Elgin resident, Alison Andrews, MSW, LCSW, has dedicated more than 20 years to supporting children, adolescents, and families through life's challenges. She and her two sons, Aidan and Dylan, love living in the beautiful Fox Valley and feel fortunate to call Elgin their home.

Alison began her career as a school social worker, where she witnessed firsthand the growing mental health needs among students and families. With a Master's in Social Work from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (Go Illini!) and a Bachelor's degree from Illinois State University, Alison brings both compassion and expertise to her work as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. In 2020, during the height of the pandemic, she made the courageous decision to open her private practice—Rise and Shine Therapy Services—to address the increasing demand for care. What started as a one-woman effort quickly grew into a thriving practice of seven licensed clinicians who now serve children, teens, adults, and families across the Fox Valley and beyond.

At the heart of Rise and Shine is a commitment to creating a safe, calming, and welcoming environment. From soft music in the waiting area to whimsical décor, snacks, and water, Alison designed the office to make clients feel at ease during what can often be emotional conversations. Every therapist at the practice has extensive experience working with children and adolescents in school settings—but their expertise extends well beyond that, supporting adults, couples, and families through every stage of life. Rise and Shine Therapy offers both in-person and telehealth sessions. The team provides support for anxiety, depression, autism, trauma, and relationship issues, using evidence-based therapeutic approaches tailored to each client. Their clinicians also bring unique strengths to the table, including multi-lingual services in Hindi, Urdu, and Burmese.

Confidentiality and trust are foundational to the practice.

Rise and Shine Therapy also gives back to the community through free events like Crafting Brighter Tomorrows, where creativity and connection come together through art projects. The practice will also host educational sessions at the nearby Gail Borden Library, offering insight into mental health topics and fostering community understanding.

For Alison, the reward is simple yet profound:

Rise and Shine Therapy is located at 81 S. McLean Blvd., Suite C, South Elgin. Contact Alison at alison@riseandshinetherapy.org, visit riseandshinetherapy.org, or call 630-596-3688.

Alison Andrews, MSW, LCSW, is an Elgin, IL resident and founder of Rise and Shine Therapy Services in South Elgin, with over 20 years of experience supporting children, adolescents, and families.

In-person and telehealth therapy for anxiety, depression, autism, trauma, and relationship issues, serving children, teens, adults, and families.

Yes, the practice's clinicians offer services in Hindi, Urdu, and Burmese in addition to English.

Jennifer helps local businesses grow through community-driven marketing that actually feels like community — not just another ad. Based in the Fox River Valley after being born and raised in Chicago, she specializes in print-based advertising, neighborhood magazines, and alternative marketing strategies designed for business owners who want real relationships with their customers, not just impressions.

Through printed features, networking events, and community-driven storytelling, Jennifer connects Northern Illinois businesses to the neighbors right down the street — building trust the old-fashioned way, with a modern approach.

Know a business with a story worth telling, or curious about print-based and community-driven marketing for your own business? Contact Jennifer at Jennifer.Abbatacola@N2co.com