A LITTLE BIT ABOUT STEPHANIE DAVIES

Stephanie Davies grew up on the Isle of Man where she developed a belief in fairies which exists to this day. She has the smallest little fingers of any human being, ever, and can often be seen walking a cat on a lead in the Surrey village where she lives.

Stephanie’s not-so-horrible history

Stephanie studied community arts at the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts, before embarking on a career as an award-winning stand-up comedian, appearing alongside Sarah Millican, John Bishop and Jason Manford. Not that she didn’t like knocking around with these folks but, luckily for us …

Stephanie had always wanted to find out more about the impact of humour and realistic happiness in the workplace and classroom, so she went back to uni and undertook a Master’s degree in Psychology. She also started to work in schools, designing sessions and programmes for children, young people and their teachers. One thing led to another, and the nation’s most talked-about training and development provider was born.

Officially, Stephanie is Laughology’s founder and CEO. Her self-appointed and (some might say) made-up title is ‘Head of Happiness.’

In the past 15 years, Stephanie has worked on innovative projects and events in the private and public sector. Her creative and rounded approach to positive communication, culture building and change, happiness in the workplace, continued development and improvement drives success, not only in the organisations she works with, but at Laughology too.

Stephanie is the author of the critically acclaimed book, ‘Laughology: Improve Your Life With The Science Of Laughter’ and is passionate about developing educational organisations, businesses and communities where people come first.

Our FLIP-it Thinking toolkit, which uses humour to build resilience in both the classroom and the staffroom, and the Happy-Centred School PSHE and wellbeing programme, both come from Stephanie’s love of positive psychology and her desire to underpin all of Laughology’s work with well-researched, credible neuroscience.

In 2016, Stephanie was invited to speak alongside Dr Martin Seligman and Shawn Achor at the International Positive Education Network (IPEN) Festival. Stephanie is often asked to contribute to television and has appeared on the ITN news and BBC’s The Heaven & Earth Show as an expert on humour, happiness and health. She is also a regular on BBC Radio.

Stephanie has worked with many different schools, as well as colleges and universities, including:

Godolphin and Latymer – Stand up comedy skills
Bournehall Primary, Featherstone Primary and Bickley Park School – FLIP-it Thinking
Hackbridge Primary School – Unconscious bias
Achieving for Children – Leading through extraordinary times
Boxgrove Primary – Finding your oomph
Merton Park Primary – Mind the gap – back to school

And finally…

More of a ‘naughty girl’ than a head girl, as a child Stephanie spent quite a bit of time outside the classroom. It wasn’t until late into her secondary school education that she was diagnosed with dyslexia - her superpower. Stephanie has an amazing memory, she is one of the most creative thinkers we know and, if you’re not quite ready to begin the session, she’s quite at home hanging around in the corridor, until you are!

Favourite children’s book?

The Little Match Girl. It’s actually quite dark and sad, but taught me hope is everything, the world isn’t always fair and you don’t know someone’s story.

Funniest school-related moment?

I decided to try my skills at drama cosmetics and gave myself a beard for the day. The challenge was to get into - and through - lessons without the teacher seeing it. I had big books and sat at the back.

I think I managed about 3 lessons! It was the quietest I’d ever been, but won £2 for each lesson I got through. I think going through the menopause, I could possibly play that game again, but the hairs won’t wash off with special wash this time.

Favourite teacher?

Mrs Harmer hands down… she saw something different and was the one who got me into performing arts. Basically, she saw if I was the centre of attention I’d flourish. Now I’ve created a business where that happens. So this is all your fault Mrs Harmer! Thank you for not putting me in the academic box.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

I never wanted to grow up, so I think I’ve kinda achieved that…

What’s your go-to power pose and mantra?

‘Dyslexia is my superpower’ and ‘Always check once flushed.’

More School Laughologists

Jim Rastall

Jim studied English and Classical Civilisation at Nottingham University and then Acting at the renowned Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, a school he chose almost entirely because Pete Postlethwaite had trained there. Sounds like unusually flimsy grounds on which to base such a big decision- until you realise that he only chose Nottingham University because he likes Robin Hoodaaa. and Classical Civilisation because he likes Gladiator and The Usborne Greek Myths series of books.

Sarah Creegan

Unlike many of the other Laughologists, Sarah doesn't have a background on stage or telly, so she hasn't rubbed shoulders with that many celebs. The best Sarah has to offer is that the Red Arrows flew over Lincoln hospital on the day she was born. And she once overhugged the gymnast Beth Tweddle at a railway station. There is now an injunction in place!

Stephanie Davies

Laura Drury

Laura began her professional career as a performer, having trained at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts. Her passion lay in theatre; particularly Shakespeare. Unsurprisingly, as she’s now a Laughologist, Laura also excelled in comedy and farce. She always felt she had great comic… wait for it… timing!

Kerry Leigh

Kerry Leigh has been a professional comedian and compere for over 20 years and was the child star of the Operation board game TV ads. She has a deep appreciation of stationery and is particularly happy when she has a good quality notebook in her hand.

Dave Keeling

Dave ‘Billy Elliot’ Keeling grew up in a pit village in Nottinghamshire and was tap dancing three times a week by the age of ten. Never one to shy away from challenge and risk, he then moved into the world of acting and trained at the prestigious London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art.

Victoria Maitland

Victoria grew up in the west country, but headed to the big lights and big city just after turning 18. After training professionally in acting and musical theatre she became somewhat of an expert in historical dance and can be seen being lifted, twirled and thrown around in the background of many a period drama.

Selina Brown

Selina used to work with Great Ormond Street Hospital, which ignited her passion for working with children. She was also a children’s entertainer, dressing up as princesses and clowns for loads of excitably bouncy, sugar-fuelled kids. She says it sounds scarier than it was. Yeah, we believe you, Selina!

Alison Carter

Alison has been working with young people since graduating from drama school 12 years ago. Her performing arts background means she’s no stranger to acting like a clown to get the giggles going!

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