Guess what they call me: "An Icon"!
It’s actually a little intimidating to be called, "an icon," but who am I to argue with fans? Okay, "icon of therapeutic humor," it is. Thanks, fans!
From hospital clown to humorist & professional speaker to nurse retention and renewal specialist, I’ve made my living for more than 20 years studying, applying and sharing the many ways humor and laughter provide therapeutic benefits to individuals and groups.
A leader of therapeutic humor for more than 20 years
Since the mid-1980s, I have been speaking, writing and, in general, serving as an advocate and spokesperson for the therapeutic benefits of humor. At the bedside, in the workplace, and at conferences of every kind, I have seen humor work magic and have shared what I’ve learned with hundreds of thousands of people.
I have been on a television panel with humor scholars, such as Dr. Vera Robinson, and Dr. Bill Fry. I’ve clowned with Patch Adams long before the hit movie about his work. And I’ve even been the mystery guest on the hit TV game show, To Tell the Truth. It’s been a fun ride!
Active in organizing therapeutic humor community
While involved with the early leaders of the modern therapeutic humor movement, I have had the pleasure of being a charter member of the Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor, and a long-time member of the International Society for Humor Studies. These two organizations are invaluable for helping our field promote important and accurate information about the many humor and laughter work their magic. In 1999, I was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by my AATH peers.
International professional speaker
I have spoken in nearly every state in the U.S. and in 11 foreign countries. I guess being a leader in a field for more than 20 years does result in quite an accumulation of knowledge and some element of notoriety.
Thanks, again, fans!
Okay, I guess it’s true. Somehow, my life’s journey has earned me the title, “The Icon of Therapeutic Humor.” I’ll humbly accept the title and will continue to work hard to bring humor and laughter to deserving audiences around the world.
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