About Us
Meet Andy Hayes
“Beyond the Haze empowers individuals with ADHD to unlock their full potential and lead fulfilling lives.”
Andy Hayes is an accredited ADHD coach, qualified teacher, educational leader and professional learning facilitator based in Perth, Western Australia.
Andy supports students, families, adults, teachers, school leaders and organisations to better understand ADHD and create practical conditions for success. His work combines lived experience, classroom expertise, coaching practice and evidence-informed professional learning.
Andy brings together accredited ADHD coaching training, postgraduate study in education and instructional leadership, lived experience of ADHD, and 20 years of teaching and school leadership experience. He trained with the ADDCA ADHD Coach Training Academy in New York and holds qualifications from The University of Notre Dame Australia and The University of Melbourne.
Andy offers in clinic and online (Telehealth) coaching for children, adults, parents and families, along with school based professional learning, parent presentations and tailored consultancy. He is regularly invited to present across Australia on ADHD, executive function, emotional regulation, classroom engagement and learning access.
Across 20 years of teaching in Australia and the United Kingdom, including extensive experience in an independent boys’ school in Perth, Andy has developed a strong understanding of how boys learn, engage and respond to challenge.
His work with boys is shaped by a practical understanding of motivation, emotional regulation, executive function, school engagement and the importance of positive adult relationships.
Andy is particularly interested in helping schools and families move beyond labels such as “lazy”, “defiant” or “unmotivated” and instead understand what may be getting in the way of learning, confidence and connection.
”His approach brings together clear explanation, realistic tools and a sense of coherence, helping clients move from confusion and self-blame toward greater confidence, self-understanding and momentum.”
Andy has a unique skill set allows him to significantly influence his clients’ personal growth, fostering an environment that encourages them to reach their highest potential.
“Andy helps individuals with ADHD understand the “why” behind their challenges and develop practical strategies that make daily life feel more manageable. ”
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.