John Lesko

Executive Director

John Lesko joined TLAP as Executive Director in 2026, bringing one unwavering belief – that any lawyer courageous enough to seek help for a substance use or mental health concern deserves a second chance.

As a former attorney, John understands the stress and pressure that comes with a legal career.  And with more than 15 years helping impaired attorneys overcome serious concerns, he views impaired attorneys as “truly good people whose conduct is impacted by bad problems.”  John is daily motivated by the knowledge that addiction and mental health conditions are treatable, and the many lawyers he has witnessed prove this point.

John practiced as a litigator before transitioning to a career as a credentialed addiction clinician working exclusively with lawyers and other licensed professionals hindered by substance use and mental health conditions. Serving his clients’ clinical needs while concurrently advocating to their licensing boards and employers, John has helped hundreds of individuals across the United States achieve personal recovery and re-establish successful careers.

John’s professional experience includes roles as Executive Director of Florida Lawyers Assistance, Inc., National Director of Professionals Treatment at BoardPrep Recovery Center in Tampa, FL; and National Manager of Professionals Treatment at the University of Florida Health/Florida Recovery Center in Gainesville, FL.  As an attorney, John practiced in Ohio, primarily in workers’ compensation.

John holds specialty credentials as a Certified Addiction Professional and an Internationally Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor.   John received his law degree from the University of Cincinnati College of Law, and his bachelor’s degree in economics from UCLA.

John is a dog lover, a fan of the outdoors, and a sports fan who, being born and raised just a couple miles from the old Municipal Stadium in Cleveland, remains a long-suffering Browns devotee.

Email: John.Lesko@tncourts.gov

Lauren Castor, LPC-MHSP, M.S.

Clinical Director

Lauren Castor joined TLAP’s Professional Clinical Team in March 2021. Lauren has her LPC-MHSP license. 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 License Number: 7269

Email: Lauren.Castor@tncourts.gov

Erin Lynch, A-LPC/MHSP, M.A., M.Ed.

Clinical Case Manager

Erin Lynch joined TLAP’s Professional Clinical Team as a Clinical Case Manager in October 2023. Erin is an Associate Licensed Professional Counselor/Mental Health Service Provider (A-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.

A-LPC/MHSP 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 joined TLAP in November of 2023. 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