A huge thank you to my family, especially to my husband, Don, who constantly supports my humor practice and without whom I could not have completed this book. Special gratitude goes to my mom, Ruth Wiltz. Our kids and grandkids are mentioned frequently in this book, as they make sure that I find humor in everyday living. They bring incredible joy into my life: William, Jennifer, Ben, Tyler, Emma, Andy, Julie, Andrew, Mimi, Steve, Rachael, Jason, Katie, Cloe, Peter, Val, Samuel, Christine, Isaiah, Jennifer, and Beth. My friends, aunts, uncles, and cousins have stimulated my laugher and encouraged my efforts over the years. You are treasured! There are quotes and comments from my family scattered throughout this book.
A special thanks to the Association of Applied and Therapeutic Humor (AATH) members and Humor Academy advisors who have supported and encouraged me as we have collaborated on ways to share information about humor and laughter. Heartfelt thanks to Barbara Miller, Karyn Buxman, and Chip Lutz for their initial support and advice in starting the AATH Humor Academy. To the amazing advisors and instructors in AATH, including Don Baird, Lee Berk, Cheri Campbell, Dwayna Covey, Lenny Dave, Deb Gauldin, Roberta Gold, Deb Hart, Earl Henslin, Jill Knox, Linda MacNeal, Paul McGhee, Joyce Saltman, Enid Schwartz, Joel Schwartz, Steve Sultanoff, Steve Wilson, and Patty Wooten. Thank you also to the first graduating class of the Humor Academy! I greatly appreciate your enthusiastic support.
To my incredible colleagues who generously contributed their personal insights, their research, and their information about humor in their fields, I am grateful beyond words. Thanks to Chris Balmer, Lee Berk, Ron Berk, Hamish Boyd, Karyn Buxman, Judy Carter, Kay Caskey, Pat Conklin, Mark Clarke, Pat Conklin, Dwayna Covey, Adrienne Edmondson, Kelly Epperson, Fif Fernandes, Deb Gauldin, David Granirer, Deb Hart, Kris Harty, Earl Henslin, Nick Hoesl, David Jacobson, Leigh Anne Jasheway, Kathy Keaton, Allen Klein, Jackie Kwan, Kathy Laurenhue, Chip Lutz, Lois McElravy, Paul McGhee, Don and Alleen Nilsen, Cheryl Oberg, Sharon Olds, Hob Osterlund, Kathy Passanisi, Katherine Puckett, Amy Robbins, Bronwyn Roberts, Joyce Saltman, Susan Sparks, Ron Sudenick, Enid Schwartz, Joel Schwartz, Ed Singer, Tony Trunfio, Heather Wandell, Steve Wilson, Leslie Yerkes, and Laurie Young.
Thanks also to Bob Sylwester, who encouraged my fledgling efforts from the very beginning and who continues to provide resources and moral support. My deep appreciation also goes to Bev Letcher, who helped proof the initial copy. Thanks to Thomas F. Koerner, editorial director at Rowman & Littlefield Education, for his support, Mary McMenamin, Laura Grzybowski, and all those at Rowman & Littlefield for their assistance.
A special thanks to Bruce Quast from Rockford, Illinois, for his amazing cartoons in this publication.
I am grateful to those who have participated in my workshops and who have enriched me with their insights and feedback. Thanks to those who had faith in the power of humor and contacted me to facilitate a staff development workshop for their organization. Your trust led to this book.