Neecy, is a tribal member of the Sac & Fox Nation. She is an award winning professional artist, toy designer, academic professor and author / illustrator of over 35 children’s books published in several languages. In addition her illustrations are found in educational books, classroom readers, magazines, and on book covers, puzzles, posters, greeting cards, t-shirts, giftware and public murals. Her fine art paintings are found in numerous private and public collections around the country. She has her MFA from the University of Hartford and is currently professor at the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, NM. Neecy developed and created the brand trademark titled, ZombieZoo® including the design, manufacturing and release of a plush toy line and books, which has attracted international attention.
Her children's books have won several awards including:
New Mexico Book Association, Southwest Book Design and Production Award, WINNER, 2022 for Playful Prairie Dogs.
New Mexico Book Association, Southwest Book Design and Production Award, Finalist, 2019 for My Hike in the Forest.
The WILLA Literary Award, Finalist, 2005, for E is for Enchantment, A New Mexico Alphabet.
Science Books & Films, Best Children’s Science Book Award 1995, for Aye-Ayes, Bears and Condors.
New York Book Assn. Show, Second Place Cover Award, 1994, for Aye-Ayes, Bears and Condors.
The WILLA Literary Award, Finalist, 2005, for E is for Enchantment, A New Mexico Alphabet.
Land of Enchantment Book Award, Nominee, 2007, for E is for Enchantment, A New Mexico Alphabet.
LifeWorks’ Real Life Award, 2000, for Bug Hunt.
