ALLISON LEVINE, MA, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Certified Theraplay® Therapist and Supervisor
Allison is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with nearly 20 years of experience. Allison completed her graduate training at Children’s Memorial Hospital. Following graduate school, Allison worked for several years as the social worker in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and then at The Theraplay Institute as the Clinical Manager and a Child and Family Therapist.
Allison has a deep understanding of the unique aspects of caring for children and families. Allison is certified as a practitioner and supervisor in Theraplay, and trained in Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy, Narrative Therapy, Somatic Experiencing, and Yoga-Informed Psychotherapy. Allison’s areas of expertise and interests include anxiety, children and/or parents with extensive medical care, physical and sexual trauma, family transition/separation/divorce, and grief and loss. Allison is passionate about helping families through crisis. Her calming, reassuring nature allows children and parents to feel comfortable and understood, and most of all, hopeful.
Allison earned her Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and her Master of Art in Social Work at the University of Chicago.
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
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ANDREA BUSHALA, MSW, LCSW, RPT
Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Registered Play Therapist
Certified Theraplay® Therapist and Trainer
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 previously worked at a community mental health clinic focusing on children and young adults experiencing anxiety and depression. Additionally, she has experience 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 has just 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 as well as a Registered Play Therapist. She has held a role on the IL Association for Play Therapy Executive Board since 2017.
Speaker Topics:
What is Theraplay®
Trauma in the Classroom
Sibling Rivalry
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 nearly 11years of experience. 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 with Health and Mental Health Specialization 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 Behaviors and Parental Response to Infant Cues
Toxic Stress
Infant Massage
STEFANIE SAAG, MSW
Masters of Social Work Student at Erikson Institute
Level 1 Theraplay Trained
Stefanie is in her final year of the Masters of Social Work program at Erikson Institute where she is specializing in working with Children, Adolescents, and Adults.
Stefanie attended Indiana University Bloomington for her undergraduate studies where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies and a secondary specialization in Psychology.
Stefanie’s professional background consists of working as a Therapeutic Assistant at Blue Bird Therapeutic Day School, and a Preschool Teacher at Urban Child Academy for children 15 months-2 years old in which she supported children with their social emotional development and regulation. Most recently in 2020, Stefanie became a Training Assistant in a program created within Erikson Institute's Fussy Baby Network titled Facilitating Attuned Interactions (FAN), where she supports other professionals in learning how to be empathic, attuned, and present in their work with clients. Stefanie has always had a passion for working with children and believes that when working with child clients, family engagement can positively impact the success of services.