Meet the author, Damdy Chanthavilay Richards

Damdy Chanthavilay Richards, a Dentist by profession and a storyteller by heart, draws from her experiences  as a Lao refugee to create a tale that resonates with children and adults. 

She immigrated to the United States with her family when she was a teenager. 

Damdy values the importance of preserving and passing down her Lao heritage to the next generation.

Her book, Somjit and Somjai's Musical Journey, is based on her own two sons and their real life experience growing up in the United States.

The experience of writing this book, has brought her closer to her family, community and Lao heritage.