Home Office Staff
410-626-7805
IAFN Staff
Jennifer Pierce-Weeks, BSN, RN, SANE-A, SANE-P
Chief Executive Officer
410-626-7805 ext 107
Chief Executive Officer
410-626-7805 ext 107
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Bio
Jennifer Pierce-Weeks serves as the Chief Executive Officer, overseeing all programming offered by the Association, including the annual conference and all grant-funded projects and programming. She was responsible for creating the Association's adult/adolescent and pediatric online SANE trainings and implementing the Online Learning Center. She has served IAFN in various roles including Chief Operations Officer, Education Director, Interim CEO, and Board President. She brings nearly 30 years of nursing experience, focusing on forensic nursing since 1995. Jennifer presents nationally and internationally on a variety of forensic nursing-related topics, including sexual assault and abuse, intimate partner violence, strangulation, child maltreatment and program management and sustainability. In addition, Jennifer has written, edited, and reviewed state-specific protocols and customized protocols for hospitals, journal articles, SARTs, and tribal communities.
Jennifer Pierce-Weeks
Jennifer Pierce-Weeks serves as the Chief Executive Officer, overseeing all programming offered by the Association, including the annual conference and all grant-funded projects and programming. She was responsible for creating the Association's adult/adolescent and pediatric online SANE trainings and implementing the Online Learning Center. She has served IAFN in various roles including Chief Operations Officer, Education Director, Interim CEO, and Board President. She brings nearly 30 years of nursing experience, focusing on forensic nursing since 1995. Jennifer presents nationally and internationally on a variety of forensic nursing-related topics, including sexual assault and abuse, intimate partner violence, strangulation, child maltreatment and program management and sustainability. In addition, Jennifer has written, edited, and reviewed state-specific protocols and customized protocols for hospitals, journal articles, SARTs, and tribal communities.
Jen Canton, MSN, RN, CCRN, CEN, TCRN, SANE-A, SANE-P
Forensic Nursing Project Director for IAFN Foundation
410-626-7805 ext 153
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Bio
Jen Canton is the Forensic Nursing Project Director for the IAFN Foundation’s Global Forensic Nursing TeleConnect Center. She has been a nurse for over 20 years with experience in several areas before specializing in forensic nursing. She is certified in critical care nursing, emergency nursing, trauma nursing and has her pediatric/adolescent and adolescent/adult SANE certifications. Jen has been involved in multiple grant projects aimed at training new SANEs and expanding SANE services to underserved areas. Most recently, Jen developed the first 24/7 full-time forensic nursing team in South Dakota and expanded that program to provide both in-person and teleSANE support to 70 facilities in six states. She holds an associate’s degree in Applied Science of Nursing a bachelor degree in Science of Nursing, and a master degree in Nursing with a forensic focus (Duquesne University).
Jen Canton
Jen Canton is the Forensic Nursing Project Director for the IAFN Foundation’s Global Forensic Nursing TeleConnect Center. She has been a nurse for over 20 years with experience in several areas before specializing in forensic nursing. She is certified in critical care nursing, emergency nursing, trauma nursing and has her pediatric/adolescent and adolescent/adult SANE certifications. Jen has been involved in multiple grant projects aimed at training new SANEs and expanding SANE services to underserved areas. Most recently, Jen developed the first 24/7 full-time forensic nursing team in South Dakota and expanded that program to provide both in-person and teleSANE support to 70 facilities in six states. She holds an associate’s degree in Applied Science of Nursing a bachelor degree in Science of Nursing, and a master degree in Nursing with a forensic focus (Duquesne University).
Chantel Hammond MSN, RN, AFN-C, SANE-A, SANE-P
Forensic Nursing Specialist
410-626-7805 ext 131
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Bio
Chantel is a Forensic Nursing Specialist, providing Training and Technical assistance to those performing SANE services. She received her Bachelors of Science of Nursing from the University of Michigan and her Masters of Science in Nursing, focusing in Forensic Nursing, from Oakland University. She has dedicated her career to caring for patients impacted by trauma, violence & maltreatment, starting off as a trauma/emergency nurse at Michigan Medicine in 2015. From there, she practiced as a forensic nurse examiner in various roles including bedside and leadership, while caring for pediatric, adolescent & adult sexual assault survivors and survivors of intimate partner violence. She holds a certification as a Pediatric & Adolescent/Adult Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner & Advanced Forensic Nurse Examiner. She specializes in forensic nursing education, IPV/non-fatal strangulation assessment, & health equity, diversity & inclusion.
Chantel Hammond
Chantel is a Forensic Nursing Specialist, providing Training and Technical assistance to those performing SANE services. She received her Bachelors of Science of Nursing from the University of Michigan and her Masters of Science in Nursing, focusing in Forensic Nursing, from Oakland University. She has dedicated her career to caring for patients impacted by trauma, violence & maltreatment, starting off as a trauma/emergency nurse at Michigan Medicine in 2015. From there, she practiced as a forensic nurse examiner in various roles including bedside and leadership, while caring for pediatric, adolescent & adult sexual assault survivors and survivors of intimate partner violence. She holds a certification as a Pediatric & Adolescent/Adult Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner & Advanced Forensic Nurse Examiner. She specializes in forensic nursing education, IPV/non-fatal strangulation assessment, & health equity, diversity & inclusion.
Sarah Jimenez Valdez
Senior Project Manager
410-626-7805 ext 102
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Bio
Sarah has provided support to IAFN since April 2018, assisting with federally funded projects, membership, and financial affairs. Dedicated to serving the under-served, she has worked in the domestic violence field and women’s health issues. Among her skills are organizational development and the use of the Enneagram tool.
Sarah Jimenez-Valdez
Sarah has provided support to IAFN since April 2018, assisting with federally funded projects, membership, and financial affairs. Dedicated to serving the under-served, she has worked in the domestic violence field and women’s health issues. Among her skills are organizational development and the use of the Enneagram tool.
Apple Montuya
Website and Database Senior Manager
410-626-7805 ext 126
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Bio
Prior to joining IAFN, Apple Montuya spent most of her career developing IT solutions and administering systems. At IAFN, she leverages experience in web development and project management to manage websites and databases.
Apple Montuya
Prior to joining IAFN, Apple Montuya spent most of her career developing IT solutions and administering systems. At IAFN, she leverages experience in web development and project management to manage websites and databases.
Kelsey Morris
Project Manager
410-626-7805 ext 144
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Bio
Kelsey Morris is a Project Manager. She has extensive experience working with local and Tribal communities and serving as an advocate for individuals within those communities. Kelsey is an enrolled member of the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Welfare and is working toward her Master’s degree in Human and Health Services Administration.
Kelsey Morris
Kelsey Morris is a Project Manager. She has extensive experience working with local and Tribal communities and serving as an advocate for individuals within those communities. Kelsey is an enrolled member of the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Welfare and is working toward her Master’s degree in Human and Health Services Administration.
Laci Smith MSN, RN, CPN, SANE-A
Forensic Nursing Specialist
410-626-7805 ext 143
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Bio
Laci is a Forensic Nursing Specialist providing training and technical assistance. She is a certified pediatric nurse with almost a decade of experience in acute care, sexual assault and child advocacy centers, and academia. Laci has developed multidisciplinary simulation programs, curricula for Associate and BSN programs, and holds a BSN and MSN from Georgia Southwestern State University. She practices at The Lily Pad SANE Center and teaches for the Georgia Forensic Nursing Network.
Laci Smith MSN
Laci is a Forensic Nursing Specialist providing training and technical assistance. She is a certified pediatric nurse with almost a decade of experience in acute care, sexual assault and child advocacy centers, and academia. Laci has developed multidisciplinary simulation programs, curricula for Associate and BSN programs, and holds a BSN and MSN from Georgia Southwestern State University. She practices at The Lily Pad SANE Center and teaches for the Georgia Forensic Nursing Network.
Chenel Vanden Berk, BSFS, JD, RN, SANE-A, SANE-P
Forensic Nursing Specialist
410-626-7805 ext 142
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Bio
Chenel Vanden Berk is a Forensic Nursing Specialist. She has dedicated her career to forensic nursing for over 13 years and has been actively involved as an IAFN member, having served as the Illinois Chapter president in 2018–2019 and member of its board of directors, 2023–January 2024. As a forensic nurse, Chenel combines her passion for caring for patients who have been victimized with a focus on healthcare, science, and justice. She has actively participated in several multidisciplinary teams, including the Illinois Domestic Violence Fatality Review Team. Her commitment to advocating for healthcare equity and inclusion for individuals who have been victimized led her to serve as a member of Illinois Congresswoman Lauren Underwood’s Healthcare Advisory Council, 2020–2022. Before nursing, Chenel was an attorney who practiced public interest law in Chicago, focusing on families and domestic violence. She earned her Bachelor of Science from Georgetown University and her Juris Doctor from Loyola University School of Law.
Chenel Vanden Berk
Chenel Vanden Berk is a Forensic Nursing Specialist. She has dedicated her career to forensic nursing for over 13 years and has been actively involved as an IAFN member, having served as the Illinois Chapter president in 2018–2019 and member of its board of directors, 2023–January 2024. As a forensic nurse, Chenel combines her passion for caring for patients who have been victimized with a focus on healthcare, science, and justice. She has actively participated in several multidisciplinary teams, including the Illinois Domestic Violence Fatality Review Team. Her commitment to advocating for healthcare equity and inclusion for individuals who have been victimized led her to serve as a member of Illinois Congresswoman Lauren Underwood’s Healthcare Advisory Council, 2020–2022. Before nursing, Chenel was an attorney who practiced public interest law in Chicago, focusing on families and domestic violence. She earned her Bachelor of Science from Georgetown University and her Juris Doctor from Loyola University School of Law.
Gillian Wettstein
Sr. Finance Director
410-626-7805 ext 149
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Bio
Gillian has worked in the field of non-profit finance for over 22 years. She extensive business management experience includes accounting, payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, budgeting, grant management, audit facilitation, financial statement reporting, and collaborating with staff, board and organizational leadership. Gillian previously worked for organizations focused on women’s health, domestic violence advocacy, education and environmental/animal welfare. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Arizona.
Gillian Wettstein
Gillian has worked in the field of non-profit finance for over 22 years. She extensive business management experience includes accounting, payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, budgeting, grant management, audit facilitation, financial statement reporting, and collaborating with staff, board and organizational leadership. Gillian previously worked for organizations focused on women’s health, domestic violence advocacy, education and environmental/animal welfare. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Arizona.