ALLISON LEVINE, MA, LCSW, SEP
Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Somatic Experiencing Practitioner
Certified Theraplay® Therapist and Supervisor
Somatic Experiencing Practitioner
Allison has a deep understanding of the unique aspects of caring for children and families. In 20 years as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Allison draws from her experience at Children’s Memorial Hospital, Neonatal Intensive Care at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, and The Theraplay Institute’s Child and Family Clinic. Allison’s areas of expertise include trauma, chronic illness and complex medical needs, physical manifestations of stress, anxiety, parenting, divorce, and grief and loss.
Allison provides family therapy for children and parents, individual therapy for children and teens, and therapy for parents looking to better care for themselves and support their children. Allison works with families to identify goals, reprocess traumatic experiences, and shift patterns that are no longer helpful. Whether she’s with a child, teen, parent, or family, she tailors sessions based on developmental needs and personality, so that everyone can experience genuine warmth, engaging connection, and feel cared for and understood. Allison has extensive training in the mind/body connection and is dedicated to helping families understand how stressful life experiences, emotions, sensations, behavior patterns, and wellness are linked. Then, most importantly, focuses on how to find a sense of regulation, relief, and healing. In addition to Theraplay® and Somatic Experiencing, Allison incorporates Sand Tray, Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy, Narrative Therapy, play, and art into sessions.
Allison earned her Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2003 and her Master of Art in Social Work and Health Administration and Policy at the University of Chicago in 2005.
Speaker Topics:
The Body’s Response to Trauma
What is Medical Trauma?
Applications of Theraplay for Medical Trauma
Little Bodies and Growing Brains: The effects of trauma in early childhood
Publications:
Both Mommy and Daddy Love You: A coloring book for children whose parents are separating or divorcing
For more information please visit HERE
ANDREA BUSHALA, MSW, LCSW, RPT-S
Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Registered Play Therapist - Supervisor
Certified Theraplay® Therapist, Trainer and Supervisor
Andrea has an undergraduate degree in Psychology from Miami University with an emphasis in Child Development. She obtained her Master of Social Work degree from Loyola University Chicago with a dual specialization in School Social Work and Children and Families. Andrea has worked at a community mental health clinic focusing on children and young adults experiencing anxiety and depression as well as in the public school system providing individual and group therapy for children ages 2-6. In her clinical work, Andrea uses a strength-based perspective, incorporating the learnings from trauma, attachment theory and brain development to help families optimize relationships and their sense of connection.
Andrea also completed a two-year postgraduate fellowship in Infant Parent Mental Health at the University of Massachusetts/Boston in November 2019.
Andrea is a Theraplay Trainer and Supervisor, a Certified Child Centered Play Therapist as well as a Registered Play Therapist - Supervisor. She is an active member of the IL Association for Play Therapy and held an Executive Board position from 2017-2024. An Affiliate Professor at Northwestern University Masters of Counselling Program, she teaches Methods of Play Therapy to graduate students hoping to pass down her love of working with little ones and their families.
ERIN GUSTAFSON, MS, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Developmental Therapist
Certified Lactation Educator, Certified Educator of Infant Massage,
Level 1 Theraplay Trained
Erin is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 12 years experience working with children and families. Erin earned her Bachelor of Art in Sociology at the University of Notre Dame and her Master of Science in Child Development with an Infancy Specialization at the Erikson Institute and her Master of Social Work at Loyola University of Chicago. Erin completed her graduate training at Evanston's NorthShore Hospital and the Erikson Institute's Fussy Baby Network. Following graduate school, Erin worked for 10 years as a Developmental Therapist and Social Worker at La Rabida Children's Hospital on the inpatient unit and in the outpatient Developmental and Rehabilitation Center.
Erin has a strong understanding of child development and parent child relationships. She has spent her career working in the Early Intervention System as a Developmental Therapist and Social Worker in the home and at La Rabida Children’s Hospital. During that time, she treated children and families with chronic medical conditions and developmental delays. In her clinical work, Erin uses a strength-based approach and trauma perspective while incorporating attachment theory principles and developmental knowledge to help families optimize relationships and connections while supporting child development. Additionally, she has experience working in maternal mental wellness, providing prenatal and postpartum support to mothers and children.
Erin is proficient in both written and spoken Spanish in conversational and work related settings.
Speaker Topics:
Infant Behavior and Cue
Toxic Stress
Infant Massage
SOPHIE MARWIL, MSW Intern
Sophie Marwil is completing her Masters of Social Work at Erikson Institute in Chicago. Sophie has an undergraduate degree in Behavioral Neuroscience from Connecticut College and received her Master of Science in Child Development from Erikson Institute in 2020. Sophie was motivated to return to Erikson for her Masters in Social Work based on her desire to help families navigate the challenges of raising healthy children in an increasingly complex world.
Sophie has an extensive background working with children and families. Sophie has worked as the Associate Director at Chippewa Ranch Camp for several years. In that role, she has learned the importance of cultivating space in which a child can grow and recognize their confidence, resilience and empathy. Additionally, while earning her Master’s in Child Development, she completed an internship as a part of a Foster Care Team at Brightpoint. Sophie enjoys working with families and their children as well as providing individual support for children ages 1-10. Her developmental approach focuses helping parents understand how children grow and change in their capacity to manage their emotional life and what parents can do to best support their children as they acquire important life skills.