Mj HayesMary Jane Hayes writes children's books as MJ Hayes. Her passion is about teaching children with challenges to be all that they can be, to expect respect and to understand that their handicap is only the thing that makes them extra special. Her theme include overcoming bullies, not judging people by their appearance, and celebrating our differences because they can actually complement one another. MJ is a graduate of Dowling College and completed her master's degree at Adelphi University and in 1986, graduated from New York University with a Professional Diploma in Organizational Studies; she began her graduate work at the College of William and Mary. She has been a guest speaker in schools in New York, Duval County, and St. Johns County, Florida, as well as libraries in those regions as well. She's a member of the Florida Writers Association, the Professional Writers of St. Augustine group, and the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. For many years she served on the board of the Long Island Writers Guild. Her book, Emma's House of Sound was turned into a childrens play at the Limelight Theater in 2010 with a grant from the St Johns County Cultural Society. Read More Read Less