Staff

J.E. “Buddy” Stockwell III JD, CCI

Executive Director

Buddy Stockwell was appointed by the Tennessee Supreme Court on July 1, 2020, as the new Executive Director of the Tennessee Lawyers Assistance Program (TLAP). Stockwell comes from south Louisiana where he has been a volunteer and program monitor for the state’s Committee on Alcohol and Drug Abuse since 1993, and the Executive Director of Louisiana’s comprehensive Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program (JLAP) peer professionals’ program for the last ten years. He is a Certified Clinical Interventionist through “Love First” training at the Betty Ford Center and has personally been in recovery from alcoholism for over 38 years. Over the years he has supported hundreds of bar members, bar applicants, and family members of the bar with a wide range of substance use disorders and mental health issues. Stockwell earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Management from Louisiana State University in 1989 and a Juris Doctor degree from LSU Law School in 1993. Post-law school, he practiced in both large and small firm settings, but ultimately opened a solo practice in Baton Rouge where he focused heavily on domestic litigation. In 2004 he sold his Baton Rouge law office, home, and vehicles and he and his wife, Melissa, moved aboard a large catamaran and sailed the seas for six years, covering 19,000 nautical miles. Stockwell is a U.S. Coast Guard Licensed Captain and seasoned ocean mariner. He also served in the Navy prior to college. He is dedicated to TLAP’s mission and very excited to serve the Tennessee Supreme Court, the TLAP Commission, and stakeholders in the profession as the new TLAP Executive Director.

Email: Buddy.Stockwell@tncourts.gov

Lauren Castor, M.S.

Clinical Case Manager

Lauren was hired in March 2021 as a TLAP Clinical Case Manager. She has a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology from Murray State University and has worked with individuals of all ages in therapy and neuropsychological/psychoeducational assessments. Lauren is working toward licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), and is currently under the supervision of Tammy Stone, LPC-MHSP, QCS, LADAC, QCS. Lauren is also passionate about music and has a Bachelor of Arts in Music Performance as well as Psychology from King University. She is dedicated to supporting TLAP’s mission to providing support and education to individuals in the legal profession and protecting the public.

Supervisor: Tammy Stone, LPC-MHSP, QCS, LADAC, QCS
LPC License Number: 2263
LADAC License Number: 547

Email: Lauren.Castor@tncourts.gov

Erin Lynch, M.A., M.Ed.

Erin Lynch joined TLAP’s Professional Clinical Team as a Clinical Case Manager Trainee in October 2023. Along with Lauren Castor, Erin is under clinical supervision with Tammy Stone, LPC-MHSP, as she progresses towards licensure, ensuring her commitment to providing effective, evidence-based clinical services.

Erin has earned her Master of Education in Counseling Psychology from Teachers College, Columbia University, and also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Asian & Middle Eastern Studies and Political Science from the same university. Prior to her role at TLAP, Erin worked at Vibrant Emotional Health as a Mental Health Counseling Intern, providing comprehensive clinical services to clients struggling with mood disorders and substance abuse disorders. In addition, Erin has past work experience in the realms of public policy, criminal prosecution, and domestic violence litigation, and understands the challenges of working in the legal field.

Erin is fully dedicated to TLAP’s mission of providing the legal community with the specialized, confidential clinical support services necessary to become healthy, resilient lawyers and to protect the public from harm. Erin believes in each person’s capacity for healing and growth, and is committed to supporting clients with their efforts to achieve long-term recovery and creating more healthy, joyful lives in her role at TLAP.

Email: Erin.Lynch@tncourts.gov

Emily Lacey CRS

Outreach and Clinical Coordinator

Emily Lacey has been an member of TLAP’s administrative staff since 2005. Emily holds a Bachelor’s degree in Integrated Studies from Middle Tennessee State University and is a Certified Recovery Specialist (CRS). Her diverse skill set allows her to excel in her role as TLAP’s coordinator, where she envisions, designs, and implements outreach strategies and programs like Camp TLAP. These initiatives not only bolster TLAP’s confidential clinical services but also educate professionals about the different categories of TLAP’s offerings, underscore TLAP’s efficacy and performance metrics, and disseminate crucial data on mental health challenges and solutions within the field. Additionally, Emily provides administrative support to the Executive Director, Clinical Director, and Clinical Case Manager in managing TLAP’s formal Recovery Monitoring program.

Email: Emily.Lacey@tncourts.gov

Sarah Burden

Office & Marketing Coordinator

Sarah earned her Bachelor’s of Business Administration from Auburn University’s Harbert College of Business in 2016. Her previous work experience includes both the medical and public relations fields. Having grown up in a household that worked heavily in the government sector, she is excited to begin a career serving the Tennessee Supreme Court to help break the stigma surrounding the discussion of mental health. In her free time, Sarah loves practicing self-care by attending concerts and any Nashville Predators home games that she can.

Email: Sarah.Burden@tncourts.gov