Skip to content




 
 AUTHOR & SPEAKER 
Mara McCalmon
Mara (Skinner) McCalmon is a career educator and founder of the "P.S. You're my Hero" non-profit organization that supports victims of crime. She is a mom, sister, wife and grandma who survived a brutal stabbing in 2010 that made national headlines. Since then, she has found her voice to share her story and guide others to trauma recovery. She is asked to speak to groups and individuals that focus on mental health, criminal justice and victims rights. She earned a bachelor's degree in education from Wayne State University in Detroit and a master's degree in the art of teaching from Marygrove College in Detroit. She may be found walking her dogs Niko and Shelby on the beach.

Contact Mara for speaking engagements or book signings.


(810)662-0451
 
Location image blue

Book Signings

Clock image blue

Speaking Engagements

Divider blue
The sound of safety cover

THE SOUND OF SAFETY
When All That Is Left Is Love & Hope & Truth

Summary: 
Mara (Skinner) McCalmon has written a powerful memoir titled, "The Sound of Safety: When all that's left is love, hope and truth." The book, scheduled for release by Ice Cube Press in October, is not just the compelling story of a regular family in Yale, Michigan, shattered by a brutal crime. Mara shares in detail what life was like before, during and after events that made national headlines. And she reveals what's required to heal from trauma.
Photographs by C. John Anter
Pre-Order The Book
Mara beach 3

 

About The Author
Mara McCalmon
Mara (Skinner) McCalmon is a career educator and founder of the "P.S. You're my Hero" non-profit organization that supports victims of crime. She is a mom, sister, wife and grandma and friend who survived a brutal stabbing in 2010 that made national headlines. Since then, she has found her voice to share her story and guide others to trauma recovery. She speaks to groups and individuals with a  focus on mental health, criminal justice and victims rights. She earned a bachelor's degree in education from Wayne State University in Detroit and a master's degree in the art of teaching from Marygrove College in Detroit. Look for Mara walking her dogs Niko and Shelby on the beach. 
Photographs by C. John Anter
 
Pre-Order The Book

Survivor of Yale, Mich. deadly stabbing attacks speaks out five years after the tragedy

Nov 9, 2015
It was a story that stunned the small town of Yale in St. Clair County 5 years ago. Masked men entered a home and repeatedly stabbed Paul and Mara Skinner. Paul died of his injuries after chasing the attackers out of their house. Mara Skinner miraculously survived after being stabbed 26 times.
Pre-Order The Book

The Sound Of Safety

When All That Is Left Is Love & Hope & Truth
Pre-Order The Book

Upcoming
Speaking Engagements
 

CMHA Annual Fall Confernce
Author & Speaker Mara McCalmon, author of "The Sound of Safety" will be a keynote speaker, October 26, 2026
October 26
Wilder Library, Detroit MI
Mara will be speaking at the Wilder Library in Detroit Michigan (7140 E. 7 Mile Rd.) from 5:30pm - 6:30pm October 28th. 
October 28
Carnegy Museum
A $20 ticketed event at the Carnegie Museum in Port Huron - October 29th at 6pm, proceeds going to the Musueum,
 
October 29
St. Clair County CMH
Author & Speaker Mara McCalmon, author of "The Sound of Safety" will be  the presenter. Detais to be announced.
TBA
St. Clair Library TBA
Author & Speaker Mara McCalmon, author of "The Sound of Safety" will be hosting a speaking engagement, details to be announced.
 
TBA
Detroit Public Library
Author & Speaker Mara McCalmon, author of "The Sound of Safety" will be hosting a speaking engagement, details to be announced.
TBA
Divider white

To Book A Speaking Engagement, Interview or Book Signing

Contact Mara McCalmon to get started.
Book Mara To Speak
Divider beige

Get in Touch

For questions, book signings, interviews, speaking engagements, or personal help, please contact Mara using the form or phone number below.

TBA