Meet The Humor Camp 2025 Team
Kermit Cole
Kermit Cole has had an active interest in humor since an early age, noticing that it arose, even and perhaps especially, in the hardest of times. During his first career (in film and television), Kermit explored this interest in “Before Comedy,” about the discovery of comedy by prehistoric clowns, and in “Living Proof: HIV and the Pursuit of Happiness.” Exploring how we face fear with laughter from these two divergent perspectives, Kermit was drawn to work deeper with people in extreme crisis, obtaining undergraduate and master’s degrees from Harvard, focusing on Psychology and Philosophy, and a post-graduate certificate in Marriage & Family Therapy from the Council for Relationships in Philadelphia. Working with people in extreme states of trauma and psychosis (and their families) for 20 years, Kermit has developed his theory of why laughter arises – and how to use it – at critical moments of healing… and of being human.
Lenny Dave
Nationally recognized Comedy Historian Lenny Dave, an entertaining, professional speaker, is the first (and only) to ever accomplish the following triple crown honor. He’s performed in 1) the “Red Skelton Entertainment Series” in Vincennes, Indiana, 2) the “Oliver Hardy Festival” in Harlem, Georgia, and 3) at “Borscht Belt Fest” in Ellenville, New York (in the heart of the Catskill Mountains). For over 35 years, utilizing comedy nostalgia as his time-tested tonic, Lenny cognitively stimulates Active Senior and Wellness audiences. In doing so, he creates a joyful sense of community among those who entered the theater as disconnected individuals. A co-founder of Humor Camp, Lenny is also Past President of AATH (Association for Applied & Therapeutic Humor). Lenny’s creative mission is simple, very “human,” and needed now more than ever: To make a positive difference in people’s lives… and to help bring an end to toxic sameness.
Robin Johnson
Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Robin Johnson served over 20 years in the U.S. Army before becoming a Certified Humor Professional (through AATH). After retiring from the Army, she discovered her new mission: to heal people, organizations and communities through humor. Robin is a veteran fellow at the Hoover Institution (Stanford Univ.) where she is researching the neuroscience of laughter and its impact on the brain. Robin’s work aims to deepen our understanding of how laughter contributes to well-being and cognitive function. She serves as faculty for Thayer Leadership at West Point and the Institute for Defense & Business and guest lectures at Stanford Medical School. Robin also tours internationally as a stand-up comedian with Armed Forces Entertainment, is a TEDx speaker, and a soccer mom.
Julie Ostrow
Trained in Improv at The Second City in Chicago, Julie Ostrow’s “zone of genius” lies in humor, communication, and positivity. Her passion as a Humorous Speaker and Communication Coach focuses on teaching how to use improv skills and humor to improve creativity, communication and collaboration. Whether working with her corporate clients or with individuals interested in developing their interpersonal skillset, Julie is devoted to sharing how being present and truly listening are among the keys to genuinely connecting, communicating with clarity, creatively evolving and boldly advancing in one’s professional or personal world. And, being the first-ever winner of the “American Laughing Championship,” Julie knows a thing or two about laughter and levity.
David Jacobson
David Jacobson, MSW LCSW CHP, was one of Banner University Medical Center’s “Top 10” leaders as their Director of Behavioral Health Case Management. He served as Executive National Director of Marketing, Federal Chief of Service for the VA and as Manager of Social Work at UMC where he worked with patients and families of traumas including the tragic shooting event in Tucson (January, 2011) for which he was personally thanked by President Obama for his assistance. Diagnosed with a severe form of arthritis at 22 and through years of struggling with chronic pain, David has developed humor techniques that help him endure the hard times. The owner of Humor Horizons (his professional speaking/consulting business), David is the author of several books on therapeutic humor and has been featured internationally, but usually only on uneventful, slow news days.
Michael Gershe
When Michael was only 8-weeks old, he barely survived a car crash caused by a drunk driver. Tragically, though, the crash killed his mother. Years later, with determination and essential humor, Michael went on to become a successful collegiate swimmer, stand-up comedian, speaker, author, college educator, two-time TedxTalk presenter and photographer. He’s quite the Renaissance Man! Strategically combining humor, a powerful and inspirational message plus over 30 years of stage experience, Michael’s programs on impaired driving prevention have been presented to audiences ranging from high schools, college campuses and military bases to DUI offenders in court-ordered situations. In “Stand-up to Grief,” Michael addresses how to carefully use humor in coping with grief and tragedy, especially from the male perspective. Ring a bell?
Jodi Grinwald
Jodi Grinwald is a visionary Certified Professional Coach (CPC, ELI-MP), speaker, and founder of the Today is the Day Changemakers platform, podcast, and International Forum. She’s known for helping people move through the messy middle; the space between where they’ve been and where they’re meant to go. Jodi’s signature T.A.B.L.E.™ Methodology (Truth, Alignment, Boundaries, Leadership, Expansion) is rooted in authentic connection and real transformation. She has received the Athena Leadership Award, Asbury Park Press Influencer in Business Award, and NJ Governor’s Award in Arts Education. Jodi also co-founded the Zzak G. Applaud Our Kids Foundation – helping underserved children with ongoing Performing Arts education. And yes, she can do all this with 27 tabs open and only decaf in her cup.
Shirley Trout
Don’t be fooled into thinking the credentials, “B.J., MEd, PhD, CHP, and AATH Past President” indicate that Shirley was highly intentional in packaging a stellar, professional career. She’ll dispel that myth quickly with one thing acquiring those credentials did teach her: Businesses and universities do not break down doors to hire a person who chooses the 22½-Year Plan to a Bachelor’s degree! However, saying, “Sure! I’ll do that!” (even when she had no idea how to do “that” – yet) has taught her to embrace her sister’s words of wisdom along the way, “So what if you fall on your face? At least you’re falling forward!” Shirley developed the EVATEC Model for designing curriculum that intentionally uses humor to enhance learning. It works for making parenting more fun, too, which she reveals in her book, “Light Dances.”
(862) 352-8447 (862) 3LAUGHS