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Author Behind the Serenity

Dr. Darren C. Skinner, MSW, Ph.D., is a Bronx-born U.S. Army Veteran, 9/11 survivor, and professional social worker whose personal and professional journey epitomizes transformation, resilience, and the power of self-expression. Growing up in New York City, Darren faced numerous challenges, including struggles with addiction, homelessness, and depression. Despite these adversities, he emerged as a beacon of hope for others battling similar challenges.

The Academic Rise of a Survivor

Dr. Darren Skinner’s educational journey reflects a deep commitment to human service and academic excellence. He began with a Bachelor of Professional Studies from the Metropolitan College of New York, then earned a Master of Social Work from Yeshiva University’s Wurzweiler School of Social Work. Driven by a passion for leadership and transformative work in the field, he went on to complete his PhD at the same esteemed institution, further solidifying his expertise as both a scholar and practitioner in social work.

Strength Through Struggle:

Behind these professional accolades lies a deeply personal story of struggle and redemption. Darren’s battle with drug addiction and alcoholism began early in life, leading to moments of darkness and despair. After achieving sobriety in 1989, he experienced a relapse in 2011. However, through the support of addiction treatment programs, a twelve-step recovery process, and his faith, he found renewal and clarity. His recovery journey fueled his desire to inspire others through his work as a clinical Case Manager and Military and First Responder Specialist at Footprints to Recovery.

From Prize to Purpose

Darren’s passion for poetry began as a child. At just ten years old, he wrote a poem for a school project that won a $25 prize, marking the beginning of his love for creative expression. Though he put writing aside for many years, in 1991, Darren rekindled this passion through a free creative writing class. Over time, poetry became a therapeutic outlet—a way to process and articulate emotions tied to his experiences with trauma, mental health, spirituality, and relationships.

From the Shadows to the Page

Since 2011, Darren has consistently turned to poetry as a means of self-expression. Initially, his poems were private a personal journal of emotions, struggles, and reflections. However, his perspective shifted when he shared a poem with a friend in need. Seeing how his words uplifted and inspired others encouraged him to share more of his work, eventually leading to the creation of his poetry collection, From Insanity to Serenity. A Recovering Alcoholic’s Journey from Despair to Resilience.

A Journey Through Spirit and Struggle:

For Darren, writing poetry is not just an art form; it is a spiritual practice rooted in his belief in God’s divine providence. He views his ability to write as a grace-filled gift, one that allows him to be authentic and connect with others on a deeply human level. Through his poems, Darren explores themes of spirituality, resilience, mental health, and the human condition.

The Light Beyond the Struggle:

Darren’s life and work serve as a testament to the power of transformation, creativity, and faith.