Overview
In this episode of asPERusual, host Anna Chudyk sits down with Angie Hamson, a Family Engagement Specialist at the Knowledge Institute on Child and Youth Mental Health and Addictions. Angie shares her remarkable journey from being the parent of a medically complex child to becoming a patient partner in volunteer and professional appointments - holding roles across advisory boards, nonprofit organizations, and health system staff teams. In sharing her journey, she also clearly details what it actually looks like to bring lived/living experience into professional roles—such as "patient partners in residence"—and why these roles matter.
Tune in to hear important insights on how organizations can move beyond tokenism to authentically integrate children, youth, and family voices across projects, governance, and strategic decision-making. You’ll also learn practical strategies for those hoping to enter the field themselves—whether as children, youth, or families with lived and living experience — and reflect on the importance of boundaries, support, and shared values. Other key discussion points include the role of privilege in shaping perspective, the importance of thoughtful engagement design, and how organizations can better engagement through compensation, recognition, and skill-building.
Whether you're a researcher, patient partner, the head of an organization, or just someone passionate about patient-centred care, this episode is packed with tangible lessons. So what are you waiting for?
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