Today we are celebrating this amazing and strong woman, for the "Women's History Month" project:
Meet Jennifer Skinsacos, 50, wife, mom of two, brave, social and very outgoing.
"Ginger Rogers did everything Fred Astaire did, except backwards and in high heels," - Bob Thaves
My name is Jennifer Skinsacos, and I grew up in Old Orchard Beach, Maine. I graduated from OOBHS in 1993 and went on to attend the University of Colorado in Boulder, where I majored in Geology with a minor in Space Sciences. Later, I pursued graduate studies in Chemical Oceanography at the University of New Hampshire in Durham.
Currently, I manage the Raw Bar at Ken’s Place in Scarborough, Maine. Until a year ago, I also worked in the school system. I hold a conditional certification to teach secondary science, but my primary role was as an Ed Tech III in Special Education, mostly within the Behavior Program.
Life Challenges:
Leaving home at 18 to attend college 2,000 miles away was a challenge. For the first time, I was fully independent, unable to simply return home on weekends. I was highly social—perhaps too much so—and my grades suffered. Balancing work and school was difficult, and I soon found myself in academic trouble and financial debt. On top of that, in my search for love, I found myself in a dangerous situation when I was unknowingly drugged on a date—a moment that could have cost me my life. Fortunately, I survived to tell my story.
After Colorado, I moved to Arizona, once again following love. While that pursuit was unsuccessful, the experience helped me find a more responsible and independent path. I became the manager of a popular restaurant, lived on my own with my dog, and, in time, decided to return home to Maine in 2005. I was rehired at Ken’s Place and began graduate studies at UNH, where I also taught Oceanography 101.
Then, I met the love of my life. Well, I had known him before, but after going our separate ways post-high school, our paths crossed again, and the rest, as they say, is history. Nick and I fell in love quickly and deeply, and we decided to start a family as soon as possible. Now, after 15 years of marriage, we are raising our two children in our hometown.
My family has been incredibly supportive of my community projects, including Papa’s Peeps Egg Hunt, an event I co-founded in 2014 to support Hearts & Horses Therapeutic Riding Farm in Buxton, benefiting children with disabilities in their riding therapy. They were also my biggest fans when I competed in the Mrs. Maine America Pageant as Mrs. Westbrook 2015, advocating for childhood cancer research through. The Eleanor Clare Paye Charitable Fund in Saco. Through these efforts, I hope to inspire gratitude for the healthy children in our lives while supporting those who fight daily for their own health.
Recently, I turned 50 and was fortunate to celebrate with some amazing women. I am in awe of my friends—the teachers, entrepreneurs, mothers, sisters, daughters, and wives—who do it all. Nothing in life is given; everything is earned, and too often, taken for granted. The women I know work tirelessly to provide for their families, handling life’s challenges with such grace that few truly see the battles they fight each day.
I can be tough, and I can also wear my heart on my sleeve—but I believe that’s simply the nature of women. We are strong, beautiful, and undeniably worthy of the best that life has to offer.
A few more of Jennifer 's Favorite quotes:
******
Thank you, Jennifer, for sharing your story and empowering others!
#womenshistorymonth #womansupportingwomen #womanpower #mainephotographer
4 Comments
Mar 24, 2025, 11:50:49 AM
Jennifer Ross - You are wonderful Jen
Mar 24, 2025, 3:52:13 AM
Joseph Conforto - You are an incredible woman Jennifer. I can see why you have very gifted children. Along with Nick, who I so admire, you have built a family foundation that many times in today’s society gets lost. For that reason alone, amongst others, you represent the epitome of ‘Woman’s History Month’ and all it stands for! Joseph Conforto
Mar 24, 2025, 2:51:37 AM
Donald Richard Maheu - All I can say is: "WOW, WHAT A LADY!"
Mar 24, 2025, 2:50:09 AM
Donald Richard Maheu - All I can say is: "WOW, WHAT A LADY!"