Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Layne-Schaffer.
Hi Rachel, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’m Rachel Layne-Schaffer, the founder of Parent Pathfinder, launched in 2024. With over six years of experience in social work, I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside families through some of their most challenging—and transformative—moments.
As a parent of a neurodivergent child, I’ve personally experienced the complexity and frustration that can come with navigating support systems. I know what it feels like to juggle appointments, sift through resources, and try to find the right help when you need it most.
That’s why I created Parent Pathfinder: to make it easier for families to connect with local resources and support in our community. My mission is to bridge the gap between families and the services that can truly make a difference—because no one should have to figure it all out alone.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Starting Parent Pathfinder hasn’t been without its challenges. When I first shared my idea, I was met with some skepticism. Some people told me it was a waste of time and energy, that it wouldn’t go anywhere. One person asked if my husband had approved of me spending money on the business.
Beyond the comments, I’ve learned a lot through trial and error. As someone who didn’t come from a business background, some lessons came the hard way—through experience, missteps, and learning what not to do.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Parent Pathfinder strives to help parents find the right path. Our mission is to empower parents by providing an easy-to-use, comprehensive virtual directory that connects them to essential services, supports, and programs for their children and themselves. We are dedicated to making resources more accessible and helping parents quickly find the assistance they need. Through our platform, we aim to foster a stronger, more informed community where parents can access the right resources at the right time.
Our vision is to become the go-to website for Delaware County, Ohio parents when they’re looking for essential resources, services, and programs. We aim to continue expanding our directory, ensuring quick access to the right help. As we grow and expand, we will continue to learn how to better support parents in our community. We look forward to building connections and partnerships with area businesses and agencies, and developing creative solutions for area parents and families.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Something surprising about me is I never even considered starting a business until last year. It was always something that seemed out of reach or too difficult for me to accomplish. But after talking about my idea with my husband, friends, and other family members and receiving a lot of support, I knew I need to at least try.
Pricing:
- Businesses/agencies can list on the directory for $20.00 a month
- Non-profits can list on the directory for free
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.parentpathfinder.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parentpathfinderllc
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565112981440
