[3][4] Born in New York City, Hayden earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Marymount Manhattan College in 1963, a Master of Arts from Seton Hall University in 1971, and a Juris Doctor from Seton Hall University School of Law in 1975.
[5] She was a law clerk for Judge Robert L. Clifford of the New Jersey Supreme Court from 1975-76.
[7] She was confirmed by the United States Senate on September 25, 1997, and received her commission four days later.
[8] Hayden continues her connection to her alma mater, Seton Hall University School of Law, serving as an adjunct professor teaching course on Persuasion & Advocacy and Sentencing, and frequently employing Seton Hall Law students as judicial clerks and interns.
She has two sons, including Matt Sweeney, a musician and founding member of the band Chavez.