Stories for the moment, from YMP Fellows

In YMP’s June newsletter, we offer connections and resources, and most importantly, we lift up the voices of two incredible artists and human beings. Dr. Cassandra Little and Anjali Kapoor-Davis were both Fellows in our Storytelling for Change program. They each offer their brave voices. Please listen to the wisdom of their stories, they are guiding us toward bravery. With the support of the California Wellness Foundation, we are honored to share Dr. Little’s poem, “He Looked Like My Son” and Anjali Kapoor-Davis’ story, “Kindergarten.” Please contact us to subscribe to our monthly newsletter!

DR. CASSANDRA LITTLE is a 56 year old woman and mother, who has has been writing poetry and essays since grade school. Upon graduating from high school she studied Criminal Justice at California State Fullerton and California Baptist University. She later earned her Masters in Social Work and her Doctorate in Counseling from University Nevada Reno. While in graduate school she renewed her love for writing and the creative arts. Dr. Little is a native of California but has resided in Reno, Nevada for over 25 years. For over 28 years she had worked professionally in Child Welfare. She is currently an Adjunct Professor at California State University of Fresno and Fresno Pacific University. In 2013 the trajectory of her life and her teenaged son changed drastically when she was indicted and incarcerated for 33 months for health care fraud and money laundering. During her incarceration her love for writing, Storytelling and poetry are what kept her whole, sane and alive.

ANJALI KAPOOR-DAVIS is a Storyteller, Playwright, and Musician. Born and raised in Fresno, Anjali graduated from Clovis West and earned a BA in Music from U.C. Davis. After moving back to Fresno with her husband and son, she took on the roles of robotics coach, Boy Scout troop treasurer, choir Mom, and also served on local non-profit boards. Anjali is also a thyroid cancer survivor and started a thyroid cancer support group in Fresno to raise awareness for this disease. The Yonsei Memory Project, Playwrighting at FCC, and CSU Summer Arts have helped Anjali develop an outlet for creativity and healing through writing. She loves spending time with her family, all animals, the arts, baking, and laughing.