Hay's work has appeared in newspapers, magazines and literary journals. She has been a featured interview guest on Minnesota Public Radio, multiple podcasts, and speaking events. Hay is the Brand Ambassador for the US national search angel organization DNAngels [dot] org.

Hay is a graduate of Villanova University, with a BA in History, and minors in Sociology and Criminal Justice. While researching her book, NPE* A Story Guide for Unexpected DNA Discoveries (2021), she earned professional certificates from the Florida State University, College of Social Work in Trauma & Resilience.


HONORS
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2020  Tucson Festival of Books Literary Awards (national competition - nonfiction)
Finalist - HIDDEN MEASURES the story of a Black classical musician and his life's passion to diversify an American orchestra through training excellence in underserved neighborhoods around the symphony hall. (An excerpt was published by The Dallas Morning News, 2020.)

2016  Mayborn Literary Nonfiction Conference Awards (national competition - nonfiction) 
Ten Spurs Award - THE CHILDREN LEFT BEHIND, a long form reported narrative about children of parents who are opioid drug users and one family who was orphaned when both parents succumbed to their addictions in 24 hours. (Ten Spurs Literary Journal, University of North Texas Press, 2017)