Meet Cheronda “Cam” Mathews of Whole Journey Family Services

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cheronda “Cam” Mathews.

Hi Cheronda “Cam”, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey really started with my early experiences in school. I didn’t always take it seriously until I had a teacher who truly saw me, pushed me, and believed in me. That experience changed everything for me and shaped how I show up in the world. It showed me the power of being seen, and I’ve carried that with me ever since.

I went on to build a career in education, where I’ve spent over 10 years working with children and families. I’ve served as a teacher, a lead teacher, and a director in youth programs and tech camps. Through those roles, I developed strong leadership and operational skills, but more importantly, I learned how to build real relationships, mentor others, and create environments where people feel supported and can grow.

As I continued on that path, my journey became more personal. Being diagnosed endometriosis, and navigating that pushed me to advocate for myself and my health in a deeper way. Around that time, I was also grieving the loss of my grandfather, and that’s when I found yoga. It helped me slow down, stay grounded, and begin reconnecting with my body during a difficult season.

After my endometriosis surgery during COVID, I experienced another loss with my aunt, and that’s when I found breathwork. It became a powerful tool for me to process emotions, release tension, and create space for healing. Along the way, I also began studying herbs and natural approaches to wellness, really learning how to support myself more holistically.

Those experiences not only changed how I care for myself, but also how I show up for others. They led me into doula work, where I became a full spectrum doula. Through that work, I support individuals and families during some of the most important and vulnerable moments in their lives. It brought together my background in education, my passion for advocacy, and my desire to provide care that is both informed and empowering.

Right now, I’m in a season of growth and expansion. I’m continuing to build Whole Journey Family Services, and I’m currently in training to become a certified breathwork facilitator and yoga teacher so I can deepen the way I support others. Everything I’m doing is connected to my purpose of supporting people in a well-rounded, intentional way.

My path hasn’t been linear, but every step has been rooted in growth, healing, and impact. And I’m continuing to evolve as I step deeper into that purpose.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. If anything, it’s been a lot of learning, unlearning, and figuring things out as I go.

On a personal level, dealing with endometriosis was a big challenge. I really had to learn how to advocate for myself and pay attention to what my body was telling me. That process pushed me to look beyond just traditional options and take a more active role in my own healing.

Grief has also been a huge part of my journey. I’ve lost my grandfather, my aunt, my partner, and my brother, and each of those experiences hit differently. There were times I had to slow all the way down and really sit with what I was feeling. It wasn’t easy at all, but it led me to things like yoga and breathwork, which honestly helped me get through some of my hardest moments.

On the professional side, there’s been some uncertainty too. Trying to figure out how all the pieces of my path fit together, stepping into something more holistic, and building something of my own hasn’t always been clear. And even within birthwork, I’ve had moments where I’m trying to find my place, build real connections, and show up as myself in a space that can feel a little overwhelming at times.

But I think all of that has taught me how to trust myself more. It’s helped me become more grounded, more intentional, and more connected to the work I’m doing. So no, it hasn’t been smooth, but I wouldn’t change it because it’s shaped how I show up for people now.

We’ve been impressed with Whole Journey Family Services, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
So my business is called Whole Journey Family Services, and honestly, it’s exactly what it sounds like. I support people through different stages of life in a holistic and intentional way.

I’m a full spectrum doula, but I don’t just focus on birth. I’m also a tutor, a Reiki practitioner, and a photographer. I offer things like Closing of the Bones ceremonies, and I also spend time educating young girls about their bodies so they can better understand themselves and feel more confident early on.

Everything I do is rooted in education, empowerment, and support. A big part of my work is helping women really learn how to love and appreciate their bodies. That’s something a lot of us weren’t taught, so I try to create spaces where women and young girls can feel more connected to themselves instead of disconnected or unsure.

I also provide grief support, which is very personal to me. I know what it’s like to go through loss, so I create space for people to process what they’re feeling without pressure. That can look like conversation, just being present, or even more intentional practices like Closing of the Bones, where people can feel held and supported during transitions.

I think what makes me different is that I don’t just show up for one role. I meet people where they are. Whether it’s emotional support, education, or something more hands-on, I’m really focused on the full experience. And as I continue my training in breathwork and yoga, I’m adding even more ways to support people through healing and connection.

I’m really proud of how intentional my brand is. The name Whole Journey isn’t just a name, it’s how I move. I’m not just there for one moment, I’m there to support people through whatever part of their journey they’re in.

And honestly, what I want people to know is that you don’t have to have everything figured out to reach out. This is a space where you can just be, ask questions, learn, heal, and feel supported without judgment.

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
For me, I really lean into podcasts and books depending on what season I’m in.

Podcast-wise, I listen to God, It’s Me Again and For the Healthy Hoes. Those have been really grounding for me and give a mix of real-life conversations, wellness, and perspective that I can actually apply.

When it comes to books, I gravitate toward anything that helps me understand myself on a deeper level, whether that’s mentally, emotionally, or spiritually. Some of my favorites are Rich & Righteous, The Body Keeps the Score, Sacred Woman, Birthing Liberation, Remember Who the F** You Are, and The Four Agreements. Each of those has helped me in different ways, from healing and self-awareness to mindset and how I move through life.

I also lean into practices like journaling, breathwork, and just taking time to slow down and check in with myself. I’ve learned that sometimes the best resource isn’t something external, it’s creating space to really listen to yourself.

Overall, I just try to stay open and use whatever supports me in that moment.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: camthefamilydoula
• Other: https://substack.com/@camnavigateslife?utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page