Cardamom Path Founders

Pam Chotiswatdi, MPH

Hello and Greetings, my name is Pam Chotiswatdi, MPH and I am a co-founder of Cardamom Path.

I am a multifaceted professional bringing a vividly curated experience to my role as a Community Educator. My background is as diverse as my passions. I have accumulated more than six years in the cannabis industry and over a decade of experience as an editor and English tutor, which has honed my organizational, advocacy, and problem-solving skills.

My early endeavors as an ob/gyn medical assistant, mortuary evening administrator, and nonprofit work with the senior community have equipped me with a unique blend of skills and perspectives. These roles have deepened my expertise in areas such as altered state education, community access, breaking stigmas, harm reduction, and equity, all of which play a significant role in my current endeavors.

In recent years, I returned to my experience in deathcare to increase community education and awareness of green options, plus services and education as a Death Doula and Home Funeral Guide.

With a compassionate approach, I empower individuals and families to navigate end-of-life care with dignity, offering personalized support and guidance through the complexities of the end-of-life. My dedication to fostering a deeper understanding and acceptance of death as a natural part of life is reflected in my work, aiming to provide comfort and meaningful alternatives to ‘traditional’ practices.

My experience as an Evening Administrator at a family-run mortuary moved me to contemplate why and how we as a society process death. Having access to information and options, we can cultivate better end of life transitions for ourselves and the those we love. 

As the co-founder of the Peer Education Community Center (PECC), I am on the ground, moving among the grass root endeavors in the community advocating for people experiencing homelessness, people who use drugs, and mentoring & empowering budding non-profit organizations.

PECC is dedicated to advancing peer-to-peer education and support, systemic navigation, and multidisciplinary navigation clinics. Through these initiatives, I champion community advocacy, social justice, and systemic change, emphasizing the importance of community education for a better quality of life and, most importantly, access to choices.

Living in the Zaferia District of Long Beach, Southern California, I am a true urbanite. Born and raised in the region, I have called Long Beach my home for the past 21 years. My local roots and extensive experience contribute to my innovative and alternative approaches to community education and my vision for progressive community involvement. I am committed to alternative approaches, and a holistic view of life's journey.

Whether guiding communities through education or individuals through the final stages of life, my approach is characterized by empathy, innovation, and a deep-seated desire for systemic changes.

Services Offered:
• Community Education - public and private settings
• Grief Support
• End of Life Planning, Advocacy, and Practical Assistance
• Navigation & Resources for Altered States, Complementary Therapies, and DeathCare Education
• Home Funeral Guide
• Community Navigation
• Ceremony as an Ordained Reverend

If you would like to see if we connect & vibe, contact me at [(714) 820-1430] or [hello@cardomompath.com]

Find out more about what I do at OffbeatOlio.com and LBPECC.org

Angela Lockhart

Reflecting on my life journey, I've come to realize that my true calling has always been caring for people. This innate passion for caregiving has been ingrained in me since childhood.

As the eldest child among our family friends, I often found myself in the role of caretaker, responsible for looking after 12 or more younger children. This early experience nurtured my natural instincts for compassion, patience, and empathy.

With over 25 years of experience in hospital settings, I've had the privilege of working closely with medical staff, patients, and their families during some of life's most challenging moments. It was during this time that I gained invaluable insights into patient and family dynamics, particularly during difficult times. Recognizing the crucial need for guidance and support during such times, I embarked on a deeply personal journey into the work of deathcare. .

Experience:

My journey into death work began unexpectedly, driven by a profound personal experience where I found myself guiding a loved one through their end-of-life journey. This experience ignited a passion within me to provide comfort, assistance, and support to others navigating similar paths.

Over the past two decades, I have had the honor of assisting and supporting numerous individuals and families through their end-of-life journeys, each experience unique and deeply meaningful.

Philosophy:

Central to my approach as a death doula is the belief that every individual deserves to journey through their end-of-life with dignity, respect, and compassion. I am dedicated to creating a nurturing and supportive environment where clients and their loved ones feel valued, heard, and empowered.

My goal is to make a meaningful difference in the quality of my clients' end-of-life journeys, while also providing support to those left behind.

Services Offered:

• Emotional support and companionship

• Assistance with end-of-life planning and decision-making

• Guidance through the practical and emotional aspects of the dying process

• Support for family members and loved ones

• Creating personalized rituals and ceremonies to honor the individual's journey

Contact:

If you or a loved one are in need of compassionate support during the end-of-life journey, please feel free to reach out to me at [714-820-1430] or [hello@cardomompath.com]. I am here to provide comfort, guidance, and assistance every step of the way.