Bio

Jan Henderson is a humour expert, a dynamic motivational speaker and one of Canada 's leading specialists in creativity. For over 25 years, she has helped people get in touch with their most authentic, playful, and creative aspect- their inner Wise Fool - and use it to enrich their personal and professional lives. Participants have included business people, health care professionals, artists, consultants, and individuals of all disciplines , in the private and public sector.

After receiving an Honours BA in theatre from Dalhousie University, Jan studied extensively with mask and clown teacher, Richard Pochinko, co-founding with him what is now the Theatre Resource Centre, Toronto.

As artistic director and performer with the internationally acclaimed company, Small Change Theatre, Jan has literally clowned her way around the world and discovered first hand that laughter is the universal language. She was a humour consultant for the Cross Cancer Institute, Edmonton, and her work in humour and healing is featured in the NFB documentary, Phyllis' Miracle.

As the creative consultant for Heroic Hearts Inc, Toronto, Jan facilitated Breakthrough Thinking and Innovation seminars for corporations such as Bayer Pharmaceutical and Kodak Film. Currently, she teaches Mask and Clown in the Drama Department at the University of Alberta, and is on the faculty of the Leadership Development Program at the Banff Centre.

For more information view resume.

Jan is the recipient of two 2004 University of Alberta teaching awards:

• The William Hardy Alexander Award for Excellence in Sessional Teaching
• The Faculty of Arts Award for Excellence in Sessional Teaching

In 2005, Jan was named Woman of Vision by Edmonton 's Global Television and she was nominated for the inaugural Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Arts Awards.