Groundwork and Growth: Olivia’s Path to Advocacy and Empowerment

Episode 6: Groundwork and Growth with Olivia Martens Hake


What’s Inside This Episode

What’s Inside This Episode
Olivia has spent the past decade working in ABA, but it’s her role as a sister that first sparked her connection to the neurodivergent community. In this conversation, she talks about what it was like growing up alongside her autistic sister, why she launched Base Camp Advocacy, and what families need to know when stepping into IEP meetings. She also opens up about finishing grad school, rediscovering solo travel, and her love of adventure (and slacklining!).

Episode Highlights

This week we talk about:

  • How Olivia’s family navigated her sister’s early diagnoses and what that taught her

  • What made her shift from ABA into advocacy work

  • The gap she saw in school collaboration—and how she’s trying to fill it

  • How she supports families in the IEP process and why self-determination is always the goal

  • Why listening to multiple perspectives matters when planning support

  • What slacklining taught her about trust, falling, and doing scary things anyway

  • How voice notes and being outdoors help her stay connected to herself

Mentioned in this episode:

🔗 San Diego Voyager Article

Connect with Olivia

Guest Links

🔗 Follow Olivia on Instagram → @basecampadvocacy

🔗 Check out the Website → Base Camp Advocacy

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“Let Them Try”: Catherine Hallam on Supporting Neurodivergent Strengths

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Launchpads & Letterboards: Otto’s Mission for AAC Acceptance