Pain Management - Chronic Pain Consultants: 14

Joel L. Kent, MD, is an expert in all realms of Pain Medicine and has focused expertise in the prescribing and oversight of opioid analgesics. His specialties include acute and chronic pain management, opioid analgesics, interventional pain management therapies, spinal cord stimulation, intrathecal drug delivery, RSD/CRPS and low back pain.

Dr. Kent has provided expert case reviews and testimony for over twenty years.  The majority of his expert work has focused on the standard of care in the practice of Pain Medicine and the use of opioid analgesics.  Dr. Kent has provided expert case opinions in Federal and State civil courts.  He has provided defense support to the US Department of Justice in two cases.  He has served as an expert witness and case reviewer for both Maryland and New York State.  Dr. Kent assisted the District Attorney of New Jersey in prosecuting a case of unlawful prescribing of controlled substances.  He has provided expert case review and litigation support to health insurance carriers seeking restitution for fraudulent expenses related to opioid therapy.  

Over the course of his career, Dr. Kent has developed particular expertise surrounding the use of opioid analgesics.  He has provided over 50 lectures to other physicians regarding the safe and proper use of these medications.   He has been recognized as an expert in both State and Federal Court in cases related to opioid therapy.  He has served on advisory boards helping craft regulatory policies related to opioid medication.  All these accomplishments attest to Dr. Kent’s high level of expertise in the complex and evolving realm of opioid therapy. 

Primary area of expertise: Pain Medicine

Expert consulting experience:

• Authored over 50 expert case reports
• Participated in over 25 depositions
• Testimony experience in civil trials and professional hearings
• Provides litigation support and expert testimony in plaintiff and defense cases

Professional experience:

• Over 25 years of experience in Pain Medicine
• Triple Board Certified
• Practice Director of University Multi-Disciplinary Pain Management Practices from 1998 to 2017
• Program Director of a Multi-Disciplinary Pain Management Fellowship Training Programs from 1998 to 2015
• Professor of Anesthesiology, Palliative Care, and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at University of Rochester School of Medicine
• Lectures extensively and published 

Dr. Kenneth J. Manges is a Vocational and Psychological Expert with over 30 years of experience. He is certified in Forensic Psychology, Emotional Trauma, Wage Loss, Disability, and Crisis Intervention and is recognized as an Expert in Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Dr. Manges is qualified to testify in both federal and state courts and has provided expert opinion testimony for plaintiff and defense.



Specialties Include:

• Cognitive Behavior Therapy
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Evaluation & Treatment
• Forensic Testimony (Consultation, Evaluation Treatment Following Trauma or Injury)

Expert Testimony Experience:

Mental Health Evaluations Mental Health Malpractice Damages Personal Injury Consultation Wrongful Death Damages Medical Malpractice Damages Diminished Capacity Defense Chronic Pain Syndrome

Insanity Defense Vocational Evaluation Family Law / Spousal Support Railroad / FELA Maritime / Jones Act Fitness for Duty Evaluations Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Kenneth "Kenny" Stein, MD
Board Certified Emergency Medicine & Internal Medicine 
Subspecialty Certified in NeuroCritical Care 

Kenneth "Kenny" Stein, MD, is Assistant Professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Louis University School of Medicine (a Level 1 Trauma Center). Dr. Stein has practiced Emergency Medicine for 29 years and Critical Care / Intensive Care Medicine for 27 years. For 20 years, Dr. Stein was an Emergency Physician at St. Anthony's Medical Center of St. Louis, one of the busiest emergency departments in the State of Missouri.

Dr. Stein has extensive experience in providing medical-legal expert services, having reviewed over 500 cases (both plaintiff and defense) and having given testimony over 200 times. Dr. Stein furnishes an unbiased opinion on medical malpractice/negligence cases. He also provides medical opinion concerning causation. Dr. Stein does not guarantee a favorable outcome but provides an honest assessment.

Dr. Stein has lectured nationally, and consults in the area of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Product Development and Marketing.

Dr. Stein reviews cases (for both Plaintiff and Defense) of alleged Medical Malpractice / Negligence in areas including:

• Emergency Medicine        
• Critical Care Medicine / Intensive Care Medicine          
• Internal Medicine

Services provided include:

• Medical chart review and analysis   
• Providing opinion concerning the presence or absence of Negligence / Breach of the Standard of Care, Damages / Injury and Causation
• Survey of case for merit 
• Preparation of reports and / or affidavits        
• Preparation for opposing expert deposition and cross-examination        
• Medical literature search    
• Expert witness testimony at deposition and trial

Call 314-495-7009 for a complete CV, including presentations.

Wayne H. Grant, PharmD, has been a registered Clinical Pharmacist, in good standing, in the State of Ohio, since 1990. Dr. Grant's current clinical practice targets disease state management in multiple areas, including but not limited to; cardiology, gastrointestinal, geriatrics, nephrology, oncology, psychiatry, and pulmonology. 

Consulting Services - Dr. Grant provides Comprehensive Medication Management services, including a complete review of prescriptions and over-the-counter medications. He is available for direct communication with patients and families. 

Experience - A detailed understanding of pain management is paramount to his current practice. Dosage routes from oral, intravenous, intrathecal, and others, in conjunction with strong opioids and adjuvants, garner much of Dr. Grant’s attention. He has delivered local, state, national and international speaking programs reflective of the fundamental practice of pharmacy. As a peer reviewer for the American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy, Dr. Grant has provided feedback on articles that will determine future drug therapies. A history of clinical practice, management, and education culminates present-day understanding of the pharmacy profession. 

View Dr. Grant's Profile.

Terence K. Gray, DO, is a Harvard trained Anesthesiologist / Interventional and Multidisciplinary Pain Management Specialist. Currently the Medical Director at Mercy Pain Management Center, he is responsible for assisting in the leadership, physician oversight, and management of a large multidisciplinary pain management program.

Dr. Gray served as a physician leader and partner in a large multistate anesthesia practice in southern New England and has been on the faculty of Harvard Medical School and Tufts University School of Medicine. He is a diplomate of the American College of Osteopathic Anesthesiologists.

Along with treatment modalities for spine and radicular back pain, Dr. Gray has a special interest in treating pain associated with sacroiliac dysfunction, Piriformis pain, joint bursitis, and arthritis (in particular genicular nerve blocks for knee pain), as well as post hernia repair and abdominal surgery neuropathic pain.

Dr. Gray was awarded 1 United States Patent for a Ventilating Tube and Stylet System patent number, and has 3 patents pending. He also holds 1 United States Copyright. Dr. Gray is currently an Adjunct Professor of Clinical Research at the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Litigation Support - Dr. Gray has been a medical expert consultant for several years. He provides medical forensic reviews and expert testimony in the areas of Anesthesiology, Pain Management, and Medical Malpractice. His services include medical record review, written reports, depositions, and trial testimony.

Areas of Expertise:

Anesthesiology Interventional Pain Management Medical Pain Management Nerve Blocks Epidural Steroid Injections Radiofrequency Ablation

Botox Headaches Joint Pain / Bursitis Arthritis Post Hernia Repair Abdominal Surgery Neuropathic Pain

CV Available Upon Request.

Cathy Ciolek, DPT, FAPTA, Cathy Ciolek, DPT, FAPTA, President of Living Well With Dementia, LLC, has over 30 years of experience as a Geriatric Physical Therapist. Dr. Ciolek is board certified as a Geriatric Clinical Specialist, a Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP), and Certified Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care Trainer (CADDCT) by the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners. 

Consulting Services: Consultation for individuals, care partners, and facilities to address challenging issues that impact well-being and quality of life for people with dementia.  Examples include:

• People with frequent Falls and developing Falls Assessment Process and Teams
• Behavioral Expressions of Unmet Needs
• Inappropriate Medications and Anti-psychotic Medication Reduction
• Unrecognized Pain
• Alarm Use Reduction
• Culture Change and Change Management

Background Experience: Dr. Ciolek previously served as Regional Director for the Pennsylvania Restraint Reduction Initiative (PARRI), providing education and consultation for issues related to well-being (falls, engagement, medication reduction) to nursing homes throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania via a CMS grant. 

Prior to that, Dr. Ciolek served as assistant professor and director of clinical education for the University of Delaware, Department of Physical Therapy. She has practiced as a physical therapist in outpatient, SNF, home health and CCRC facilities over the course of her career.  She is a former Instructor/ Guest Lecturer/Lab Instructor at multiple universities including: Drexel University, Temple University, AT Still University/Arizona School of Health Sciences, Widener University, and Rocky Mountain University.

Dr. Ciolek speaks and delivers seminars throughout the nation on topics including dementia, exercise for aging adults, falls and fall risk mitigation, and Person-Centered Care. She is also a noted author on geriatric issues with books entitled, “Cognitive Issues in the Older Adult," “Restraint Assessment,” and “The Older Adult With Multiple Comorbidities.”

Geriatric Physical Therapy Thought Leader

• President, Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy (APTA Geriatrics)
• Past President, Delaware Physical Therapy Association (APTA Delaware)
• American Physical Therapy Association
• APTA Geriatrics
• APTA Delaware 

Awards and Accolades

• Catherine Worthingham Fellow of the American Physical Therapy Association
• Marilyn Moffat Leadership Award (APTA)
• Joe Lucca Service Award (APTA Delaware)
• Lucy Blair Service Award (APTA)
• Joan Mills Award (APTA Geriatrics)
• Clinical Educators Award (APTA Geriatrics)

View Dr. Cathy Ciolek's Expert Witness Profile.

MRK Medical Consultants provides Medical-Legal Evaluations to help legal and insurance professionals reach appropriate conclusions about their client's situations. MRK provides a wide array of medical experts that offer objective review and analysis of personal injuries. Each stage of the process—research to review, analysis to opinion—is addressed in a comprehensive manner in order to help legal and insurance professionals reach appropriate conclusions about their client’s situations. MRK's prestigious list of more than forty consultants are active clinicians and surgeons, who are all board-certified or eligible in one or more specialties. MRK provides physician experts to the entire State of California, the Reno/Lake Tahoe area, and Las Vegas, and we travel to many areas of the United States. Physical therapy, registered nurses, physician assistant, and billing review consultants are available services MRK provides. Our office physicians are available for telephone review of the merits of your case before you decide to proceed.  

Edward W. Younger, III, M.D., Medical Director of MRK Medical Consultants, specializes in Orthopedic Surgery. He has extensive experience in total joint replacement, as well as reconstructive surgery of the knee, hip, and shoulder. He was instrumental in bringing computer navigation technology to his hospital. He served on the orthopedic trauma staff at Mercy San Juan Medical Center in Carmichael, California, for more than fifteen years and was instrumental in bringing computer navigation technology to that institution. He is a member of Alpha Omega Alpha National Honor Society and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery, a member of the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, and the California Orthopedic Association.

Dr. Michael R. Klein, Jr., M.D., specializes in Orthopedic Surgery and is a founding member and the first Medical Director of Northern California Orthopedic Centers. He was involved with the development of the orthopedic section of the Level II Trauma Center at Mercy San Juan Medical Center. He served as a clinical professor at the University of California, Davis, Medical Center for more than thirty years. He has been a member of the North American Spine Society since 2009 and was awarded the David O. Selby Award in 2020 for his contributions. He is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, and a member of the American Medical Association and the California Medical Association. He retired from the USAF in 1998 after being on active duty during the Vietnam War, and he was activated for Operation Desert Storm in 1991. 

MRK's Areas of Expertise:

Orthopedics Neurosurgery / Neurology Anesthesiology / Pain Management Bariatric Surgery Cardiology Chiropractic Orthopedics Covid-19 Critical Care/ICU Chronic Pain  Dermatology Emergency Medicine Endocrinology Gastroenterology General Surgery / Trauma Geriatrics Family Practice IME Life Care Planning Medical Billing / Bill Auditing Medical Malpractice

Medical Record Review Metallurgical Engineering Neuropsychology Neuroradiology Obstetrics / Gynecology / OB/GYN Ophthalmology Optometry Orthopedic Implants Otolaryngology Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physical Therapy Plastic Surgery Podiatry Pulmonary Medicine Radiology Sports Medicine Thoracic Surgery  Traumatic Brain Injury Vascular Surgery Vocational Rehabilitation

Dr. Robert H. Odell, Jr., MD, PhD, owner and Medical Director of Neuropathy and Pain Centers of America in Las Vegas, NV, is a Stanford and UCLA trained Anesthesiologist and Pain Management Physician. As a fellow of the Medical Scientist Training Program, he received his Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from Stanford University in 1974 and his MD degree from Stanford in 1976. He completed his residency in anesthesiology at UCLA, and served as chief resident at Harbor/UCLA Medical Center in 1982. He is a diplomat of the American Board of Anesthesiology (1983), American Academy of Pain Management (2001) and the American Board of Pain Medicine (2007) and a Fellow of Interventional Pain Practice of the World Institute of Pain (2008).

Dr. Odell has extensive experience with a wide variety of non-interventional and interventional Acute and Chronic Pain Management techniques, including Vertebral Axial Decompression and Electroanalgesia. Treatment utilizes the Combined Electrochemical Block (CEB), which combines the clinical benefits of these Electronic Signal Treatment (EST) devices with interventional pain management techniques to produce dramatic patient outcomes in a wide variety of Refractory Neuropathic Pain States, including Low Back Pain, Diabetic Neuropathy, Idiopathic Neuropathy, Failed Spine Fusion Syndrome and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

Over the last several years, Dr. Odell has been working with some advanced electromedical devices which produce salutary effects for some of the most refractory pain management challenges. He is the first author on three significant papers in the Electromedicine and Pain Management literature. The first, "Electroanalgesic Nerve Block: Theory and Case Reports" appeared in Practical Pain Management in 2006. The cornerstone of treatment at New Vision is the use of local anesthesia along with the Electroanalgesia block. This technique is outlined in Dr. Odell ‘s third paper, "New Device Combines Electrical Currents and Local Anesthetic for Pain Management," Practical Pain Management (2011). Dr. Odell has also been invited to deliver presentations in his field of expertise throughout the United States.

View Expert Witness Profile.

Non-Surgical Orthopaedics, P.C. was established in 1993. Specializing in Spine Care and Pain Management, the practice has developed into one of the premier non-surgical orthopaedic practices in the southeast, and an industry leader for the non-invasive treatment of back and neck pain. Non-Surgical Orthopaedics P.C. offers a wide variety of Non-Surgical options to Treat Pain and Musculoskeletal Injuries. Their goal is to eliminate pain with a strong emphasis on injury prevention and rehabilitation. Services include:

• Pain Management
• Orthopaedic & Sports Injuries
• Workers’ Compensation
• Auto Injuries
• IME's & Disability Evaluations

Video: Non-Surgical Orthopaedics, P.C. | The Overview

Arnold J. Weil, MD has over 29 years of experience specializing in Non-Surgical Orthopaedics and Pain Management. A Diplomat of the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Chief Executive Officer of Non-Surgical Orthopaedics, P.C., one of the premier orthopaedic practices in the metro Atlanta area. 

Dr. Weil's practice focuses on conservative, non-surgical care of orthopaedic injuries, including the spine and extremities, with emphasis on spine rehabilitation, functional restoration, pain management, and ergonomic modifications. He treats patients with back and neck pain and a variety of other orthopaedic conditions. Focusing on acute and chronic pain management through an advanced Non-Surgical approach, 

Dr. Weil has become one of the leading experts on Spine Care and Disability Management. Dr. Weil has been a Clinical Assistant Professor of Rehabilitation Medicine at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia. An active lecturer, Dr. Weil speaks nationally and internationally on the nonsurgical management of back and neck pain as well as new advances in pain management. He also provides practice management to small-medium sized medical practices.

View Dr. Weil's Expert Witness Profile.

Dr. Patricia J. Bartzak, DNP, RN, CMSRN is a doctorally prepared Registered Nurse, with active nursing licenses in both Massachusetts and California.  Dr. Bartzak provides direct patient care in the hospital setting.  In addition to nursing research and education positions. Dr. Bartzak demonstrates both a wide and deep involvement in the nursing field. Her clinical practice provides the relevance, skill set, and understanding of what’s needed to create an environment that finds the evidence to optimize patient outcomes and leads the next generation of nurses. Dr. Bartzak utilizes peer-reviewed journal databases and meticulously references her sources and synthesizes information on complex nursing and health-related subjects. Currently working in a hospital designated as level 1 trauma center. 

Dr. Bartzak has completed the Intensive Course on Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) at the Fuld Institute at Ohio State University (2019) and is co-leading the adoption of EBP for a national organization. Dr. Bartzak has demonstrated skill in data mining and concept simplification to provide background and context for complex healthcare matters. Dr. Bartzak has worked in both union and non-union environments, and has the background and experience to consult with hospital leadership to engage and strengthen nurse’s investment in the workplace. Dr. Bartzak has written policies and procedures so she can assist other organizations in policy review and recommendations to ensure broad coverage, while also maintaining a risk management balance. Dr. Bartzak is versed in core measures and patient safety initiatives, and can provide an independent evaluation of practice issues and outcomes.

Finally, Dr. Bartzak has taught at all levels in nursing education from associate to doctoral, and can provide recommendations related to student progress in the academic area, and issues related to new graduate nurses transitioning into practice.

View Dr. Bartzak's Expert Witness Profile.

Ms. Roughan is a Rehabilitation Nurse Specialist who functions in the capacity of case manager, life care planner and expert witness. Her company, Roughan & Associates at LINC, is a nationally recognized Case Management and Medical/Legal Consulting service. It has been in existence since 1987, providing coordination of patient care; construction of Life Care Plans; and, consultative services to both the defense and plaintiff bar on simple and complex cases alike. Ms. Roughan has experience with diagnoses involving both children and adults and are knowledgeable in current treatment philosophies, identification of appropriate resources.

Diagnoses include, but are not limited to:

• Neurological Injuries (Brain and Spinal Cord Injury)
• Burns
• Orthopedic Injures
• Amputation
• Chronic Pain
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Services Include:

• Expert Testimony
• Life Care Planning
• Mini/Preliminary Life Care Plan
• Video Services
• Medical Record Review
• RN Independent Medical Exam
• Medicare Set Aside Trust Analysis
• Medical Bill Auditing
• Questions: Deposition Cross Examining

Stephen M. Raffle, M.D. is double Board-Certified in Psychiatry and Forensic Psychiatry. Dr. Raffle has over 49 years as a clinical and forensic psychiatrist offering his expert opinion in Federal and State jurisdictions nationwide. In addition to serving as an expert witness, Dr. Raffle consults to attorneys, judges, insurers, and to employers regarding Fitness for Duty and Risk of Violence (Threat) Assessment:

• 5000+ psychiatric assessments
• Expert testimony in 700 depositions and trials
• Successful clinical practice

The job of an expert witness is to educate a jury, judge, attorney, and trier of fact about the forensic psychiatrist's conclusions and how those opinions were derived in a manner well-reasoned, skillful, and easily understood by every person, not only another forensic psychiatrist. In short, an educator. Dr. Raffle’s experience as an educator extends well beyond a forensic venue, yet underpins the key to his ability to explain his opinions.

• Prof. of Psychiatry, UCSF Medical School, 20 years
• U.C. Hastings College of the Law postgraduate course "Trial and Appellate Advocacy" instructing seasoned attorneys about the direct and cross-examination of expert witnesses, with special focus on mental health experts and licensed medical professionals, Psychiatrists (MDs), Psychologists (LCSWs / MFTs), and physicians in other medical specialties, 11 years

Stephen M. Raffle, M.D. & Associates' expertise is well-established in forensic assessment in the areas of:

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Dementia and Competency
• Testamentary Capacity
• Undue Influence
• Traumatic Brain Injury
• Malingering
• Emotional Distress: Intentional & Unintentional infliction
• Emotional Distress: Forensic Evaluation to render medical-legal opinion
• Diagnosis and Need for Treatment
• Fitness For Duty
• Risk/Threat Workplace Violence Assessment
• Wrongful Termination
• Discrimination (ADA, Title VII, EEOC)
• Harassment
• Employment Litigation
• Medical Malpractice
• Catastrophic Injury
• Temporary and Permanent Disability
• Medical Records Review
• Assist in Preparation for Direct and Cross-examination of Expert Witnesses and Deposition of expert witnesses

Licensed in California.

Stokes & Associates specializes in Life Care Planning and Vocational Rehabilitation. Our team has a combined experience of over 20,000 case assignment engagements. As a result, they can quickly map out a plan to provide the right level of service for the task. Additionally, their detailed Request for Service interview is conducted before work begins to ensure roles and expectations are determined from the onset of their involvement. 

Areas of Experience:

Personal Injury Automobile Liability Jones Act / Maritime Product Liability Toxic Tort Railroad Longshore and Harbor Worker’s Compensation

State Worker’s Compensation Medical Malpractice Long Term Disability Employment Discrimination Social Security Administration Domestic Relations (earning capacity of spouse) Americans With Disabilities Act

Aaron M. Wolfson, PhD, LRC, CRC, CLCP, is a Licensed Psychologist, Licensed Rehabilitation Counselor, and Certified Life Care Planner who has testified as an expert witness in both state and federal jurisdictions.

Dr. Wolfson is a New Orleans native who earned his Bachelor’s degree in psychology from Colgate University, as well as a Master’s Degree and Doctoral degree in Psychology from the University of Southern Mississippi. He completed a doctoral internship at the University of Washington, where he also completed a post-doctoral fellowship in Rehabilitation Psychology.

Dr. Wolfson received specialized training at the University of Washington Multidisciplinary Pain Center, as well as multiple inpatient and outpatient physical rehabilitation departments, and has published in the areas of vocational rehabilitation and clinical decision making in rehabilitation populations.

Todd S. Capielano, M.Ed., LRC, CRC, LPC, CLCP, CCM, is a Licensed and Certified Rehabilitation Counselor and Certified Life Care Planner who has practiced in the private sector of Vocational Rehabilitation for over 35 years. He has been in the field of vocational rehabilitation since 1985, specializing in vocational evaluations, labor market research, job placement, and working up future medical care costs for catastrophic and non-catastrophic injuries in life care plans.

Mr. Capielano has been accepted as a vocational expert since 1989 in various courts, including Federal, State, Civil District Courts, and before Administrative Law Judges for Longshore Harbor Workers Compensation Act claims. Additionally, he has served as a vocational expert for the Social Security Administration testifying in thousands of cases since 1992. 

Mr. Capielano is a member of professional organizations, including the International Association of Rehabilitation Professionals, the Louisiana Association of Rehabilitation Professionals, and the American Association of Christian Counselors. He has served as Board Member at Large, President, and Past-President of IARP-LA. He received his Master’s degree in Counseling in 1992 from the University of New Orleans and his Bachelor’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from Louisiana State University Medical Center, School of Allied Health Professions in 1986. Mr. Capielano holds national certifications as a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, Certified Case Manager, and Certified Life Care Planner.

Ashley G. Lastrapes, Ph.D., NCC, CRC, CCM, CLCP, LPC, LRC has over 9 years of experience in private vocational rehabilitation. She earned her Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from the University of Holy Cross; she holds a Master of Health Science Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in 2011; and her Bachelor of Science Degree in psychology from the University of New Orleans in 2009.  Dr. Lastrapes is a Licensed Rehabilitation Counselor and Licensed Professional Counselor, as well as a board approved supervisor in the state of Louisiana. She is also a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Texas.  In addition, she holds national certifications as a Certified Counselor, Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, Certified Case Manager, and Certified Life Care Planner. Dr. Lastrapes is also a Vocational Expert with the Social Security Administration, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review.

Dr. Lastrapes currently serves as the secretary of the Louisiana Licensed Professional Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors Board of Examiners. Dr. Lastrapes is a member of the International Association of Rehabilitation Professionals and served as a Board Member for the Louisiana chapter from 2014 to 2017. 

Dr. Lastrapes specializes in vocational rehabilitation assessment, testing, labor market research, wage and earning capacity analysis, worker’s compensation policy and procedure, case management, life care planning, and career and adjustment counseling. Aside from her work in private rehabilitation, Dr. Lastrapes also has experience providing individual and family therapy to individuals with behavioral, mental health, and substance abuse issues.

Brandy E. Bradley, MHS, CRC, LRC, CLCP is a Licensed and Certified Rehabilitation Counselor who has over 15 years of experience in private rehabilitation.  She earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology from Louisiana State University in 1997 and her Master of Health Science Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in 1999. She also holds national certification as a Certified Life Care Planner. 

Brandy is a member of the International Association of Rehabilitation Professionals (IARP) and currently serves as President of the Louisiana Chapter. Brandy is also qualified as a Vocational Expert with the Social Security Administration, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review.

Brandy’s areas of expertise include vocational rehabilitation assessment, testing, labor market research, wage and earning capacity analysis, life care planning, and counseling. Aside from her work in private rehabilitation, Brandy also has years of experience providing individual and family therapy to individuals and families with behavioral, mental health, and substance use issues.

Elizabeth Peralta, M.Ed., LRC, CRC, CLCP is a Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist, Life Care Plan Specialist, and Director of Case Management.  She earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from Southeastern Louisiana University in 2005 and her Master of Education in Counseling from Southeastern Louisiana University in 2010. 

Elizabeth is a Licensed Rehabilitation Counselor through the LLPVRC Board of Examiners and is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor and a Certified Life Care Planner.   

Elizabeth’s areas of expertise include assessing future medical needs and life care planning, vocational assessment, wage and earning capacity analysis, and labor market research.

View Stokes & Associates' Consulting Profile.

Tracy L. Skaer, PharmD, FASHP, FASCP is a Professor Emeritus of Pharmacotherapy with over 30 years of pharmaceutical experience. Dr. Skaer's research and professional experience include pharmacy practice, chronic pain, mental health, substance abuse, and complementary and alternative medicine. She is licensed pharmacist in California, Idaho, and Washington.

Dr. Skaer’s current research involves the use of mindfulness and multiple family group problem solving for the Treatment of Chronic Pain in those with high risk of Opioid Use. Her plans are to expand this intervention to manage chronic insomnia and post-traumatic stress disorder in children and adolescents, American Indians, veterans, and other populations. Other research interests include chronic pain, comorbid mental illness in chronic disease, depression, anxiety disorders, insomnia, mindfulness, complementary and alternative medicine, and pharamcoeconomics and pharmacoepidemiology. Her research has been supported by over $3.2 million in grants from foundations and pharmaceutical industry.

Dr. Skaer has published 110 professional abstracts, 82 research papers, 43 review articles, and 6 book chapters. She serves on the editorial boards of 3 medical professional journals, Clinical Therapeutics, Journal of Sleep Medicine and Disorders, and Pain Studies and Treatment. Dr. Skaer's publications have appeared in numerous journals including, Drugs, Clinical Drug Investigation, PharmacoEconomics, Journal of Clinical Pharmacy & Therapeutics, American Journal of Medicine, Harvard Review of Psychiatry, and the New England Journal of Medicine among others.

View Dr. Skaer's Expert Witness Profile.