Hi, I’m Kristy Hayes— a licensed mental health counselor, creative entrepreneur, and visual artist who is evolving into a UX designer.

COUNSELING & CREATIVITY

For the last 16+ years, I’ve helped people navigate emotional crossroads, big life transitions, and identity work as a counselor and LGBTQ+ advocate. My work has always been about clarity, connection, and empowerment. Whether in therapy rooms or advocacy work, my goal has been to help people make sense of complexity and move forward with confidence.

But I’ve always been more than a listener. I’m a maker.

BRIDGE TO DESIGN

Alongside my work in mental health, I’ve spent over two decades creating— photographing the world, painting what inspires me, writing books, creating brands, websites, courses, writing songs, learning new tools, and investing in people's stories. I’ve taught myself no-code platforms, designed visual resources for freelance clients, built courses and digital products, and run two service-based businesses from the ground up.

Over time, I realized that the intersection of tech and human-centered design wasn’t just a passion—it was my next path.

SPECIAL SKILLS FOR UX

Now, I’m actively transitioning into UX research and design with the same empathy, insight, and strategic thinking that shaped my work in counseling. I bring to tech what therapy taught me:
• How to spot patterns in chaos
• How to listen between the lines
• How to design systems that reduce suffering and support transformation

I’m currently completing the Google UX Design Certification and building a portfolio that blends accessibility, emotional intelligence, and problem-solving. I specialize in wellness, education, creative tools, and mission-driven systems that need both heart and rigor. My portfolio is growing in style and range, but my focus remains clear: using design to empower others.

DREAM ROLES

My dream roles are in advocacy and human-centered, design-forward teams working on meaningful tools for connection, wellness, learning, creation and growth.

Think: