Organizational Leadership
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.
Education & Advocacy
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.
Education & Advocacy
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
Specialized Training
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.
Awards
American Society Of Composers, Authors And Publishers Award 2011, 2008, 2007, 2005, 2004, 2003
Howie the Harp Award for Social Justice, Samhsa Alternatives Conference 2009
Make A Difference Award, R.E.A.C.H. of ME (Rape, Education, Advocacy, & Crisis Hot Line) 2004
PsychJourney Hero Award, www.psychjourney.com of CA 2004
President’s Award, National Alliance On Mental Illness – New Hampshire 2000
Volunteer of the Year, Manchester NH Mental Health Center 1996
