A patient access representative who’s the father of a child with autism uses lived experience to connect with families
As the dad of a daughter with autism, Garwin Enriquez knows how overwhelming a diagnosis can feel. He remembers the uncertainty, the questions and the effort it took to coordinate care and support. That experience shapes how he connects with families today in his role as a patient access representative with the Developmental Evaluation Clinic (DEC) at Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego’s Murrieta Medical Plaza, where he helps families navigate care from the very first interaction.
For Garwin, being part of Rady Children’s is about more than the role he holds. It is about showing up with heart, supporting families through challenging moments and contributing to a team united by a shared purpose: helping children and families thrive.
Garwin joined Rady Children’s in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, following a stint as a stay-at-home dad. He was encouraged by his wife, a former nurse at the hospital’s San Diego campus who often shared how meaningful the work felt. Over the years, Garwin has taken on many other roles across the organization, from medical assistant to front desk support. Each experience has strengthened his understanding of what families need and how every team member plays a part in their care.
“I’ve been in their shoes,” Garwin says. “I understand how much compassion and patience matter.”
He brings that mindset to every interaction, helping families feel seen, supported and cared for. Whether he is answering questions or guiding them through next steps, Garwin knows even small moments can make a lasting impact.
He is also inspired by the DEC team around him. “Everyone here is so dedicated to helping families,” he shares. “It motivates me to be better every day.”