2012-13 Instructors and AdvisorsFounder and Director: Mary Kay Morrison marykay@questforhumor.com Baird, Don (Special Advisor-Research) Don Baird (Special Advisor-Research) Lee Berk (Special Advisor- Research & Advisor Level 2 Learning Projects) Ronald A. Berk, PhD (Instructor Level 3) Karyn Buxman, RN, MSN, CSP, CPAE (Instructor Level 3) Cheri Ellis Campbell, Ph.D., ADD, AWOL, ASAP (Advisor Level 2) Dwayna M. Covey, M.Ed. (Advisor Level 3) Lenny Dave (Poster Session Instructor) Roberta Gold (Advisor Level 3) Deb Hart (Advisor Level 3) Dr. Earl Henslin (Instructor Level 2) Jill Knox (Advisor Level 2) Jacki Kwan, LCSW-C, LCSW (Advisor Level 1) Kathy Laurenhue (Advisor Level 1) Chip Lutz, MSEd, CLL (Instructor Level 3) Linda MacNeal (Special Advisor Logistics) Barbara Miller (Graduate Level Instructor Portland State University) Mary Kay Morrison (Founder and Director) Joyce Saltman (Advisor Level 2 Learning Projects) Enid Schwartz, RN, PhD (Special Advisor) Joel Schwartz, M.D (Advisor Level 3) Marilee Sprenger (Instructor Level 3) Steven M. Sultanoff, Ph.D. (Instructor Level 1) Shirley Trout (Special Advisor Logistics) Laurie Young, LPC, NCC, CLL (Advisor Level 1) |
Don is a former Board Member of AATH, and has presented at both national and international conferences. Not well, but he's at least presented. He has a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology and a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. He currently is an Adjunct Faculty Professor at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology and at work on a new book, which he hopes to finish reading soon.
Dr. Lee Berk has a strong background in the field of psychoneuroimmunology. He is a pioneer medical researcher and recognized for his studies on positive lifestyle behaviors (eustress) with humor associated mirthful/laughter and the initial research with endorphins and immune modulation with exercise. He has done research on music, religion and spirituality, and anticipatory perception with their effects on stress hormones, neuroendocrine and immunomodulation --- since the early 1980’s. Dr. Berk’s research examines the positive emotions and their biochemical/physiological effects to the whole-person through the field of psychoneuroimmunology. He is currently the Director of the Clinical Molecular Research Laboratory in the School of Allied Health Professions, Associate Director of the Cardiovascular and Physical Fitness Lab., Associate Professor in the School of Allied Health Professions, Research Associate Professor in the Department of Pathology and Human Anatomy, School of Medicine and Faculty in Graduate Studies at Loma Linda University, California.
Ron is Professor Emeritus, Biostatistics and Measurement, and former Assistant Dean for Teaching at The Johns Hopkins University and a Fellow in the Oxford Society of Scholars. He served 30 years of a life term at JHU, where he mentored numerous faculty and students, who are still in prison. He retired 5.851 years ago to enter the Federal Witness Protection Program under the name Puffy Snoop M & M. Ron has presented 400 keynotes in 42 states, 14 countries, and 2 planets. He destroyed scores of trees and shrubbery by publishing 13 books, including 3 on humor, 160 journal articles, and 270 blogs. These products reflect his life-long commitment to mediocrity and professional motto: “Go for the Bronze!” (See 
A highly sought humorist and internationally recognized expert in therapeutic humor, Karyn Buxman shows people how to manage their stress and improve their bottom line through humor and laughter. Through her years of research and experience, she’s determined that humor and its powerful consequences offer benefits in the work place that can be the catalyst for change that will move groups forward and allow individuals to live more positive, productive and happier lives. Clients range from the Mayo Clinic to the Million Dollar Round Table and they hire Karyn to entertain, educate and inspire their audiences over and over again. Karyn holds a distinguished position in the world of speaking. She has earned the National Speakers Association’s (NSA) Certified Speaking Professional designation, held by less than 7% of professional speakers, and is one of only 35 women in the world awarded admission into the NSA Speaker Hall of Fame. She’s received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor and is past president of this international organization. She serves on the advisory board of the 
Cheri grew up funny...most think 'odd' rather than 'funny ha ha'. From her parent's post ww2 enclave in Mortgage Grove, IL to a series of educational gambits on the right coast, she has been loathe to take much seriously...until humor studies and AATH. With the tenacity of an anthropological biologist, Cheri has been hades bent on dissecting the nature of humor & how it makes us tick tock/tick tock. Undaunted that the frog never survives (as Mark Twain predicted) she has persevered, creating new and frivolous connections between communication & humor...teaching the combo as a com prof at the school of mild knocks and a quintet of nefarious universities. With hi jinx in mind, she now joins forces with the Humor Academy in pursuit of world domination & improved bocce ball technique.
Dwayna is a graduate of the Institute for Professional Empowerment Coaching (iPEC). She is a certified Myers-Briggs type Inventory (MBTI) Facilitator, Certified Laughter Leader, Laughter Yoga Teacher and Reiki Master. Dwayna is a member of the Coaching “Center of Vermont, the Association for Applied Therapeutic Humor and the International Coach Federation. She is passionate about supporting individuals and groups on their paths to positive communication, healthy work environments and intentional career choices. Dwayna’s enthusiasm, authenticity and humor empower the courage in others to create the life they want. Read her column, “A Dose of Dwayna’ in the Bridge Weekly – 
Lenny Dave is not a doctor, however, he has been known to perform successful surgery on the human spirit! He is a Past President of AATH (2007-09) who keeps giving back to the organization! As a nationally-recognized speaker and humorist, Lenny talks with Wellness audiences about the importance of humor in the healing process. His personal mission is simple: “To cure ‘toxic sameness’ and make a positive difference in people's lives!” While Lenny’s message is serious, he is also a big believer in the philosophy that learning can be and should be fun! Active with high school and college student leadership audiences too, Lenny has twice been nominated by Campus Activities Magazine as “Speaker of the Year.” He is co-author of two books, “Let Your Leadership Speak: How to Lead and Be Heard” and “Choose Courage Over Fear: Decisions That Determine Your Destiny.” Lenny has also contributed to a tasty new, college textbook entitled, “Culinary Improvisation!”
If you want to find out where your “Humor Bone” is, then Roberta Gold can teach you! She is a Recreation Therapist by profession and a Humor Therapist by choice. She created her program, “Laughter for the Health of it” and presents it to business, medical, social, educational, parental, and other groups across the nation. Roberta has conducted training programs for family practice residents to learn how to use humor to improve patient/physician communication. She facilitates interactive, fun-filled staff retreats, key notes at conferences, and helps everyone find humorous ways to resolve conflicts. Her articles are published in several periodicals and she is currently completing work on a book. Roberta regularly provides on-going classes for nurses, caregivers, Retirement facilities, and other groups around the greater LA area, as well as consulting to hospitals on ways to use humor and laughter with patients and their families, as well as creating Humor Carts and Humor Rooms to aide in patient's recovery. She is currently the media relations representative for the Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor (aath.org).
A registered nurse for over 20 years, a teacher, a clown, part time minister, published humorist and constantly on a diet, Deb loves, her family, her work, her vegetables and all that she does. Deb is definitely in the MIRTH business… which stands for: Medicine Is Relationships,Trust and Humor.
Dr. Henslin has a doctorate in clinical psychology and is a licensed marriage and family therapist, former part-time faculty member at the Rosemead Graduate School of Psychology at Biola University, La Mirada, California, author of seven books, and co-author of three books and numerous professional articles. He is a member of several professional organizations and helped in the founding of Overcomers Outreach to aid churches in establishing support groups. He has led seminars and retreats for lay people and professionals nationally and internationally. Dr Henslin has also been involved with coaching executives and helping businesses become “brain-healthy organizations.” For the past 14 years—working closely with brain imaging research pioneer Daniel G. Amen, MD—Dr. Henslin has been integrating brain imaging into the treatment of psychological, physical, and spiritual problems at his counseling practice, Henslin and Associates, a Christian counseling group in Brea, California. Dr. Henslin has four adult children and two lovely granddaughters.
Jill Knox is highly sought as a speaker and humorist who has, as long as she can remember, incorporated humor in daily living and as a survival tool. (insert photo of house burning down here) As an educator, her use of humor in the classroom led her to a career as a speaker and founder of The Funnyside, providing workshops and keynotes to colleges, school districts, health centers, and women’s groups emphasizing the power of humor at work, play, and daily living.
Jacki is a psychotherapist, author of Almost Home: Embracing the Magical Connection Between Positive Humor & Spirituality (2002), humor consultant, and therapeutic clown who has been a clinical social worker since 1989. She has been teaching her practice of Wellness to health care providers, illness-specific organizations, philanthropic groups, and corporations. Jacki created HA!HA!LOGY®, a multi-faceted therapeutic humor program for health care facilities, trained at Clown Camp®, completed Laughter Club Leadership Training, and then traveled as a therapeutic clown on a trip to China with Patch Adams. She is a member of the National Association of Social Workers as well as a proud member of AATH. In 2000, her focus has become working with older adults, Alzheimer's patients and their families, as well as those in their final stages of life. Jacki received a Masters Degree in Social Work from Catholic University in 1989. Most recent post-masters training includes: Practitioner Certification in Eden Energy Medicine and advanced training and supervision from The Center for Mind-Body Medicine in Washington, DC. Her philosophy is to see with your ears, hear with your eyes, touch with your heart.
Chip Lutz, MSEd, CLL, is the Chief Laughing Officer (CLO) and founder of Covenant Leadership LLC and has 25 years of years leadership experience. A retired Navy Officer, he has had two command tours, served as the Director of Security for Naval District Washington, DC, during September 11th, and has held various other key leadership positions. He prides himself on keeping it “light” while getting the job done. 
Linda followed a traditional path, graduating from college and then earning a Masters degree in Japanese Linguistics. You may be surprised that with that background, her first job was to become a clown with Ringing Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus. After that, her logical career path led her right to… Yup, you guessed it, the IBM Corporation. Eventually she left IBM to start her own computer training company specializing in Treasury Management applications. For the past 10 years, Linda has followed her passion to teach and practice humor as a way of life. Linda is proud to be the wife of an Army Reserve Officer who served for over 35 years. Her husband’s military duties include Viet Nam and two tours of Iraq.
I always say, anyone who has known me for 15 minutes already knows everything (or more than they want to know!) about me, so why write a bio? However, it seems to have been requested. I’m fortunate to live in the outrageously beautiful Pacific Northwest (shh…we try to keep this place a secret), where we enjoy toiling in our garden, hanging in our ‘hood, and fitting in the serious business of teaching school teachers how to use humor in schools. I am proud to be a small part of AATH’s Humor Academy by being the “instructor of record” for graduate credit through Portland State University.
Mary Kay is a teacher who has taught at virtually every level of the educational spectrum, while facilitating keynote presentations and workshop sessions for the past 30 years. Her work includes integrating what we know about cognitive research on the emotions (particularity humor) and movement to classroom application. In addition to humor and stress management, Mary Kay frequently conducts seminars on brain research, leadership, ADHD, group facilitation, parenting and mentoring. Mary Kay is founder and director of Humor Quest. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Association of Applied and Therapeutic Humor (AATH) and was 2010 conference chair. As a member of the Illinois NCLB implementation team, she conducted “Train the Trainer” sessions for the State Board of Education on school improvement and mentoring. She is the education advisor for the Funny Lit Project offered through World Laughter Tour.
Joyce is a professor Emeritus of Special Education at Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven, CT, she chose to receive her doctoral degree from Columbia, because she loved the color of their doctoral gown. It was no small feat that she was able to persuade her mentor to allow her to write her dissertation on “Humor in Adult Learning.” She also holds four graduate degrees in the fields of Special Education and Counseling. Joyce’s innovative teaching style has led to the development of a graduate course entitled. “The Enhancement of Learning Through Humor,” as well as a summer institute called, “Healing, Education Laughter and Play (HELP). Her experience in the areas of education, therapy and comedy has provided an outstanding background for her research on “The Therapeutic Value of Laughter.” Since 1983, when Joyce began lecturing on “Laughter,” she has been interviewed by national radio and TV. Her dynamic seminars and articles, always peppered with humor, address such topic as dealing with difficult people, laughter as therapy, parenting, and relationships. Her goal is to enlighten, educate and entertain while the audience laughs. As a result of her speaking engagements she has so far been able to donate over one million dollars to her favorite various charities. Intermittently referred to as the “Guru of Laughter,” and “The Chubby Broad from Brooklyn, Joyce helps people lighten up wherever she goes!
Enid is mostly retired but teaches nursing online now and then for Grand Canyon University. She has presented national workshops on end-of-life issues. The second edition of her CEU program Humor in Health Care is available through Western Schools. She has taught humor in healthcare, aging issues, dealing with death, and Alzheimer¹s disease for organizations in her community. She is also a Certified Laughter Leader (CLL) and does laughter workshops in the community. She completed her CLL with the World Laughter Tour in 2004. In 2006 she received and her PhD from Walden University. Her dissertation focused on using humor to cope with breast cancer. When not at her home in southeastern AZ she, her love, Don, and their two dogs travel the country in their motor home. She is an active member of AATH being involved in both membership and the Humor Academy.
Joel almost flunked out of nursery school because he was unable to sit on his carpet square on the floor. Despite this squirminess, which continued during his tenure at Franklin and Marshall College, he graduated Phi Beta Kappa. He is now a Psychiatrist, Certified Laughter Leader, and a professional speaker campaigning to stamp out ADHD (Adult Deficient Humor Disorder). His popular programs are laced with
Marilee Sprenger is considered an expert in education on the brain, learning and memory, and differentiation. Using research based information and a sense of humor, Marilee leaves her audiences with practical techniques to implement in their classrooms immediately.
Steven M. Sultanoff, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist, university professor (Pepperdine), professional speaker, past President of AATH, and internationally recognized expert on therapeutic humor. His model of therapeutic humor (developed in the late 1980’s) was among the first to suggest that humor, in addition to stimulating the physical response of laughter, also had a positive influence on thoughts and feelings. He has authored many innovative articles, including a new article which outlines the core human qualities essential for presence of therapeutic humor. His chapter Integrating Humor into Psychotherapy is published in the psychology textbook Play Therapy with Adults. Steve has appeared on STARZ, The Morning Show, Lifetime, and PBS and is frequently quoted in national publications such as Prevention, USA Today, Redbook, Forbes, etc. He has presented at countless conferences including AATH and is known for his live and online humor courses. His web site (
Shirley Trout grew up in a family well-known for its humor by anyone who crossed their path – and especially by those who had the good fortune to join them at the dinner table. Once a parent, herself, she relied on her childhood experiences to teach her how to handle the ups and downs of raising her four children. As a result, she produced two practical parenting books, “Humor in Your Home Doesn’t Mean Your Home is a Joke!” and “Light Dances: Illuminating Families with Laughter and Love.” She treated herself to her first AATH conference as a graduation gift to herself following completion of her Bachelor’s degree (Journalism) at age 39. She then spent 15 years traveling the country as a professional speaker and trainer sharing her perspective on the role of humor in the human experience, and served on the AATH board for nearly two decades, including as AATH president from 2003-2005. Her presidential term fell exactly at the same time she was completing her PhD in Leadership Studies. (NOT RECOMMENDED, but certainly a huge personal accomplishment.) While president, she outlined an initial framework for a therapeutic humor certification, which provided the starting point for today’s Humor Academies. Shirley served as the lead architect on the AATH team that established an official definition of the term, “therapeutic humor.”
Laurie, first became interested in therapeutic humor when her future business partner, Kay Caskey, handed her an article by Norman Cousins about his use of laughter while coping with a life-threatening disease. Enrolled in the same university program, they were given approval to do an internship on the subject of Laughter and Health, which sent them on a quest to read everything that had ever been written about the subject. After completing their thesis, they formed Laughter Works℠ from their world headquarters in Decatur, Michigan and since have given over 1,000 keynotes and presentations to a wide variety of human service, educational, and healthcare organizations. In the early 1990’s they started offering a 3-credit class for Western Michigan University’s Holistic Health Program called Health and Humor. Not having their fill of generating rubrics or filling out university forms, they more recently added a class called Humor and Fun…the brain’s best learning strategy. Laurie also worked for over 25 years as a school counselor, a source of great hilarity. Laurie is a life-long laugher.