Biography & Experience of Desirae Payne:
* 30 years of experience working with children
* Over 1,000 performances
* Provides weekly “Humor Therapy” at a Hospital & Cancer Center
* Extensive training in the art of clowning throughout USA and Canada
* Seen daily on television’s “Smile of a Child” network
* Seen weekly on TBN’s Saturday broadcast network
* Guest performer with Ringling Brothers/Barnum & Bailey Circus
* Producer of 52 on-line video segments for kids
* Commercial for PaPa Murphy’s Pizza
* Regular guest on the “Kid’s Show” TV Program
* Performs “All American Reading Show,” “Catch the Reading Bug,” &
“Hero Respect Show” for all-school assemblies and libraries
* Performs “ABC” & “Tooth Care” programs for Day Care/Preschools
* B.A. in Christian Education
* Attended University of Wisconsin Clown School
* Author of several books
* Contributes articles to “Funny Paper” magazine
* Portrait painted by internationally renowned artist, P. Buckley Moss
* Performer on Royal Caribbean cruise lines
* Taught Customer Service education for four years
* Motivational speaker for corporations & schools
* A wife & mother of two
Testimonials:
“Wow!” The students at Horace Mann Elementary experienced an energetic, fun-filled, and motivational presentation during Desirae’s (Desi's) Reading Show! The program provided important information about reading embedded in an interactive exciting atmosphere. It was the boost many kids needed to encourage them to read over the summer. Thanks Desirae for making learning fun!
Missy Carson-Roark, Principal
Horace Mann Elementary School, Ottumwa, Iowa
Desirae’s reading program is fun and exciting. Kids of all ages from K-6 were engaged during the assembly. She uses student involvement to hold their interest and get her positive message across.
Dawn Sievertsen, Principal
Pickwick Elementary School, Ottumwa, Iowa
“We have had Dizzy the Clown at our school on multiple occasions over multiple years. During that time we have seen multiple shows. Each time Dizzy has been very engaging, keeping students involved and providing a positive, inspiring message. Student and teacher feedback has always been excellent, and Dizzy has been very easy to work with in scheduling, set-up, and tear down. Dizzy is a pro, and she brings a good show!”
Jay Green, Principal of Wildwood/Pickwick Elementary Schools in Ottumwa, Iowa
“Desi Payne’s “Dizzy the Clown” character has become a well-know staple in Ottumwa and surrounding communities. I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know Desi professionally and personally and can only say her unique style, love of clowning, and the well-being of children is sincere and comes from a genuine place in her heart. I’ve seen her capture the attention of children and keep it. They watch and listen intently. They learn and absorb without even realizing it.
This S.K.A.T.E. program she’s introducing is vital in our community schools in light of recent teenage tragedies. By intervening at a young age, perhaps her efforts will help prevent future incidents.”
Jillian Collett, Spotlight Event Marketing
Desirae does a great job promoting reading! The program is very interactive and captivates audiences of all ages!
Jeff Hendred, Principal
Douma Elemetary School, Ottumwa, Iowa
Desirae's reading program captivates children of all ages. Dizzy promotes reading in a fun and engaging way. Each year’s program enhances the theme of the Library’s Summer Reading Program.
Jodi Williams, Principal
Wilson Elementary School, Ottumwa, Iowa
Each year our children anticipate Desirae's Summer Reading Show. They leave excited and encouraged to read during our summer program. Desirae is great with kids and a mainstay to our literacy efforts.
Stacy Moran, Librarian, Ottumwa, Iowa
Her enthusiasm for promoting reading was contagious. The students were fascinated with her performance. Dizzy (Desirae) involved all of the students in her show, and they loved it. Fantastic show!! The teachers and students loved it!
Teachers from Libertyville Elementary School, Libertyville, Iowa
Dizzy’s (Desirae's) enthusiasm for reading was a fantastic way to kick-off our reading month. She was able to incorporate our theme and goals into her engaging/motivating program. The children were still talking about it many weeks later. Dizzy (Desirae) captured and held the attention of every one of my students! She was so entertaining!
A very good program for all ages. I liked the way reading was a focus throughout the whole program. A+ in my book! Awesome! I thought it was great; the way she focused on reading. What an inspiring and motivating program. Reached kids of all ages. Audience participation was terrific. Thank you!
Teachers from Blakesburg Elementary School, Blakesburg, Iowa
