Karen Williams graduated summa cum laude from Cleveland State University with a personally-designed major in “Humor and Healing.” She earned a Master of Education degree from CSU’s Adult Learning & Development program and a PhD in social gerontology at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. 

Karen Williams taught Stand-Up Comedy in the Dramatic Arts department of Cleveland State University; studied improv at Second City Chicago; and directed inaugural comedy classes at Second City in Cleveland.

As Founder and CEO of the International Institute of Humor and Healing Arts, Dr. Karen Williams successfully operates HaHA Institute as the go-to virtual resource network for educational programs, playshops, and seminars focused on the healing power of humor. Karen continues to perform comedy worldwide while combatting ageism with her Joyful Aging programs!