this unique and vital role for Registered Nurses in assisting attorneys with medical-legal cases came to fruition. With seven years of clinical nursing experience, Rosanna has spent 25 years honing her skills as a Legal Nurse Consulting through her work in a large law firm, Luce, Forward, Hamilton & Scripps, followed by years as a successful independent consultant and owner of Janes & Associates. Rosanna served as President of AALNC – San Diego Chapter in 1996, and numerous board positions in the San Diego Chapter, throughout the years. She co-authored a chapter in two editions of “Legal Nurse Consulting: Principles and Practice”, and was a recipient of the Mary Baldwin Education Scholarship. Rosanna presented at the first annual AALNC conference and has authored various articles. 
Kathleen Loeffler RN BSN Graduating from San Diego State University in 1976. She worked for 10yrs NICU RN at Children’s Hospital and Health Center in San Diego and then began her independent LNC practice in 1987; consulting on medical malpractice, personal injury and toxic tort cases in San Diego County. Kathleen’s practice now encompasses all aspects of medical issues related to litigation - plaintiff and defense, and her clients extend throughout the United States. Kathleen worked closely with a number of bright, talented and innovative registered nurses, creating the foundation upon which the SDAALNC Chapter and National AALNC are based. Kathleen was President of the San Diego Chapter in 1992 as well as President–Elect, Past President, Treasurer, and Director at Large. She has served on numerous chapter committees. She also held a position on the national AALNC Board as Nominations Chair and participated in the AALNC National Conference Planning Committee, in 1989-1990.
Paula M. Schenck, RN, BSN, FT Legal Nurse Consultant for MRC (Medical Research Consultants) in Houston, TX from 2007-present. Current area of work: Pharmaceutical Litigation. Experience with Mass Tort Litigation, Product liability, Personal Injury, Probate, Employment Law, Toxic Torts, Malpractice (Medical & Legal). Previous law firm experience at Sidley Austin, Chicago, IL (1996-2007); Luce Forward, San Diego, CA (1988-1996). Clinical background NICU and PICU. Founder of AALNC; President National AALNC 1991-1992; National board member 1989-1993; Item Writer for Certification Examination of AALNC (1997), Editor Med-Legal Links San Diego CA Chapter AALNC (1989-1994), President SD Chapter AALNC (1994-1995).
Karen Wetther, RN, BSN, was the first LNC to be employed full-time for a law firm in San Diego. She developed and coordinated a Legal Nurse Consultant Certificate Program in 1993-2008 and offered workshops. Ms. Wetther is a founding member of the national organization, the American Association of Legal Nurse Consultants (AALNC), as well as the local San Diego chapter, and served on the first Board of Directors of the national organization from 1990-1992 and in other positions through the years, most recently 2008-2009. Karen authored a home study course on Legal Nurse Consulting for nurses, and contributed to two chapters in two editions of “Legal Nurse Consulting: Principles and Practice.” She has been a presenter at nursing conferences, the annual AALNC conference, at local AALNC chapter meetings and conferences, and for Consumer Attorneys of San Diego (CASD). In 2001, she received the Recognition of Service Award from AALNC (national organization) for significant contributions to the specialty, unwavering support for the goals and vision of AALNC and for mentorship and leadership. In 2009, she was the recipient of the Mary Baldwin Education Scholarship from the local San Diego AALNC chapter.
Full Chapter History Available for Download Below:
