Becky Cortino is the creative mind behind AHeart4Clowning website, the series of popular books and related products on Healing Humor and Injecting Humor in the Healthcare Setting…

Becky follows a meandering joy-filled journey from a marketing/PR consultancy she founded to homeschool her two sons with her husband beginning in 1999. Eventually the Cortino family discovered their hearts’ desire through healing humor and in thyme!

Since 1997, the Cortino family actively performs as family entertainers with FESTIVO! Creative Arts Ministry and Frye Regional Medical Center’s Charlie’s Chaplains hospital creative ministry. Becky has served as Charlie’s Chaplains’ coordinator since 2003. Ms. Cortino has a heart to share her passion and message of encouragement as a writer, featured public speaker and presenter.

Author of How to Establish a Hospital Clown or Creative Ministry Guide, published in September, 2007, served as the official text for FRMC Charlie’s Chaplains’ first-ever Ministry Weekend on this topic, Ms. Cortino has published articles internationally, collaborative writings in two recently-published books, a series of EBooks, and an audio program about real-life applications of everyday healing humor.

Applied Humor Therapist, Trainer and Speaker:

Coordinator of Frye Regional Medical Center Charlie’s Chaplains Hospital Clown Creative Ministry in Hickory, NC since 2003, having been involved with Charlie’s Chaplains since 1997. Established in 1991, this hospital clown ministry is now a ‘New Generation’ version, including professional jugglers, magicians, puppeteers, musicians.

Comprised entirely of community volunteers, it is thought to be one of the oldest such groups still in existence (per Shobi Dobi, Hospital Clown Newsletter). Through my efforts as coordinator, FRMC Charlie’s Chaplains’ now-infamous “Skool” launched in February, 2004, which draws attendees from other states; we have trained many other groups, troupes and ministries.

Published Author:

How to Establish a Hospital Clown or Creative Ministry, the 131-page official text of FRMC Charlie’s Chaplains first creative ministry weekend session, part of our now-infamous Charlie’s Chaplains’ Skool. This book is uniquely written based upon hands-on experience, from a grassroots perspective. It offers ideas, options, inspirations and printable forms.

From the Heart: Injecting Healing Humor in the Health Care Setting, a 58-page book on the topic of Healing Humor, about hospital clown ministry, and the need for humor in everyday. Written for those interested in learning more about Applied Humor Therapy, or fans of hospital clowns.

Ongoing, Online Training: “How to Establish a Hospital Clown or Creative Ministry” Online Webinar Package, book companion with downloadable materials.

Published writings and submissions RE: Applied Humor in the Healthcare Setting (in addition to ongoing local/regional publications):

Hospital Clown Newsletter, January, 2007, story about Charlie’s Chaplains. (Front page 3 ½ page feature in International publication)

What’s Right in Healthcare, collaborative book for those in the frontlines of healthcare published 2007, about Charlie’s Chaplains’ sharing healing humor at FRMC and memorable caring clown moments! (Available via Amazon)

Broadcasting and Multi-Media Production:

“Healing Humor: Live Happy – Be Healthy” Audio Program on applied humor in all aspects: personal, business, how-to in healthcare setting (April, 2008), produced in tandem with FRMC “Healing Arts Festival.” Includes downloadable materials. Audio CD available.

AHeart4Clowning TalkRadio Show Host (BlogTalkRadio), now in second broadcast year

Humor Bit-TV Host for the Healing Humor Channel on YouTube

Memberships: AATH, COAI, Red Nose Response, World Clown Association