Experts

Larry S. Stokes, Ph.D., LRC, LPC, CRC, CLCP, CCM

Dr. Larry Stokes has been in the field of Vocational Rehabilitation since 1982.  He holds a Ph.D. in Counseling, specializing in Rehabilitation Counseling, with a minor in Research and Statistics from the University of New Orleans.  He is a Licensed Rehabilitation Counselor and Licensed Professional Counselor, and holds certification as Rehabilitation Counselor, Life Care Planner, and Case Manager. He has been an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Counseling and Human Development Department at the University of New Orleans.

Dr. Stokes served two terms as the founding Chairman of the LRC Licensing Board, holding license #001.  He has been a supervisor of internships and field-work for LSU Medical Center, School of Rehabilitation Counseling, since 1983.  He has testified in state and federal courts as well as administrative hearings.  His areas of expertise include vocational rehabilitation assessment, labor market research, wage and earning capacity analysis, life care planning and career counseling.  

Aaron M. Wolfson, Ph.D., LRC, CRC, CLCP

Clinical Director

Dr. Aaron Wolfson is a certified vocational rehabilitation counselor, certified life care planner, and licensed rehabilitation psychologist who has testified nationally as an expert in many state and federal jurisdictions. Dr. Wolfson specializes in assessment of residual earning capacity, life care planning, chronic pain management, and interdisciplinary physical rehabilitation/functional restoration. Having worked with Stokes & Associates since 2009, Dr. Wolfson also serves as clinical director where he oversees clinical operations, best practices, training, and quality assurance. Dr. Wolfson's unique blend of clinical expertise, rehabilitation knowledge, and legal experience positions him as an invaluable asset in complex catastrophic and non-catastrophic cases requiring multidisciplinary insight

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 Department of Behavioral Sciences, where he also completed a post-doctoral fellowship in Rehabilitation Psychology at the University of Washington School of Medicine Department of Rehabilitation Medicine. 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, life care planning, and clinical decision making in rehabilitation populations.

Todd S. Capielano, M.Ed, LRC, CRC, LPC, CLCP, CCM

Todd Capielano is a licensed and certified rehabilitation counselor, licensed professional counselor, certified case manager, and certified life care planner, who has testified as a vocational and life care plan expert witness in both state and federal jurisdictions. Additionally, he has served as a vocational expert for the Social Security Administration testifying in thousands of cases since 1992. He began working in the private sector of vocational rehabilitation in 1986.  His expertise is in vocational evaluations and residual earning capacity analysis,  assessment of future medical care/life care planning, and mental health counseling.

Mr. Capielano 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.

 He is a member of the International Association of Rehabilitation Professionals (IARP), and has served as President of IARP-LA. 

Elizabeth Peralta, M.Ed., LRC, CRC, CLCP

Elizabeth Peralta is a licensed and certified vocational rehabilitation counselor and certified life care planner. She is an active member of the International Association of Rehabilitation Professionals (IARP). Elizabeth earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Southeastern Louisiana University in 2005 and her Master of Education in Counseling from Southeastern Louisiana University in 2010. She began working with Stokes and Associates in 2012. Elizabeth has testified in both federal and state jurisdictions. Her areas of expertise include assessing future medical needs and life care planning, vocational assessment, wage and earning capacity analysis, and labor market research.

Brandy E. Bradley, MHS, CRC, LRC, CLCP

Brandy is a Licensed and Certified Rehabilitation Counselor who has been in the field of private rehabilitation since 2003.  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 board approved supervisor for other rehabilitation professionals in the state of Louisiana.

Brandy is also a Vocational Expert with the Social Security Administration, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review. She is a member of the International Association of Rehabilitation Professionals (IARP), Louisiana and Texas chapters, and served as a Board Member for the Louisiana chapter for many years.

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.

Ashley G. Lastrapes, Ph.D., NCC, CRC, CCM, CLCP, LPC, LRC

Dr. Ashley Lastrapes has been in the field of rehabilitation and counseling since 2011. She earned her Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from the University of Holy Cross; a Master of Health Science Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center; and Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology from the University of New Orleans.  Dr. Lastrapes is a Licensed Rehabilitation Counselor and Licensed Professional Counselor, as well as a board approved supervisor for both rehabilitation and professional counselors 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. She has testified in state and federal courts as well as administrative hearings. 

Dr. Lastrapes currently serves as the chairperson 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, medical cost analysis, medical bill audits, 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.