Ms. Skinner began her studies in Gainesville, Florida.  After receiving her BA and M.Ed. from the University of Florida, she continued her studies in New York.  Ms. Skinner received her first Individual Fellowship in Choreography from the State of Florida in 1987, her second in 1994 and her most recent in 1999.  She was awarded an Artist Enhancement Grant by the State of Florida in 2006. 

Ms. Skinner served as Executive Director for Dance Alive National Ballet for eighteen years and as Resident Choreographer since 1979. She has been responsible for developing all arts education programming since 1976; writing curriculum guides for Robin Hood, Lady Bug: Action Hero!, and Nutcracker as well as a generic guide suitable for middle and high school students.  Skinner has created over 40 ballets for Dance Alive National Ballet including Incertezza, Waiting, Who Is Silent, Couples, Mobiles, Variations, Rhapsody In Blue and Facets.

A primary teacher in the public school system for eighteen years teaching K, 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd grades, Ms. Skinner served as adjunct faculty for the University of Florida School of Theatre and Dance from 1981-1985, 2002-2003, and again from 2005-2007.  She has choreographed for the Hippodrome State Theatre (The Great American Trailer Park Musical, 8 Track, Big Bang, Chorus Line), UF School of Theatre and Dance (Anything Goes, Hello, Dolly, Chicago, West Side Story, Little Mary Sunshine, Pippin, A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum, The Hostage, Carnival, Cross and Sword, etc.) and the Bulgarian National Ballet, among others.  She has taught master classes for the National Dance Theatre of Costa Rica and the Bulgarian National Ballet at the invitation of the Ministers of Culture of each country. Her work Incertezza was performed by the Bulgarian National Ballet in 2000 and 2002.  Employed by Santa Fe Community College from 1988-1991, she was responsible for developing and staffing the dance program as well as working with architects designing the dance facility.  Ms. Skinner was also instrumental in the design of the stage area of the Curtis M. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, insuring its suitability for dance. 

Ms. Skinner served on the State Dance Panel in 1985 and 1986, the Artist in Education Panel in 1991, the Cultural Support Panel in 2002, and the Professional Committee for ACE (Arts for a Complete Education).   Ms. Skinner has been awarded the “Nancy Smith Award” by the Florida Dance Association for “Outstanding Contribution To The Art of Dance in Florida“, “Lifetime Achievement in Arts“ award by the City of Gainesville, and “Women Who Make A Difference“ award by the Girl Scouts of America. She serves on the Duval Community Arts Council, Ross Advisory Council (HUD project/facility), P.K. Yonge Performing Arts Center Advisory Board and the Harn Museum of Art Community Advisory Council.

Ms. Skinner is co-owner of Pofahl Studios, Official School of Dance Alive National Ballet.