Michael Skinner is a nationally known award-winning advocate, educator, writer and critically acclaimed singer, songwriter, guitarist and survivor of horrific child abuse, addressing the issues of trauma, abuse and mental health concerns through public speaking, writing and his music.
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 he was part of the groundbreaking Oprah Winfrey Shows that addressed the issues of males sexually abused as children.
His role as a consultant and trainer for the Federal government’s Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s, National Center for Trauma Informed Care and the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors has been crucial in helping to shape the policy initiatives and directives for the delivery and implementation of trauma informed care and services.
Since 1993, Michael’s uplifting and heartwarming story of Hope, Healing and Help has impacted thousands of people every year 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 prison in Hawaii are highly acclaimed.
He has appeared on many TV, radio and Internet shows and has been the subject of many news articles regarding child abuse and mental health. Michael is also a frequent and sought after blogger on several websites and writer of articles for mental health publications.
His music and advocacy website has been visited by well over a million visitors and he is the founder and director of the Surviving Spirit, a non-profit helping those impacted by trauma, abuse and mental health challenges through the creative arts, advocacy, education, a monthly newsletter and website.
