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, LPC-MHSP (temp), M.S.

Clinical Director

Lauren Castor joined TLAP’s Professional Clinical Team in March 2021. Lauren has her LPC-MHSP (temp) license and is working under the supervision of Tammy Stone, LPC-MHSP, QCS, LADAC, QCS to obtain full licensure. Lauren is also a QPR Gatekeeper Instructor and is passionate about suicide prevention.

Lauren earned her Master of Science in Clinical Psychology from Murray State University and has worked with individuals of all ages in therapy and neuropsychological/psychoeducational assessments. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music Performance and Psychology from King University.

Lauren is dedicated to supporting TLAP’s mission of providing support and education to individuals in the legal profession and protecting the public through specialized and confidential mental health care. She believes that every person possesses inherent strength and the capacity for transformation to live a healthy and joyful life.

LPC-MHSP (temp) License Number: 7269

Supervisor: Tammy Stone, LPC-MHSP, QCS, LADAC, QCS

LPC License Number: 2263

LADAC License Number: 547

Email: Lauren.Castor@tncourts.gov

Erin Lynch, LPC-MHSP (temp), M.A., M.Ed.

Erin Lynch joined TLAP’s Professional Clinical Team as a Clinical Case Manager in October 2023. Along with Lauren Castor, Erin is a temporarily Licensed Professional Counselor with a Mental Health Service Provider Designation (LPC-MHSP) and is under clinical supervision with Tammy Stone, LPC-MHSP, as she progresses towards full licensure, ensuring her commitment to providing effective, evidence-based clinical services. Erin is also a certified QPR Gatekeeper Instructor and cares deeply about suicide prevention in the legal field.

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.

LPC-MHSP (temp) License Number: 7276

Supervisor: Tammy Stone, LPC-MHSP, LADAC II, QCS

LPC License Number: 2263

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