“Buried Potential is Everywhere. It’s Time to Unearth It.”
PD WARE
A B L E O F
O N T E N T S
CHOICES MATTER
Reminding the youth that their choices today effect their tomorrow
Discover how Pamela Ware is using her extensive experience in the death industry to change lives.
THE THRIVE GUIDE
Learn What Steps You can Take as an Educator to help youth strive for better
Get a Glimpse of Pamela’s latest and most impactful project. THE
Reach out to Pamela for a consultation & more.
Uncover the importance of changing the narrative for our Uncover the importance of changing the narrative for our youth in order to steer them away from poor choices that youth in order to steer them away from poor choices that lead to senseless violence and loss of life. lead to senseless violence and loss of life.
Depression significantly contributes to the drug abuse crisis among African American youth. They are more likely to face depression and mental health issues but often receive insufficient treatment, leading to substance abuse as a form of self-medication.
Despite making up about 15-16% of the youth population, African American youth (ages 1-17) in the U.S. represent roughly 30-40% of those in juvenile facilities. The crimes committed arise from factors like community violence, poverty, limited opportunities, mental health issues, and systemic inequalities
Gun violence is the leading cause of death for children and teens in the US, ages 1-17. In that same age group African American children had a gun rate death 18 times higher than Caucasian children
Despite this...
You have the option to make BETTER CHOICES.
THERE’S
Memphis, Tennessee native and a dedicated professional in the death Memphis, Tennessee native and a dedicated professional in the death industry who is leveraging her remarkable journey filled with unique industry who is leveraging her remarkable journey filled with unique experiences, challenges, and victories to guide young people to make wiser experiences, challenges, and victories to guide young people to make wiser choices that will lead them to a brighter future choices that will lead them to a brighter future.
BETTER CHOICES. BETTER CHANCES.
Learn how Pamela "PD" Ware is leading youth and young adults on a path that will help them fully understand the power of their choices.
One day while Pamela Ware sat in her office reflecting on her recent cases, it occurred to her that she had participated in more autopsies, worked at more crime scenes, and laid to rest more children than she had witnessed graduations Over the past 2 decades, Pamela has spent 51,840 hours devoted to the death industry in various capacities, including as a licensed embalmer, funeral director, autopsy technician, anatomical bequest program administrator, and former Director of Investigations for the West Tennessee Regional Forensic Center
While headlines and local news stories often present distant narratives about death, Pamela has faced the harsh reality of it directly She is all too familiar with the vacant gaze in
the eyes of the deceased She has endured the pervasive odor of mortality, and engaged in the respectful preparation of the body, transforming deformity into a dignified farewell for the grieving family
The accumulation of her experience led her to create Beyond the Tape, a program designed to explore the profound consequences of decisions made in moments of anger, fear, or impulsivity Through this impactful initiative, she employs realistic visuals to highlight the serious repercussions of poor choices, alongside true narratives that reveal the connection between decisions and their results Additionally, she provides practical strategies to enhance self-awareness, empathy, and informed decision-making
The Beyond the Tape program is also used to convey a crucial message to young individuals: THEIR CHOICES MATTER Pamela believes that fostering a sense of responsibility and foresight can empower youth to steer clear of the pitfalls she has witnessed claiming far too many lives behind the tape of various crime scenes
Not only that, she encourages educators, mentors and parents to be heavily involved and proactive in the collective community effort in redirecting troubled youth toward a path that can help them avoid situations that could lead to irreversible outcomes
Her dedication to this cause is evident in her tireless efforts to bridge the gap between awareness and action, empowering the next generation to make choices that lead to fulfilling and purposeful lives Through collaboration and commitment, Pamela envisions a future where every young person recognizes their potential and the powerful impact of their decisions
Pamela's podcast, "The Autopsy of Unwise Choices," explores the consequences of poor decisions and guides young people toward making wiser choices
FIVE TRANSFORMATIVE BENEFITS OF COLLABORATING WITH PAMELA WARE
1. Strengthening Connections Between Teachers and Students
My services help bridge the gap between educators and students by fostering empathy and understanding When teachers recognize the impact of trauma, they can connect with students on a deeper level, building trust and creating a safe space for learning and growth
2. Equipping Students with Life-Changing Skills
I provide students with tools to navigate conflict, manage emotions, and make better choices These skills empower them to overcome challenges and embrace their potential, instilling hope and resilience for their future
3 Creating Trauma-Informed Classrooms
By helping educators understand the signs and effects of trauma, I enable them to approach students with compassion and insight This awareness transforms the classroom into a supportive environment where every student feels seen and valued
4. Inspiring Positive Change and Empowerment
My programs encourage students to see beyond their current struggles and imagine a better future With the right guidance, they gain the confidence to rewrite their stories, make meaningful choices, and thrive despite adversity
5 Fostering Safe and Inclusive School Cultures
By addressing the root causes of conflict and misunderstanding, my services contribute to safer, more inclusive schools Students and teachers alike benefit from an environment where kindness, respect, and resilience are prioritized, paving the way for lasting change
FOREDUCATORS FOREDUCATORS
DIGGING BELOW THE SURFACE
At first glance, educators may assume that when students are argumentative, the issue lies primarily with the topic at hand; however, this is not always true According to Maslow’s hierarchy, when fundamental needs such as belonging, autonomy, or recognition are unmet, students may display disruptive behavior Additionally, mental health challenges like anxiety and depression can lead students to engage in risky behaviors in their quest for validation This can ultimately impede their academic and career growth due to diminished motivation and confidence Over time, this disconnect may hinder their ability to form healthy relationships and trust others, creating a barrier between teachers and students
By using her approach teachers are able to overcome a wide variety of challenges they are faced with when working to troubled youth It is essential for teachers to create a safe and empathetic environment where students feel heard and validated By fostering open communication and normalizing their emotions, educators can assist students in processing their trauma.
Thus, it is crucial for educators to be proactive in building strong relationships with their students to prevent unnecessary outcomes By taking the time to understand the underlying motivations behind a student's behavior, teachers can create opportunities for growth, resilience, and brighter futures It’s our job to equip students with the tools to make informed choices that can transform challenges into opportunities to thrive
STRIVE TO THRIVE
In an effort to help bridge the gap between students and educators, Pamela Ware created a curriculum called THRIVE She uses this framework to help students Transform their lives through Hope, Resilience, Inspiration, Vision, and Empathy
Collaborating with school counselors and referring students to trauma-focused therapy or support groups can offer crucial professional help Additionally, teachers can integrate mindfulness practices, such as breathing exercises or journaling, to aid students in managing stress. Utilizing key resources like crisis hotlines, community mental health organizations, or school-based programs like Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) can support students' mental well-being and academic recovery
Over the past twenty years, Pamela has learned the importance of understanding the impact trauma has on relationships, especially in the classroom environment The services she provides are designed to equip educators with vital tools and insights to recognize trauma signs and respond with empathy and kindness By fostering open dialogue and creating safe spaces for students to share their feelings, teachers can build trust and connection When educators grasp the obstacles their students face, they can transition from frustration to collaboration, enabling students to feel seen, supported, and empowered to thrive despite their challenges
5 WAYS TEACHERS CAN INCORPORATE CONFLICT RESOLUTION AND VIOLENCE PREVENTION INTO THEIR LESSONS.
1. Lead with Authenticity and Compassion
Share real-life stories that illustrate the outcomes of choices, while encouraging students to recognize their ability to create change
2. Foster Safe Spaces for Open Conversations
Violence often arises from unaddressed emotions or a lack of outlets, and your empathy can serve as a lifeline that makes a difference
3 Implement Engaging, Hands-On Methods to Teach the Ripple Effect of Choices
Demonstrate how a single action can influence families, friends, and entire communities Empower them to acknowledge their value, and inspire them to make decisions that reflect it
4 Create Strong Support Networks
Build environments where youth feel seen, heard, and valued by fostering supportive relationships with trusted adults, peers, and mentors
5 Promote Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
Teach youth skills like empathy, conflict resolution, and emotional regulation to help them navigate challenges and build positive relationships
6 Engage Youth in Purpose-Driven Activities
Encourage involvement in activities that align with their interests and talents, such as sports, arts, volunteering, or STEM programs
