ABOUT THE IACTCENTER
Our Mission, Values and Team
At the iACTcenter, Our Mission is Simple and Deeply Personal:
We’re here to train compassionate, skilled, and confident ADHD Life Coaches who are ready to make a real difference in the world.
We believe that people with ADHD deserve to be understood—not fixed. And we know that coaching has the power to transform lives, including the lives of the coaches themselves.
That’s why we’ve created a globally respected, ICF-accredited training program that blends science-backed knowledge about ADHD with the art of effective, heart-centered coaching.
We don’t just teach theory—we build community, develop strengths, and prepare our students to launch meaningful careers that help others thrive.
Whether you’re looking for a new purpose, a flexible profession, or a way to empower people who think differently, you’ll find a home—and a mission you can believe in—at the iACTcenter.
What We Stand For
Ethics: At the iACTcenter, we don’t just teach ethics—we live them.
As proud members of the International Coaching Federation (ICF), every member of our team commits to upholding the ICF Code of Ethics. That includes our staff, faculty, and support team—everyone signs on to lead with integrity from day one. Our training includes dedicated courses on coaching ethics, and faculty renew this commitment with every credential cycle.
Integrity: This means making thoughtful decisions with our students, clients, and community in mind, while remaining transparent in our communication about our pricing, policies, and the standards of excellence we hold ourselves to.
Ethics, transparency, and integrity are the foundations of great coaching and great ADHD coach training.
What We Value at the iACTcenter
At the iACTcenter, our values aren’t just words on a page—they’re the foundation of how we teach, coach, and connect with our global ADHD community. We believe in:
✨ Excellence
We hold ourselves to high standards—always learning, growing, and leading with integrity. Whether we’re teaching future ADHD Life Coaches or working behind the scenes, we strive to do our best and raise the bar.
🤝 Connection
Real connection matters. We lead with kindness, empathy, and respect, creating a welcoming community where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.
📚 Learning
We’re lifelong learners—driven by curiosity and committed to personal and professional growth. Our passion for learning helps us evolve, adapt, and empower others to do the same.
🌍 Service
We’re here to make a difference. Through coaching, mentoring, advocacy, and education, we serve others with purpose and heart—especially those in the ADHD community.
🫶 Respect
We value every person’s unique voice and lived experience. We believe in fairness, authenticity, and honoring boundaries—always guided by ethical coaching standards.
These values shape everything we do. They reflect our commitment to training skilled, compassionate ADHD Life Coaches who make a real impact in the world—with clarity, confidence, and care.
Meet the iACTcenter Team
Laurie Dupar, MSN, PCC, CALC
Founder, Owner, and Director of Training
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Laurie is on a mission to rid the world of the stigma surrounding ADHD so those who experience it can truly enjoy their AWESOMENESS!
Her youngest son failed “circle time” twice when he was diagnosed 25 years ago. Dedicated to finding a way to focus on his brilliance rather than his ADHD challenges, Laurie discovered coaching and earned her certification with the Coaches Training Institute (CTI) in 2002. After experiencing the positive changes coaching made for her son and her family, Laurie made a mid-life career switch away from her training as a nurse practitioner to the profession of an ADHD Life Coach.
In 2015, Laurie founded the International ADHD Coach Training Center. Intentionally, the acronym spells out “I ACT,” as the iACTcenter has trained 1000s of Certified ADHD Life Coaches (CALC) worldwide to actively make a positive difference in the lives of those struggling with ADHD regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, or culture through coaching.
What makes the iACTcenter ADHD Coach training different from others is Laurie’s knowledge and experience with ADHD, 20+ years of coaching persons with ADHD, and advanced education and expertise in the neurobiology, neurochemistry, and neuropharmacology of the ADHD brain style.
Taking a big risk to become a coach, 27 years later, Laurie has an even higher respect and appreciation for the profession, art, and science of coaching. She believes coaching is a calling: a career motivated by a passion and a mission to make a difference. It is a career where you can make a difference making a living.
With her scientific background, 20+ years as a professional ADHD Life Coach, 15+ years training emerging coaches, her entrepreneurial acumen to build a sustainable six-figure coaching business, and a lifetime of living personally and professionally with ADHD herself… Laurie’s expertise is unparalleled.
She’s edited and co-authored the #1 Amazon Best-Selling series, The ADHD Awareness Book Project, and authored the popular Brain Surfing and 31 Other Awesome Qualities of ADHD and Unlocking the Secrets to Your Entrepreneurial Brain Style. In addition, she is a published expert on ADHD medications and coaching in ADDitude and Attention Magazine and received the distinction of being one of the top 100 ADHD Blogs on the internet.
She’s a recognized leader in the ADHD community, a fierce advocate for persons diagnosed with ADHD, and a sought-after speaker on coaching, ADHD, and entrepreneurship. She has served on numerous boards and organizations throughout the ADHD community.
Most importantly, she’s committed to providing you with the highest standard of ADHD coach training possible so you graduate as a confident, world-class ADHD Life Coach who continues the mission to support and empower those with ADHD in your community.
heidi fishbein, MCC, CALC, CMC
Executive Director, Coach Mentor, Coach Instructor, ICF Assessor
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Heidi Fishbein is a sought-after Christian ADHD Life Coach. Her unique approach helps her clients tap into their strengths, gifts, and talents to achieve their goals. Heidi believes that every individual has a light inside, and with the right tools and guidance, they can overcome any obstacle and thrive. Heidi is passionate about working with her clients and empowering them to succeed one step at a time. Her coaching approach focuses on building personal confidence and self-worth, leaning into God’s truth, and realizing a lifetime of empowerment.
Heidi integrates biblical truth and principles into her coaching practice, offering a unique and holistic approach that helps clients navigate life’s challenges. Rooted in faith, she provides support, encouragement, and practical tools to empower individuals to unlock their full potential and achieve their God-given goals. Combining the principles of coaching and the wisdom in the Bible, Heidi creates a safe and empowering space where clients can explore their strengths, overcome obstacles, and pursue a purpose-driven life aligned with their values and beliefs.
Heidi’s passion for coaching and innate leadership skills have led her to take on multiple professional coaching roles. In addition to her private coaching practice, she serves as the Executive Director at the International ADHD Coach Training Center (iACTcenter) and as a coach trainer at Leadership Coaching Canada (LCC). Her dedication to coaching and belief in its incredible advantages fuel her dedication to teaching and training others.
Heidi first obtained her certification as a Certified ADHD Life Coach (CALC) from the International ADHD Coach Training Center (iACTcenter) and then as a Christian Leadership Life Coach through Leadership Coaching Canada (LLC). She has earned her Master Certified Coach (MCC) credential from the International Coaching Federation and is an Advanced Certified Mentor Coach (ACMC) through inviteCHANGE.
Kim Pereira, Ed.D., PCC, CALC
Coach Instructor
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Dr. Kim Pereira (CALC, PCC) is a Certified ADHD Life Coach and Founder of ADHD Coach CT. Kim coaches adults with ADHD and parents of children with ADHD, and she is late-diagnosed with ADHD. She works with clients virtually all over the United States and around the world, and in-person at her office in Avon, Connecticut. Kim is a graduate of the iACTcenter’s CALC program and is thrilled to now be training the next generation of ADHD Coaches. Her website is https://adhdcoachct.com/.
Prior to launching ADHD Coach CT, Kim spent most of her career in academia as an administrator at the higher education and secondary school level, and she has an Ed.D. in Higher and Postsecondary Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. Kim loves everything about theater (especially Broadway musicals), reading, travelling, and spending time with her family and rescue dog.
Credentials:
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Professional Certified Coach (PCC) – International Coaching Federation (ICF)
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Professional Advanced ADHD Coach Training Certification (ACCG) – ADD Coach Academy (ADDCA)
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Certified ADHD Life Coach (CALC) – International ADHD Coach Training Center (iACTcenter)
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Professional Certified ADHD Coach (PCAC) – The Professional Association for ADHD Coaches (PAAC)
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Member of the International Coaching Federation (ICF), ADHD Coaches Organization (ACO), Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA) and Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/
Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) -
Doctor of Education and Master of Education in Higher and Postsecondary Education from Teachers College, Columbia University
ADHD Publications and Podcast Interviews:
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Co-Author of Living with Adult ADHD – Embracing the Chaos With a Smile – Bernadette Ashton, Chapter 16 – ADHDtasticTM: Crafting A Life That Aligns With My ADHD, Published on April 24, 2024
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Featured Guest on Wise Squirrels Podcast, Productivity, Overwhelm, and Getting Unstuck with Dr. Kim Pereira, Podcast Aired on April 24, 2024
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Co-Presenter of Micro-Transitions and ADHD: The Power of Intentional Small Moments, with Ian Wahlert at the ACO/ADDA/CHADD International Conference on ADHD in Baltimore, Maryland on December 2, 2023
kirsten lightfoot, PCC, CALC
Coach Instructor, Coach Mentor
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Kirsten is a certified Professional ADHD Life Coach (CALC) and a dedicated facilitator. Her passion for empowering individuals with ADHD is matched only by her commitment to nurturing the next generation of coaches. Kirsten is an associate member of the Australasian ADHD Professionals Association (AADPA) and holds a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) credential from the International Coaching Federation (ICF). Additionally, she has a Master’s in Justice with a major in Strategic Intelligence.
Kirsten brings a wealth of knowledge and personal insight to her coaching practice. Her professional journey includes a successful career in government, including service in the Royal Australian Air Force and work with a federal agency. It was during this time that Kirsten discovered her lifelong passion for ADHD coaching, which has since become her full-time business.
Kirsten, diagnosed with ADHD in late 2020, is a mother of four children, all of whom have neurodivergence. She navigates her own ADHD journey while also helping her clients, creating a judgment-free environment for growth and self-discovery. In addition to coaching both children and adults, Kirsten actively promotes ADHD awareness through public speaking engagements and workshops for business leaders and educators. Her goal is to create spaces where those with ADHD can share their stories, feel understood, and develop strategies to help them thrive. She cherishes most the moments that remind her of the joy and resilience within the ADHD community.
When she’s not working, Kirsten enjoys spending quality time with her children, her husband (a military veteran), their two oversized dogs, and a cat. Kirsten is excited to be an instructor with iACTcenter, where she can help people even more people understand ADHD and have the opportunity to be part of teaching the next group of ADHD coaches, knowing they will make significant differences in the lives of others with ADHD and their communities worldwide.
kirsten@iactcenter.com
www.adhdcoachingbrisbane.org
Amy allen Sekhar, Phd, ACC, cpcc, CALC
Coach Instructor/Coach Mentor
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Amy Allen Sekhar is a certified professional coach, consultant, facilitator, and public speaker. Amy’s coaching philosophy begins with the premise that no one is broken – we are all whole and worthy of taking up space and taking a stand. Her focus of practice is to offer coaching that is identity-affirming, accessible, and meaningful to every body-mind, however you show up in the world. Amy firmly believes that coaching is transformational and should be accessible – financially and in practice – to people from historically marginalized communities. Her coaching is informed by her lived experiences as a disabled person – Amy has a physical disability as well as non-visible disabilities – and by her commitment to Disability Justice.
Amy is a trained Certified Professional Co-Active Coach (CPCC) through the Co-Active Training Institute (CTI). She has earned her International Coaching Federation (ICF) credential as an Associate Certified Coach (ACC). She is certified as a Certified ADHD Life Coach (CALC) through the International ADHD Coach Training Center (iACTcenter).
Amy earned her Ph.D. from Boston University, and before shifting to coaching and consulting, she spent ten years as a faculty member in higher education. This extensive experience in higher education, where she was a passionate advocate for the value of co-creating learning spaces, instills confidence in her expertise. She introduced students to perspectives and lived experiences that challenged their own ways of being, thinking, and acting in the world. Since leaving academia, Amy has engaged in systems change work and offers consulting and facilitation in the areas of curriculum design and equity. Amy is a dynamic public speaker who challenges audiences to reconsider their perceptions about disability identity and how it fits into the work of systems change.
Amy is also an avid para-rower and would be overjoyed if she lived near enough to an accessible dock to spend her mornings on the water, sharing the sunrise with the early birds. Amy is also a Certified Zentangle Teacher (CZT) and teaches this mindful drawing method as a way for people to open to their innate creativity to calm their minds and enter into a deep flow state. Amy loves laughing – and making others laugh – bread baking, knitting, and her animals. She and her husband share a home with four dogs and three parrots.
Amy@iACTcenter.com
Fiel John Meria, PCC, A-CALC
Coach Mentor, ICF Assessor
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Meet John Meria, a dedicated advocate for individuals with neurodevelopmental differences. With a Professional Coaching Credential (PCC) from the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and an Advanced Certified ADHD Life Coach (A-CALC) from the International ADHD Coach Training Center (iACTcenter), John is a leading figure in Asia’s ADHD life coaching community.
John, based in the Philippines, is not just a professional in his field but a person deeply connected to the cause. His journey into coaching began as a special education teacher in 2010, and his transition into roles as an academic mentor and life coach was driven by his personal commitment to empowering those with neurodevelopmental challenges.
In 2012, John took a pivotal step by establishing the Philippines’ first adult ADHD support group, recognizing the need for community and understanding. His advocacy continued to gain momentum as he co-founded the ADHD Society of the Philippines in 2014, where he served in leadership roles and spearheaded groundbreaking initiatives like the first ADHD Conference for Adults in 2022.
Beyond his professional endeavors, John’s personal mission shines through Project POND (People Overcoming Neurodevelopmental Difficulties), a heartwarming initiative he co-founded with his wife, who shares his passion and also has ADHD. Together, they organize outdoor camping trips for teens and adults with ADHD and ASD, fostering socialization, reconnecting with nature, and nurturing individual awareness of Godly inherent self-worth.
John’s impact extends beyond the Philippines, earning him recognition as a trusted professional referred by top psychiatrists, developmental pediatricians, psychologists, and universities. He has lent his expertise to government and corporate initiatives, advocating for key legislation and workplace accommodations that support individuals with ADHD.
With a vision of a more inclusive world, John aspires to expand the reach of ADHD life coaching across Asia, where awareness remains limited. As he raises his two daughters, he hopes for a brighter future, driven by his unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of individuals with neurodevelopmental differences.
John@iactcenter.com
liz mccarron, edd, mba, acc, calc
Coach Instructor
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Liz is a 2021 graduate of the International ADHD Training Center (iACTcenter)’s Certified ADHD Life Coach (CALC) program and an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) credential through the International Coaching Federation (ICF). She specializes in working with college students with ADHD, collaborating with them to create the structure, support, skills, and strategies to move them toward their personal and academic goals. Her work also includes high school students preparing for college or the workforce and adults trying to manage personal change and take ownership of their lives.
With over 25 years of experience in higher education, Dr. McCarron has a deep understanding of the academic landscape. She has taught undergraduate courses in information technology at Bentley University in Waltham, Massachusettes, and in 2017, she earned a doctorate in Higher Education Leadership. Her dissertation, titled “Faculty Willingness and Ability to Academically Accommodate Students with Learning Disabilities,” Is a testament to her commitment to accessibility and equity in education. Her ongoing research focuses on the student/faculty relationship and self-advocacy in students with learning disabilities, including those with ADHD. She has also completed a certificate program in Applied Neuroscience from the Neuroscience School in 2023 and a certificate in Learning Differences and Neurodiversity from Landmark College with a specialization in Executive Function in 2024.
Liz’s commitment to her work is evident in her active involvement in various professional organizations. She is a member of the Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD), where she serves as co-chair of their LD/ADHD Learning & Practice Community and is a member of their Coaching Learning & Practice Community. Her dedication is further demonstrated by her presentations at the AHEAD Annual Conference organized by the Association on Higher Education And Disability (AHEAD), a professional organization that focuses on the advancement of equity and inclusion for people with disabilities in higher education, and her publication in the Journal of Postsecondary Education and Disability, entitled Postsecondary faculty and willingness to provide academic accommodations for students with learning disabilities. Liz is a member of the ADHD Coaches Organization (ACO), Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD), the Learning Disabilities Association of America (LDA), the Higher Ed Coaches Special Interest Group (HEC-SIG), sponsored by ICF Raleigh, and the publication SIG (HEC-SIG-Pub).
liz@iactcenter.com
ExcelWithADHD.com
Matthew Cintron-Quiñones, MCC
Coach Instructor, Coach Mentor, ICF Assessor
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Matthew is an internationally seasoned Life and Executive Coach specializing in supporting leaders who identify within the Latin@ community. His laser-focused approach and keen attention to language and cultural impact helped uncover the potential root causes of his clients’ challenges, empowering them to progress with renewed perspectives. He is a “no-nonsense” coach who enjoys integrating humor, sarcasm, and gentle irreverence to facilitate long-lasting changes.
Through his adventures in exploring more than 65 countries for work, leisure, and volunteerism, Matthew discovered his ability to adapt swiftly to a variety of cultures, situations, surprises, and personalities. With his diverse background spanning international higher education administration, educational psychology, learning and development, and the USA government partnership, Matthew deeply understands the impact of empowerment and agency that are emphasized in the coaching profession. He volunteers with the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and provides mentor coaching to assist other coaches in tailoring their approaches using the ICF Core Competencies. His mentor coaching style has been described as unconventional and impactful.
An extremely knowledgeable resource for coaching competencies, policies, practices, and administration, Matthew is dedicated to his own professional development and sharing his expertise to support the coaching community. He also maintains up-to-date industry certifications in human resources (SHRM-SCP, SPHR) and project management (PMP).
When Matthew is not with his clients, he can be found lounging with his cats, Burt and Arlo, streaming crime dramas, or hunting for the best iced coffee to keep him awake in the middle of the day. You might also find him having an internal debate with himself and Google Flights, deciding how far in advance he want to go somewhere and buy the appropriate plane ticket.
Tyler Dorsey, ACC, CALC
Coach Instructor
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Meet Tyler, an ADHD Life Coach and Business Coach dedicated to changing lives—both for those with ADHD and the coaches who support them! Tyler is passionate about helping people see the endless possibilities their lives hold, whether for themselves, their children, or their businesses.
As an ADHD coach, Tyler’s mission is to help other coaches build thriving businesses that offer the time freedom, passion for helping others, and financial success they deserve. Having ADHD herself, Tyler knows firsthand the journey from feeling like you’re failing to thriving as an adult.
Tyler is a proud wife and soon-to-be mom of four. She balances family life with her mission to empower coaches to make a real difference in the ADHD community!
Alyssa French
Virtual Assistant
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Alyssa is one of Laurie’s Virtual Assistants. She is dedicated to keeping the iACTcenter running smoothly behind the scenes. She supports students and staff, manages technology and marketing, and ensures everything stays on track. With a strong background in customer service and administrative support, Alyssa brings warmth, professionalism, and efficiency to every interaction. She is the steady hand that helps move the iACTcenter forward.
Alyssa is from a small-town, Sweet Home, Alabama, where she lives with her husband. When not working, she’s curled up with a good book and a cup of hot tea, experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen, or serving at her local church.
iACTcenter’s DEIJ, Equal Opportunity & Non-Discrimination Commitment
At the iACTcenter, we are proud to serve a global community of students, faculty, graduates, and staff across 66+ countries. Our mission to advance ADHD life coaching worldwide is rooted in our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ).
We recognize and actively address the harms caused by past and present discrimination. These core values guide our decisions, training practices, and partnerships. We honor each individual’s unique background and experiences, and we invite you to join us in reducing stigma and increasing awareness of ADHD worldwide.
Equal Opportunity & Non-Discrimination
The iACTcenter is committed to providing equal opportunity and access to all individuals, regardless of race, age, gender, sexual orientation, disability, neurodiversity, learning style, background, or belief system.
We welcome and support diverse learners, including those with disabilities, and encourage prospective students to share any accommodations they may need during the application or training process. Our staff and faculty integrate inclusive practices in teaching, mentoring, and assessment.
Discrimination, exclusion, or any conduct that interferes with a safe and respectful learning environment will not be tolerated.
Everyone is welcome. Everyone belongs.
The International ADHD Coach Training Center
