About Us
Meet Andy Hayes
“Beyond the Haze empowers individuals with ADHD to unlock their full potential and lead fulfilling lives.”
Meet Andy Hayes, a dedicated Perth dad, teacher, educational leader, and certified ADHD coach with lived experience of ADHD who represents the ideal mentor for children and adults everywhere.
With qualifications from prestigious institutions like the ADDCA Training Academy in New York, The University of Notre Dame, Australia, and The University of Melbourne, Andy’s expertise is rock solid, and his approach transcends traditional teaching. He believes in empowering individuals with ADHD to unlock their full potential and lead fulfilling lives.
With a dedicated 17 years of teaching experience across international settings and an all-boys private school in Perth, Andy has developed a deep understanding of boys’ unique educational needs. His diverse background enables him to utilise a wide range of teaching methodologies tailored to engage and motivate boys effectively. Andy’s commitment to boys’ education is driven by a desire to address the specific challenges they face, such as engagement and achievement gaps, and the critical need for positive male role models in society.
“I am an accredited ADHD Coach gaining my certification and training from the world renowned ADDCA Institute in New York. I also have a Master of Education in Leadership and Management from The University of Notre Dame Fremantle, plus a Graduate Certificate in Instructional Leadership from The University of Melbourne.”
Andy’s role in a leading all-boys school in Perth places him at the cutting edge of educational practices and tools designed specifically for boys. This position has allowed him to significantly influence his students’ academic and personal growth, fostering an environment that encourages them to reach their highest potential. His approach is characterised by creating a supportive and dynamic learning atmosphere, where his clients feel valued, understood, and motivated, armed with the key tools for success.
With his specialised knowledge in ADHD and leadership in education, Andy is adept at implementing strategies that cater to both the academic and emotional development of his clients. His passion and extensive experience make him a pivotal figure in the educational community, positively impacting the lives of his clients and setting them on the path to becoming confident, self-aware, and successful people.
“Living with ADHD is a super individual experience where everyone has their own mixtape of challenges and strengths. Finding what works for you is key.”
Q&A
Andy in his own words
Tell us about your journey in becoming an ADHD Coach. What propelled you to start down this path, and what steps did you take along the way?
My journey to becoming an ADHD Coach felt like a natural progression. Over my career as a teacher and educational leader with lived experience of ADHD, I’ve succeeded in supporting students with ADHD to firstly enjoy coming to school then experience success both socially and academically. Now I occupy a distinctive position that merges my personal insights, extensive experience in education, and specialised training in ADHD coaching. This unique mix allows me to offer unparalleled support to individuals with ADHD in a manner that is both profound and impactful.
Andy, what qualifications do you have?
I am an accredited ADHD Coach gaining my certification and training from the world renowned ADDCA Institute in New York. I also have a Master of Education in Leadership and Management from The University of Notre Dame Fremantle, plus a Graduate Certificate in Instructional Leadership from The University of Melbourne. I am also a member of the advocate and regulation-centred agencies ADHD WA and AADPA. I am also a member of the International Coaches Federation (ICF), which sets the global standards for coaching.
As you have learned and honed your craft, what are some of the most valuable insights you have gained that are vital for the world to understand about ADHD?
Firstly, ADHD is a brain-based disorder. it’s nothing to do with willpower, defiance, or laziness. An ADHD brain is simply wired differently to a non-ADHD brain. A person with ADHD may be impacted by the stigma it holds in society as’ the naughty boy’, or ‘emotional, unorganized impulsive friend.’ Simply by attempting to provide support to a family member, colleague, student or friend who has ADHD one can have a significant impact on their success in life and help in breaking down the shame and embarrassment they may feel from the stigma that the label brings.
What has your lived experience with ADHD taught you?
Oh, there are so many insights. Firstly, living with ADHD is a super individual experience where everyone has their own mixtape of challenges and strengths. Finding what works for you is key. Also, the small wins matter—a lot. Celebrating the little things can really boost confidence and keep you moving forward. And let’s not forget, ADHD brings many great qualities like creativity, empathy and out-of-the-box thinking. It’s not all about the hurdles; those unique strengths are gold. So, in a nutshell, ADHD is about embracing the personal journey and unlocking those awesome traits that come with it whilst managing the challenges it brings.
Many people are new to understanding ADHD and would benefit from guidance and coaching. What advice would you give to people in this position to help them take the leap into booking a session?
Firstly, for me it’s about initially giving a client a sense of unconditional welcome, full of support and safety from a professional who ‘gets it.’ I’ve been told that my warmth and sense of fun is one of the keys to gaining the trust of my clients and helping them succeed. My approach is all about empowerment, where I aim to help individuals with ADHD not only understand their condition but to embrace and work with it. We’ll do this by navigating their challenges and capitalising on their unique talents. There will be a combination of practical evidence-based instruction, emotional support, and realistic action planning, focused on achieving personal success. Think of me as an experienced co-navigator on your journey. I’m here to help you map out the terrain, identify your destinations, and equip you with the tools to get there.