AARON SACHS & ASSOCIATES - Key Persons
Alaina Kershner is originally from Seattle, Washington. She has a Bachelor's Degree from UC Berkeley and is currently in law school. Alaina started working as a paralegal in 2017. She has worked in personal injury, employment law, and civil rights law. She has also studied Business Law, Contract Law, and Intellectual Property Law. Alaina has always had an interest in law and is passionate about helping others.
In her spare time, she enjoys being with her children, dog, two cats, and all of her house plants.
Allison Miller has 22 years of combined experience in the medical field. I started my medical career as soon as I turned 18 and my first job was at St John's Regional Medical Center in Joplin. I received my LPN license in 2008. I was born and raised in the area, graduated from Galena High School, and have lived in the area most of my life. I moved to Mobile, Alabama for 4 years and came back home in 2020. My partner Chris and I have 5 children between the two of us. Coltin, Greysen, Kingston, Autumn, and Ryker. I have been blessed with an amazing family, they are my priority, and all my extra time is spent making memories with them.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Your Legal Team
- Paralegal
Amy has lived in Springfield for 40 years and is a graduate of Glendale High School. She holds a Bachelor's in Political Science and Theatre from Missouri State University. Amy has over 20 years of experience in the legal field and joined Aaron Sachs & Associates, P.C. in November 2016.
Job Titles:
- Attorney
- Member of the Your Legal Team
Andy has over two decades of legal experience. He has resided in Southwest Missouri for the majority of his life. Andy is a graduate of Missouri Southern State University (BS, 1997) in Joplin and the University of Tulsa-College of Law (JD, 2000). He was a trial attorney with Ikard & Brown Law Offices from 2000-2015, and then his own practice from 2015-2018. Andy has also served as general counsel for an insurance company, a part-time prosecutor for over 12 years, and he has served numerous communities as a Missouri Circuit Court-Municipal Division judge since 2003. He is a member of the Missouri Bar and the Federal Western District.
Job Titles:
- Attorney
- Member of the Your Legal Team
Brandon received an academic scholarship to attend Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri where he graduated with a Bachelors of Arts in Administrative Management and a minor in Legal Studies. While at Missouri State University, he was President and Treasurer of his fraternity while also active in several charitable organizations, including the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Brandon earned his Juris Doctorate from Saint Louis University School of Law in 2009. While in law school, he participated in Moot Court and the Saint Louis University Law Journal. He graduated in the top 20% of his class and was awarded the Academic Excellence Award in Bankruptcy.
After law school, Brandon returned to Southwest Missouri to raise his family. He has extensive litigation experience including having been a partner in a law firm specializing in trucking litigation. Brandon was also senior counsel to a division of a Fortune 500 company where he handled a variety of legal issues that arise during the operations of a major company. Brandon is licensed to practice law in Missouri and is a member of the Missouri Bar and the Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association.
Job Titles:
- Attorney
- Member of the Your Legal Team
Brandon graduated from Drury College in 1995 with a degree in Business Administration. He attended law school at the University of Missouri at Kansas City and graduated in 2000. He was admitted to the Missouri Bar and to the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri. He has diverse background, previously practicing in several different areas of law. He now specializes in premises liability, commercial motor vehicle accidents, insurance law, automobile accidents and workers compensation. He joined Aaron Sachs & Associates, P.C. in March of 2019.
Brittany Dace is from Ozark, Missouri. She joined the firm with an Associate's Degree in Business Management. Although Brittany has been a paralegal in personal injury law for 5 years, she has also worked as a personal banker and an auto insurance adjuster in the past. She ultimately pursued a career in the legal field to help people.
In her spare time, she enjoys being in the outdoors with family, reading, and crafting.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Your Legal Team
- Paralegal
A native of Oklahoma, Dana graduated from high school in Siloam Springs, Arkansas before moving to Joplin, Missouri. Dana attended Missouri Southern State University in Joplin where she earned a B.S. in Criminal Justice and Administration with an associate degree in Law Enforcement. While at MSSU, she was a member and events coordinator for LEX. She later went on to obtain her paralegal certification from MSSU.
Dana has been working in the personal injury legal field for over 25 years with experience in both Missouri and Kansas personal injury cases. In her free time, Dana enjoys Oklahoma Sooner football, enjoys cooking a variety of foods including Caribbean Cuisine, gardening, and spending time with her husband Carlton and son Shaun.
Job Titles:
- Attorney
- Member of the Your Legal Team
Job Titles:
- Member of the Your Legal Team
- Paralegal
Deanna joined Aaron Sachs & Associates, P.C. as a clerk in 2014, and quickly transitioned to a paralegal position. Before joining our team, Deanna worked in several different industries and spent many years with a high-end window manufacturer and distributor. Deanna specializes in customer service and account management and utilizes her extensive skills to better serve our clients. In addition to her role as a paralegal, Deanna assists with training new employees and serves as our case management software administrator.
Deanna enjoys spending her free time with her family and creating textile art.
Job Titles:
- Accounting Director
- Director of Finance
Doreen M. Algeo holds a Master Degree in Business with an Information Systems emphasis from Webster University. Before joining Aaron Sachs & Associates P.C., Doreen worked several years in the accounting "controllership" role for a variety of industries such as transportation, utilities, education, and in general small businesses. Doreen enjoys spending time with her two children, who are currently enrolled in college and pursuing medical careers. In her spare time, she stays active running, swimming, hiking, and bicycling. She also volunteers for CASA, Christian County CERT, Lions Club, and is active with her church.
Elizabeth has lived in Springfield for over 40 years. She graduated Cum Laude from Missouri State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications and Legal Studies. She has over 12 years legal experience.
She enjoys spending time with her two children, Caitlin and Nick. In her free time she enjoys hiking, biking and traveling.
Hunter DeLong was born and raised in Springfield, Missouri. He attended Drury University where he graduated with a degree in Biology and Mathematics. While at Drury, he spent his time tutoring students in math, being the Vice President of Drury's Chapter of College Republicans, and organizing events for the Muscular Dystrophy Association through his fraternity. He gained auto-injury experience while working for Tuner Reid Duncan Loomer & Patton, LLP. Since then, he has jumped around to other firms gaining experience in multiple fields of law before landing at Aaron Sachs & Associates.
In his free time, Hunter enjoys reading, staying politically active, and studying for the LSAT while he prepares to attend law school.
Janet joined our team in 2020. She is new to personal injury law but offers a wealth of nursing experience to aid our clients. Janet has a diverse nursing background spanning 30 years. Janet began her career in St. Louis, Missouri where she was employed by busy metropolitan hospitals as well as three years in forensic nursing for the St. Louis City Jail. Janet moved to Springfield around 7 years ago with her family and assumed a specialty position at Mercy Hospital in the Emergency Department for 5 years. Janet is a member of the National League of Nurses and held positions to promote nursing enrichment in her places of employment.
Job Titles:
- Attorney
- Member of the Your Legal Team
Before law school, Joel attended Truman State University where he graduated cum laude with a B.S. in Business Administration - Finance and minor in Economics. While attending Truman, he was a member of Alpha Phi Omega. Joel attended the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Law where he received his Juris Doctorate in 2001.
While there, he served as president of the law school's chapter of the Christian Legal Society and the author for the Missouri Environmental Law and Policy Review. After law school, Joel worked for Missouri Attorney General Jay Nixon, where he gained experience at the appellate level arguing in the Missouri Supreme Court and Court of Appeals.
He also gained first and second-chair trial experience for six-years as an insurance defense attorney defending medical malpractice suits. He joined Aaron Sachs & Associates in 2009 where he enjoys working for individuals and their families to obtain compensation for their injuries. He has been involved in multimillion-dollar litigation while with the firm. Joel is a member of MATA and the Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association.
Joel and his wife, Shelley, have two sons and two daughters: Noah, Nathan, Natalie, and Norah. The family enjoys traveling, are involved in various activities with their children, and are active members in their church where Joel has served as a member of the Board of Trustees.
Job Titles:
- Attorney
- Member of the Your Legal Team
Karima graduated from the University of Missouri - Columbia, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science. Karima then went on to attend law school at the University of Missouri - Kansas City. While in law school, Karima enjoyed her time as a law clerk for an insurance defense law firm in Kansas City. Karima also held positions as Founder/President of the Animal Law Society, Secretary of the Delta Theta Phi legal fraternity, and was active in other extra-curricular activities. She graduated from UMKC School of Law in 2011.
After graduating law school, Karima moved to Springfield to be close to family. Since that time, Karima has gained experience working in the areas of insurance defense, and disability law. Prior to joining Aaron Sachs & Associates, P.C., Karima was doing development work for the Humane Society of Southwest Missouri and is still active as a volunteer with that organization. Karima is a member of the Southern Missouri Women Lawyers Association, is an officer of the Missouri Bar Animal Law Committee, and is a member of the Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association.
Originally from Chicago, Kelly graduated from Coyne College as a Medical Biller and Coder with certifications through The American Academy of Professional Coders, later specializing in Workers' Compensation as a Legal Billing Coordinator at Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates from 2017 to 2019. Later transitioning into the hospital industry to serve during the pandemic, she worked for Northwestern Medicine and The University of Chicago from 2019 to 2020. Now, she has relocating to Springfield, Missouri to become a part of the Aaron Sachs & Associates mission to be of service to the community.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Your Legal Team
- Paralegal
Originally from Kansas, Kelly moved to Missouri after college and has lived in Joplin since 1997. She worked in accounts receivable at a local country club for three years.
Kelly has served the Joplin area for 22 years as a paralegal, working in several areas of law, including personal injury, worker's compensation, probate, estate planning, family law, corporate, and litigation.
Kelly is thankful to have been blessed with her two children, Xander and Charlotte. In her free time, she enjoys reading, gardening, and spending time with friends and family.
Laken was born and raised in Hartville, Missouri. After finishing high school, Laken moved to Springfield where she attended Drury University and graduated with a degree in Paralegal Studies. Laken has been working in personal injury law for the past several years.
In her free time, Laken enjoys spending time with her family and husky, Chief. She loves the outdoors, attending concerts, and watching college sports.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Your Legal Team
- Paralegal
Born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri, he joined the firm with a degree in Political Science and Philosophy from Baylor University, class of 2019. Aspiring to law school, Lane enjoys his role working alongside the firm's team of seasoned attorneys, paralegals, and many support staff.
Laura Dannegger has been involved in events and nonprofit fundraising for over 20 years. Originally from St. Louis moved to Springfield with her husband; they have raised 2 sons and a daughter. They have been involved in church, school, and athletic events over the years. In her free time, Laura loves spending time with her children, boating on Table Rock Lake, and reading novels. Laura has a gift for hospitality, and her friends and family often benefit from her creative spirit.
Job Titles:
- Attorney
- Member of the Your Legal Team
Laurna was born and raised in Joplin, Missouri. In 2015, she graduated Magna Cum Laude from Missouri Southern State University with a Bachelor of Science in political science. In 2019, she graduated Cum Laude from the University of Missouri -Kansas City earning her Juris Doctorate and a Master of Arts in political science. Laurna has years of personal injury experience as a paralegal, law clerk, and attorney for personal injury firms in Joplin and the Kansas City metro. She is a member of the Missouri Bar and the Federal Western and Eastern Districts of Missouri.
She enjoys spending her spare time with her family and friends. She also enjoys traveling as much as possible.
Mandi was born and raised in Lafayette, Louisiana, but has been a Missouri resident since February of 2012. Mandi is currently a student at Colorado Technical University earning her master's degree in Organizational Leadership and Change.
Mandi enjoys outdoor activities with her husband Jeff and their 6 sons and her 1st granddaughter
Job Titles:
- Member of the Your Legal Team
- Paralegal
Mark Graham is originally from San Ramon, California. He attended Sonoma State University and San Francisco Academy of Arts University, and has a degree in Fine Arts and Computer Amination. Originally working in customer service and healthcare, Mark has been in the legal field for the past year.
In his spare time, Mark enjoys art, reading, and spending time with his niece and nephew.
Job Titles:
- Attorney
- Member of the Your Legal Team
Max received an academic scholarship to attend Missouri State University in Springfield Missouri. In 2005, he received a B.S. in biology, with a microbiology emphasis.
Max attended the University of Tulsa College of Law on an academic scholarship. While in law school, Max was a member of Phi Delta Phi honors fraternity and received the CALI Excellence for the Future Award for Indian Gaming Law. In 2011, he graduated cum laude and received the Kaplan Bar Review Scholarship.
Max returned to Springfield to practice law in 2011, and joined Aaron Sachs & Associates, P.C. in 2014. Max is licensed in the states of Missouri and Oklahoma, and the United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri. He is also a member of the Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association.
Max lives happily in Springfield with his wife, Tara, and young daughter, Brecklyn.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Your Legal Team
- Paralegal
Peggy is a native of Springfield, Missouri. She began her career in the legal field in 2001 and has been with Aaron Sachs & Associates since 2003.
Peggy's experience includes workers' compensation, personal injury, and litigation.
Peggy appreciates being part of a team that provides a high level of dedication and service helping people thru difficult times. Peggy enjoys volunteering for community organizations, reading, and music and is an avid fan of the Kansas City Chiefs and St. Louis Cardinals.
Regan de León was born and raised in Springfield, Missouri. Regan has a Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice from Missouri State University. She decided to pursue a career in the legal field because she wants to help individuals get justice and peace of mind in a time of need. She enjoys guiding people through the legal process and making them feel taken care of.
Prior to working at our law firm, Regan was a substance abuse counselor and intern for a year at Ozark Correctional Center, where she helped guide individuals toward recovery and a brighter future.
In her spare time, she enjoys tennis, pickleball, fishing, camping, reading, cooking, spending time with family, and watching crime documentaries.
Job Titles:
- Attorney
- Member of the Your Legal Team
Rick graduated from Belmont University as a Belmont Scholar with a Bachelor of Arts in Music and a minor in Entertainment Law. He earned his Juris Doctor from The University of Tennessee in 2006. In Law School Rick was awarded the Moot Court Brief Writing Award and was the 2005 Advocate's Prize Champion.
Rick moved to Springfield with his family in 2009 and has been a member of the Missouri Bar since that time. Rick is licensed in Missouri and Tennessee (inactive) and is admitted to the United States District Courts for the Western and Eastern Districts of Missouri. His professional memberships include the Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association and the Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Your Legal Team
- Paralegal
Tammy was raised in Wichita, Kansas, and attended Wichita State University before moving to Springfield, Missouri. She graduated Summa Cum Laude in 1996 with an Associate of Science degree in Paralegal Studies from Phillips Junior College in Springfield, Missouri. She has served as president of the Paralegal Club and has also done volunteer work for the Family Violence Center. Tammy has been working as a paralegal in the area of Social Security Disability since 1996.
Tammy is an avid reader and enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband, Tom.
Job Titles:
- Attorney
- Member of the Your Legal Team
Vera graduated Magna Cum Laude from Drury University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and a double minor in history and global studies. In 2014, she received her Juris Doctorate from St. Louis University School of Law. She became a member of the Missouri Bar in April 2015 and is also a member of the Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association. Vera has a diverse background of legal experience from her work with Legal Services of Southern Missouri, and she has several years of personal injury experience through her work with Aaron Sachs & Associates, P.C..
Job Titles:
- Member of the Your Legal Team
- Senior Paralegal
Vicky graduated Magna Cum Laude from Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kansas with a B.S. in Nursing in 1984. Before working in the legal field, she worked at Mercy Hospital (formerly St. John's Regional Health Center) in Springfield, Missouri. In 1988, Vicky started working for the law firm of Woolsey, Fisher, Whiteaker and McDonald as a paralegal. At Woolsey Fisher, she worked with a young attorney, Aaron Sachs. She worked there until 1995 when she came to work at Aaron Sachs & Associates, P.C. and has been here ever since, experiencing the growth that has occurred in the firm over the last nearly three decades.
Vicky is married and has two grown daughters.