Mary Jane Hayes

M. J. (Mary Jane) Hayes is the author of eight children’s books and two plays, both plays adapted from Emma’s House of Sound, published in 2009. This play received a grant from the St. Johns Cultural Council when it was performed at Limelight Theatre. Cummer Museum in Jacksonville, Florida performed the play in 2012. MJ was a Featured Author for the Florida Heritage Book Festival in 2011 for Emma’s Freaky Sneakers. MJ holds an MA in education and a Professional Diploma in Organizational Studies, Certificate of Advanced Standing from NYU. She has been in the educational arena as a teacher, counselor, and writer for over 35 years.

Awards and Honors:
• Long Island Writers Guild NY– Above and Beyond Commitment Award 2009, 2010
• Florida Heritage Book Festival – Featured Author 2011
• Long Island Writers Guild NY– Dedication of Distinction 2008
• The play, Emma’s House of Sound – awarded a grant from the St. Johns Cultural Council
• Visual Arts Award, Honorable Mention