Meet the League at Hasbro Children’s Hospital

Member Since ’16
Hospital Clown Since ’97

Jeff Smithson (Dr. Bafu) fosters the power of play in a wide variety of settings: from hospital rooms to classrooms; from board rooms to halfway houses. Through his consulting company, Proponent of Play, Jeff offers workshops in Mindfulness and Movement. He is a graduate of Bates College, Ringling Clown College, and Dell’Arte International School of Physical Theatre.

Member Since ’17

Jenny the Juggler (Dr. BeBopper) has been creating fabulous unforgettable experiences through juggling, magic, music, bubbles, balloons, "child whispering" and witty repartee for 25+ years. Becoming Dr. Be Bopper has been a privilege of a lifetime. Jenny also sings lead vocals and plays electro-acoustic ukulele in her American-Latin rock band, Chica Fuego & The Gringos.

Member Since ‘22

Amanda Ludeking (Nurse Blooper) graduated with an M.A. in Drama Therapy from Lesley University in May 2022. Her focus is on using play and playfulness to foster therapeutic relationships and help others navigate this chaotic world. She's loved theater and improvisation for as long as she can remember, and has been involved with Theater in the Open for over twenty years.

Member Since '14

Leah Abel (Dr. Bucket Buster) is the founder and executive director of Circus Up, a Boston-based, social circus program making circus more inclusive, joyful and accessible for all. A performer/instructor with Clowns Without Borders - performing in Haiti, Palestine, Myanmar among others places - Leah once worked for Cruze Comics on Royal Caribbean. They perform all around the Boston area doing duo aerial acts (Baechtold and Abel). Leah Abel holds an MA Degree in Environmental Law and Policy and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.

Member Since ’97

Brian Dwyer (Dr. Gongolphin) is a multi-skilled, award-winning entertainer who can be seen in movies, books, and on TV. You may recognize him as the iconic sports performer, "Big League Brian". A dynamic improviser who loves to create fun with music, comedy, trivia, and tricks, he generates laughs and engaging energy.

Member Since ’95

Rob Preskins (Dr. Gonzo) is a founding member and former supervisor. Graduate of Ringling Bros, and Barnum & Bailey Circus Clown College. Seven-year veteran Performer, Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Boston. Disneyland Performer. Comedy Magician and Juggler who has toured through New England performing in schools, libraries, and festivals.

Member Since ’15

Clown and variety artist since 1978, Joe Howard (Dr. Joekulele) is a magician, puppeteer, balloon artist, juggler, musician and stilt walker. He has performed at AEMI Clown Festivals, China, as well as fairs, festivals, schools and colleges across the USA. Magician and Co-Producer of The Mystery Lounge in Somerville, MA. Medieval Trixter (Magician), King Richard’s Renaissance Fair, Joe is an avid cyclist and instructor for indoor cycling (spin) classes.

Member Since ‘22

Ivy Jackson (Dr. Kewl) is an actor, performer, and then some! Originally from Richmond, Virginia, Ivy recently relocated to Boston to further her acting career. Ivy has been in multiple plays, webseries, and other productions but she managed to stumble upon healthcare clowning and hasn’t been the same since! “Healthcare clowning has taught me that there’s more to the world than just myself, and that clowning can be a source of healing, not just silliness and laughter (although that definitely makes the job more fun)!

Member Since ‘97
Hasbro Team Leader Since 2008

Mal Malme (Dr. Maladjusted) has been a healthcare clown for over twenty five years at Boston Children's and Hasbro Children's Hospitals. Mal is a Boston theater artist and activist. They co-created and perform in The Pineapple Project, a play for kids that celebrates gender diversity. As an actor, Mal has worked with many Boston theaters including; Boston Playwright’s Theatre, Company One, Moonbox Productions, Sleeping Weazel and Speakeasy Stage.

Member Since ‘22

Lori Tolentino (Dr. RaH RaH) a professional Musician, Web Designer & Visual Artist joining the Laughter League November 2021 to spread a little sunshine bringing along skills from many years as patient service coordinator for an Autism Center and Mental Health Facility. She is known for being a kid magnet with her dazzling lights and silly songs.

Member Since ’07

Jay (Doc Skeeter) has been lucky to have worked with some of the best Clowns in the business, in places like Kinoshita Circus, Japan, “Three Stooges, Live!”, Las Vegas, The Seaside Clowns, Myrtle Beach, and as Boss Clown of The Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Circus. Jay is now proud to be Team Leader of The Laughter League at Boston Children’s Hospital. For over 30 years, Jay’s been happy to make a living playing the fool!

Member Since ‘18

Joy Powers (Dr. Sweet Pea) is overjoyed to be a member of the Laughter League since 2018! She has been clowning since age 15, and has toured and performed with Circus Smirkus, Ringling Brothers, Cirque Us, Theater in the Open, The Piccolini Trio and Hideaway Circus. Joy is also an artist, sculptor, and large-scale muralist. Her favorite things are dogs, Cheezits, nature, flowers, making art, and laughing with friends. And exclamation points!!!

Member Since ‘22

Charlotte Stowe (Dr. Unicorn) is a Boston-based actor, playwright, screenwriter, director, costume designer, and clown. In school, she received her education from the South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities, Boston Conservatory, and ImprovBoston. Charlotte is currently in TC Squared Playwriting labs and the new play festival at Foul Contending Rebels.

Member Since ‘22

In addition to clowning, Liz Hartford (Dr. Zippy) is a classically trained actor and an educator. Some of her specialties include bubbles, magic, balloon artistry, and physical comedy. For the past couple decades, Liz has also performed with Silly Sally’s Parties and Entertainment, Boston’s hit Shakespeare show, Theatre Espresso and The Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse, among others. Liz also creates and directs productions for up to 50 budding actors from Ward After-School in Newton, MA.