The Story of MAJ

Dr. Nicci T. Dowd, EdD is an educator, author, and advocate dedicated to improving the lives of neurodiverse children within the autistic spectrum. An Assistant Professor of Special Education and Lead Faculty Doctoral Member at Marymount University, she previously taught middle- and high-school special education and has focused her work on the special education needs of children on the autism spectrum and their families.As the mother of an autistic child and an experienced special educator, Dr. Dowd brings both a deeply personal and professional perspective to The Story of MAJ, created in collaboration with award-winning author, artist, and illustrator Pamela Boullier-Ross.The story follows Alexander, a young boy who experiences and communicates with the world in his own way, and MAJ, a forgotten crayon. Together, they discover the power of imagination, creativity, belonging, and finding value in being different.Dr. Dowd's commitment to children also extends to schools in Uganda, where free copies of The Story of MAJ have been provided through Megastar Publishing's private Wizard Donor Program, sharing its message of acceptance, self-expression, and possibility across cultures.Written by Dr. Nicci T. Dowd, EdD, in collaboration with Pamela Boullier-Ross, illustrated by Pamela Boullier-Ross, and published by Megastar Publishing, Inc., The Story of MAJ received the prestigious 2026 Readers' Favorite Gold Medal Award for Illustration in its international children's book competition.