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