Meet Our Team

Charlotte Allen, LPC 

She/her

Staff Therapist

Charlotte approaches therapy from a relational perspective, believing that meaningful change begins with feeling genuinely seen, understood, and accepted. She leads with empathy and curiosity, working collaboratively with clients to explore their experiences, relationships, patterns, and the ways they have learned to navigate the world. She values getting to know each client as an individual and tailoring therapy to their unique needs and goals.

Grounded in trauma-informed and relational approaches, Charlotte is particularly interested in how past experiences and relationships shape the way we see ourselves, connect with others, and respond to challenges in the present. She also integrates cognitive and behavioral strategies when helpful, allowing therapy to include both deeper exploration and practical tools for change.

Charlotte’s clinical background includes extensive work with children and adolescents impacted by trauma, attachment disruptions, grief, foster care involvement, and complex family dynamics. This experience continues to inform her understanding of how relationships, environment, and life experiences intersect with emotional well-being.

Master's Degree from the Chicago School

Licensed Professional Counselor

Theraplay Level 1 Trained

Experience working with youth in the foster care system

Annie Rasmussen, LCSW

She/they

Associate Director of Adult Services 

Annie is a therapist who takes a thoughtful, warm, and compassionate approach to helping people understand themselves more deeply and create meaningful change. Her work is grounded in psychodynamic, attachment-based, schema, and somatic therapies. She has a wide range of experience supporting clients across residential and IOP/PHP levels of care, in crisis situations, and in the aftermath of violent crime. These experiences have taught them the importance of meeting people where they are with steadiness, care, and respect for the courage it takes to seek support.

At the heart of their work is a belief that many of our struggles are rooted in attachment wounds and long-standing relational patterns. Annie works relationally, paying attention to how these patterns show up both in and outside of the therapy room, and helping clients gently loosen what no longer serves them. She leads with empathy and curiosity, creating a space built on trust and genuine connection so clients feel safe enough to explore, heal, and build more fulfilling relationships, both with others and with themselves. 

Master's Degree from Depaul University

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

Bachelor's Degree in Human Development and Family Studies from Illinois State University

Experience across multiple levels of care, and experience with treating eating disorders

Shana (Sanchez) Yovankin, LCSW 

She/her

Our Founder

Shana founded Upstream Therapy with a heartfelt mission to empower individuals to harness their strengths and achieve meaningful healing. Guided by a deep belief in the transformative power of the therapeutic relationship, Shana emphasizes the importance of addressing attachment wounds as a foundation for breaking unhelpful patterns of behavior. This approach paves the way for profound and long-lasting growth.

Drawing from attachment and psychodynamic approaches, Shana is passionate about making these evidence-based methods accessible and approachable for everyone. Her commitment to creating a supportive, client-centered environment inspired the foundation of Upstream, where individuals and families can feel understood, valued, and empowered on their journey toward wellness.

Shana has worked in a variety of contexts and levels of care including outpatient, PHP/IOP, inpatient, and the ER. Through her work, she continues to lead with empathy and expertise, ensuring that every client receives personalized care grounded in trust and genuine connection.

Master's Degree from the University of Chicago Social Services Administration Program

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

Foundational Theraplay Practitioner Certification

Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and Children's Studies from Washington University in St. Louis

Currently working toward Registered Play Therapist Credential

Experience across multiple levels of care, from outpatient to intensive programs

Ready to begin your healing journey?

Schedule a Free Consultation

Taking the first step toward healing can feel challenging, but you don’t have to navigate these waters alone. Upstream Therapy offers a complimentary 10-15 minute consultation to help determine if we’re the right fit for your needs.