Episode 020: Partnering for Support: A Mother’s Advocacy For Her Child with Rachel Martens

Brenda Agnew, your host, welcomes Rachel Martens to today’s episode to talk about parenting a special needs child, becoming your best health advocate, and finding that no one should walk this journey alone.

Rachel is a busy advocate whose son was born with a rare chromosome diagnosis, cerebral palsy, and autism. She partners with CanChild as a research-engagement strategist for their online group Parents Partnering in Research. Rachel is currently also affiliated with mentorship support for students and caregivers involved with CanChild’s Family Engagement in Research Course, she has also partnered in publications with the team and is currently working on multiple projects. Rachel has a deep interest in furthering pediatric disability policy at the federal level. Rachel returned to university in the fall of 2019 with an intended focus on population health.