About Michael Skinner
Michael Skinner is an award-winning advocate, educator, and author. He is also a critically acclaimed singer-songwriter and guitarist.
A survivor of severe childhood abuse, he speaks and creates to help people understand trauma, support healing, and reduce stigma around abuse and mental health.
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NYAPRS Frances Olivero Advocacy Award, [New York Association of Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services] 2013 – presented to an individual who has demonstrated inspiring community leadership and unique contributions in advocacy around a particular issue on behalf of New Yorkers with psychiatric disabilities.
ASCAPLUS Award Recipient, 2003-2004 and 2005, 2007, 2008, 2011 – American Society Of Composers and Publishers
Mental Health Hero Award, 2010
Howie the Harp Award for Social Justice, Alternatives Conference 2009
Make A Difference Award, R.E.A.C.H. of ME (Rape, Education, Advocacy, & Crisis Hot Line) 2004 This award is given annually to an individual who has worked hard to promote ending sexual violence.
PsychJourney Hero Award, www.psychjourney.com of CA 2004
Laurel Award, Given to an individual or group that typifies all that is noble and good in the mental health treatment field. 2001
President’s Award, National Alliance On Mental Illness – New Hampshire 2000
Volunteer of the Year, Manchester NH Mental Health Center 1996
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The Surviving Spirit 2008 – Present
Award-Winning Founder, Director, Performer, Trainer, Advocate, Spokesperson
Non-profit education, advocacy and peer support provider, using expressive arts to help those impacted by trauma, abuse and mental health illness/concerns.
Perform original music with commentary and deliver educational and advocacy presentations at peer support centers, conferences, health centers and on broadcasts, training videos, websites, etc.
Allow lyrics, articles and writings to be used in Peer Support Center newsletters around the globe.
Michael Skinner Music And Advocacy 1994 – Present
Professional Guitarist, Singer, Songwriter, Drummer, Recording Artist, Teacher, Entertainer
Public Speaker: Music and healing; long term effects of trauma and abuse on children and adults; treatment resources; recovery and healing from mental illness, trauma and abuse.
Published Writer: Articles, newsletters, community outreach materials, web content, lyrics, etc.
Michael Skinner Productions, Inc. 1978 – 1993
Owner, Talent-Booking Agent, Business/HR Manager, Eastern United States and Canada
Management company with a regular client base of 4-6 professional music groups.
Booking agency representing 20-30 full time, professional music groups.
Exclusive agent for 12-15 nightclubs.
Small record company for 2-3 music groups.
Sound and lighting company providing sales, rentals, long terms leases and installations.
Hired, trained and supervised full time and part-time employees as well as sub-contractors.
Healing Through Music 1998 – 2008
Music Instructor, Mentor: Taught troubled teens and adults with mental health concerns. text goes here
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National Center For Trauma Informed Care 2010 – Present
Consultant, Trainer: SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)
US Dept. of Health & Human Services (DHHS) 2003 – Present
National Anti-Stigma Campaign – Regional Partner (www.whatadifference.org)
Resource Center to Address Discrimination & Stigma (ADS Center)
Trauma & Abuse Treatment Group 1997 – Present
Member: Educate treatment providers (survivors/consumers, doctors, mental health professionals, lawyers, counselors, etc.) on effective treatment options for trauma and abuse recovery.
Professional Musicians Club (PMC), Boston, MA 2003 – 2009
Advocate, Fundraiser: Privately funded non-profit, providing financial assistance and scholarships for professional musicians who cannot work due to an accident, injury or an illness.
On The Road To Recovery, Inc. 2006 – 2008
Board of Directors
The Healing Arts Center & Studio, Boston, MA 1998 – 2005
High-Profile Events Manager, Promoter, Fundraiser: Non-profit that promotes creative artists, craftsmen/women and musicians in marketing and selling their respective creative endeavors.
Coalition On Family Law And Mental Health 1997 – 2005
Lead Advocate, Member: Advocate for parents with mental health/illness concerns.
Consumer Council of NH 1997 – 2005
Vice-Chair (1997-2000), Advocate, Educator: Mental health/illness, trauma and abuse advocacy.
Data Infrastructure Grant Special Interest Group 2001 – 2004
Consultant, Advisor, The Division of Behavioral Health of NH
Analyzed all reports and statistics compiled by the State’s Regional Mental Health Centers.
Identified and reported compliance issues, provider challenges and excellent service records.
Disabilities Rights Center of NH 1997 – 2002
Board of Directors: Federally mandated/funded non-profit, advocating for rights of the disabled.
PAIMI Chairperson: Protection and advocacy committee for the mentally ill (1997-2002).
Compassionate Connections, Manchester, NH 2001
Mentor: Helped troubled teens dealing with mental health/illness, trauma and abuse concerns. “It’s wonderful having you on board! Your input and insight are invaluable; your feel for the work is natural.” – Steve Bernstein, Executive Director
Training Video Talent: NH State Police & Correctional officer Academy 2000
Advocate, Manchester Mental Health Center Regional Collaborative 1998 – 2000
Manchester Co-President, NH National Alliance of the Mentally Ill 1997 – 2000
Board of Directors, A Way To Better Living, Manchester, NH 1996 – 2000
Mental Illness Advisory Committee, State of NH Vocational Opportunities 1999
Board of Directors, The Circle of Life, Derry, NH 1997 – 1999
Award-Winning Compeer Volunteer, Manchester Mental Health 1994 – 1999
Court Appointed Special Advocate, Manchester District & Superior Court 1994 – 1996
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Trauma Information Group Training Program, THE TRAUMA CENTER, Boston, MA 2001
Certified Teacher/Trainer, Family-to-Family Education Program, NAMI 2000
Certified Teacher, Mental Health/Illness, WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan) 1998
Additional Training
Division of Behavioral Health, NH, Mental Health Centers, NAMI of NH, NAMI National, NAMH (National Association of Mental Health) and many more.
He has spoken at the National Press Club; was a keynote presenter for a conference held by the United Nations, the State Department, and Georgetown University on the sexual exploitation and trafficking of children and adults; and was part of the groundbreaking Oprah Winfrey Shows that addressed the issues of sexual abuse of male children.
Since 1993, Michael’s uplifting and heartwarming story and songs of hope and healing have helped thousands of people throughout the country. His presentations at colleges, universities, high schools, mental health centers and conferences, churches, civic groups, sexual assault and domestic-violence support centers and conferences, including a women’s correctional center in Hawaii, are highly acclaimed.
He has appeared on many TV, radio, and Internet shows and has been the subject of news articles regarding child abuse and mental health. Michael is also a frequent and sought-after blogger on several websites and a writer of articles for mental health publications. He has contributed chapters for three books: Jyu No Tobira (The Door to Freedom - Live Your Life from Today), published in Japan; Our Encounters with Suicide, Europe and Great Britain; and You Can Help: A Guide for Family & Friends of Survivors of Sexual Abuse and Assault, United States. He helped create the Washington D.C. Department of Corrections Trauma, Healing and Wellness Workbook. Michael’s song “Brush Away Your Tears” was used in the Big Voice Pictures documentary, Boys and Men Healing from Child Sexual Abuse.
His role as a consultant and trainer for the federal government’s Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the National Center for Trauma-Informed Care (NCTIC), and the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors has been instrumental in helping to shape the policy initiatives and directives for the delivery and implementation of trauma-informed care and services. He has worked with organizations nationwide to address the stigma of mental health and to end the silence around child abuse and suicide.
Michael is the founder and director of the Surviving Spirit, a monthly newsletter and website sharing resources to help those affected by trauma, abuse, and mental health challenges.
Primary Topics Include
Trauma and recovery
Child abuse prevention
Mental health and stigma
Resilience
Healing through creativity