Vocational Concepts – Team of Evaluators

Sarah Bauer is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor and member of the International Association of Rehabilitation Professionals. She completed her graduate training at the University of South Florida, including a Master of Arts degree in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling and a Graduate Certificate in Clinical Aging Sciences. Sarah has hands-on experience in a variety of rehabilitation settings including assisted living, memory care, youth services, acute inpatient psychiatric care, chronic pain, and vocational rehabilitation services within the Department of Veterans Affairs. Additionally, she has spent 8 years actively involved in research on chronic pain, recovery oriented management of severe mental illness, and gifted children with disabilities.

In addition to her rehabilitation work, Sarah is a promising young professional in vocational services for litigation. She is experienced in medical record review, compilation of vocational profiles, labor market research and sampling, and in the application of peer-reviewed research to vocational questions within the litigation context. Sarah is passionate about using cutting-edge literature, sound methodology, and her professional expertise to assist individuals in meeting their goals for competitive employment, optimum recovery, and personalized well-being.

Carson Holton is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, registered Mental Health Counseling Intern, and member of the International Association of Rehabilitation Professionals. He earned his Master of Arts degree in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling from the University of South Florida and has completed certifications in Best Practices for Supported Employment and in Social Security Administration Work Incentives.

Carson worked for the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation for 5 years as a technician and counselor and has served as a supported employment specialist in the Tampa community. For the past decade, he has advocated for individuals with disabilities including independent living support, employment readiness, and homelessness. Carson implements holistic methods to address client needs and enjoys guiding individuals toward successful outcomes personally, professionally, and academically.

Craig Pagano is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor and member of the National Rehabilitation Association. He has been working in the rehabilitation field since graduating from the University of South Florida with a Master of Arts degree in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling. Craig has a passion for assisting his clients in advancing towards their goals of obtaining an education, a new career, and/or their highest level of functioning within their community. In addition to being a vocational evaluator, he currently serves as the onsite vocational rehabilitation specialist for the inpatient Polytrauma Transitional Rehabilitation Program (PTRP) at Tampa’s James A. Haley VA medical center, where he serves veterans and active duty service members with polytraumatic injuries. Within this role, Craig assists his clients with their reintegration back into their community or active duty career. His areas of specialization include brain injury, mental health, and career transition after injury.