Meet the Team

Connector & Director

Hayley Stanton

Hi, I’m Hayley.

I, too, am a quieter person. As a highly sensitive introvert, I love and appreciate my quiet strengths now, but I spent much of my life not feeling good enough and experiencing social anxiety. I missed so many opportunities and connections because I was afraid of being judged harshly, criticised and rejected –and because I doubted that I had the ‘right’ personality to succeed. Now, I’m passionate about helping quiet people discover their unique qualities, gifts, passions and experiences and explore how best to use these to express themselves more authentically, connect more meaningfully and contribute to their world in a way that works with their quieter or more sensitive nature – and I’d love to connect with you at one of our Meet Ups.

Operations Coordinator

Ellen Duffy-Martin

I have always been sensitive, which can be a gift but, especially in adulthood, has sometimes felt like a struggle. For a long time, I thought I had to “fix” the anxious and quiet parts of myself so I pushed through my limits until I burned out. Eventually, my world was so small I didn’t know how to expand it again without falling into old cycles.

So, I started connecting with myself. I learned about self-compassion and quiet people (shout out Susan Cain!), and – crucially – I realised that I have quiet people in my life who I love and respect, and aren’t I worthy of the same? I didn’t have to blame myself for needing rest or quiet; I could engage with the world in a way that worked for me. Amazingly, even just this self-acceptance made it much easier for me to do scary things!

I’m so excited to be a part of Quiet Connections because I believe we all deserve spaces we can just be – with no pressure to act or perform. Finding a like-minded community can be life changing, and I hope to help support spaces where people can embrace who they are, just as they are.

Connector & Director

Angela Hatherell

Hi, I’m Angela. I’ve spent my life quietly working my way through several different careers, having trained as an architect and worked in practice, research and education, and also in film, television and arts management. I always felt most at home by the sea, so in 2018 I made the decision to move to Cornwall with my cockapoo,  Artie. 

Once here I cofounded Create CIC in Camborne, with the aim of giving anyone access to creativity, regardless of experience, ability or income. We run workshops, and offer access to equipment and studio space, for pottery, glass and jewellery. If you’re ever in town pop by and say hello!

As a quiet person who is also a director of a community interest company in Cornwall, discovering Quiet Connections has been a revelation to me. It has challenged my perception of my own and others’ quietness and allowed me to see it as a strength rather than a barrier – I can be successful, socially and professionally, because of, not in spite of, my quietness.

Connector

Ellie Zalick

Hi, I’m Ellie.

I consider myself an introvert and have experienced anxiety around social situations since I was seven. I feel like people often made assumptions about me. Some mistook my silence as rude and didn’t give me the space and time I needed to speak; others found it uncomfortable and labelled me as ‘weird’. Some thought it made me weak and an easy target for bullying; and others assumed I lacked confidence. And for a while I accepted these things, feeling I was socially inept, dysfunctional and believing I had to learn to be loud to be confident. But over time, I have learnt this isn’t true. I can be quietly confident, I can thrive in conversations when given the space and time I need, and I can challenge people’s perceptions of quiet. It is important to me that quieter people have a space where they can connect with likeminded people; where they feel accepted for who they are and comfortable in their own quiet skin.

Connector

Michael Mules

Hi, I’m Michael.

I’m an introverted person –but I embrace the louder parts of myself when I’m on stage! Working as a comedian, I have performed at festivals and on TV. But I’ve also faced many challenges in my life that left me feeling shy, isolated and withdrawn, too. Recently, I’ve been focused on building my confidence and using my voice more, and volunteering at a local art gallery and training in counselling skills has really helped me to grow as an individual. Now, I hope to inspire others to create more confidence within themselves, and I’m looking forward to offering time, space and gentle connection at our Penzance Meet Up, so you can do just that.

Connector

Leanna Cox

I always felt different as a child and being an only child exacerbated this. I don’t like big crowds and I have always struggled with social anxiety and imposter syndrome. But when I realised I am a highly sensitive person it all made much more sense and helped me understand the way I felt and that others also feel like this. In the fast-paced world we live in, I appreciate the importance of slowing down and taking time to appreciate the small things. When given the time and space to be me, I can be the quietly confident person I am underneath the anxiety. In my role as a Social Prescriber, I am passionate about helping people with their health and wellbeing and to feel safe and comfortable in new situations so they can grow as individuals.

Connector

Mike Edward

Hi my name’s Mike.

Connector

Michael Dickinson

Hi I’m Michael and I’d describe myself as an introvert. I have at times struggled to have the self-confidence to connect with people and make friends. This has been particularly hard in the past few years where I have moved a number of times and had to restart this process in different places. I know how it can be to feel lonely, isolated, or that there might be something ‘wrong’ with you.

I’ve grown in self-confidence and self-acceptance since moving back to Cornwall, in a large part due to Quiet Connections and the connections I’ve made here.

I love the vision of Quiet Connections to give quiet people, like me, a space to be ourselves and make meaningful connections. I hope that as a Quiet Connector I can help to make Falmouth Meet Up a welcoming space for others.

Connector

Julie Jones

Hello fellow quieteers, I’m Julie and I’ve been engaging with Quiet Connections since 2018, starting with some coaching, then moving into helping out with creative activities and exhibitions. 

I consider myself sensitive and introverted. I enjoy going to music events- gigs and festivals, film screenings, and creative workshops however I find myself  easily drained by social interactions, and need regular periods of solitude to recharge.

As a child, my shyness was thought of as strange and distant; throughout my life I have been called moody, rude, even snobbish and definitely boring. To this day, I can sense that my quietness is unnerving for some people but I’ve grown to be comfortable with my way of being with this world. My quiet qualities are my superpowers. If I don’t respond immediately I’m processing information and am still engaging with other than verbal communication.

Through showing me acceptance, Quiet Connections has helped me grow in confidence and self belief.  Now I hope to support others to explore, develop and cherish their quiet strengths too.

Connector

Zoe Zalick

Hello, I am Zoe Zalick – Highly Sensitive Person (HSP), musician, teacher, voice coach, sci-fi fan and lover of cats, coasts and campervans. I spend most of my days using my voice and helping others to use theirs so people don’t always realise that as a young adult I was painfully shy and struggled to say anything at all.

I had a lifetime of school reports that said ‘should speak up in class’ as if it was a deliberate choice of mine rather than an anxious response to not being allowed time to think or space to be myself.

And when it came to people my own age – I could never work out what it was they wanted from me. Whatever I said was wrong and when I didn’t say anything that was wrong too. I didn’t understand the ‘rules’. I felt like an outcast. I turned to music so that I could disappear into my own world and not have to speak to anyone.

Ironically, that is when things got better for me. All the time spent alone, practising, meant that I got good. My music attracted an audience that actually wanted to listen to me. And then other musicians who wanted to play with me. And then students who wanted to learn from me. They shared my interests and often, my feelings about the world. We listened to and understood each other. Suddenly I had a social life. And meaningful work. So before I knew it I was singing and speaking on stage and in the classroom and feeling like a competent and confident human being!

Nowadays I am far more relaxed around people and comfortable with conversation in pretty much any situation – I would even go so far as to say I enjoy it! But I have not forgotten how it feels to be nervous, anxious and full of self doubt. I have much empathy, respect and patience for every individual who treads that path.

As a Quiet Connector volunteer at the Liskeard Meet Up, alongside Ellie, I aim to create a space which is warm and welcoming. Where you are valued and feel like you belong. Where you can make genuine connections with others who make an effort to listen and understand you.

I think quiet, sensitive and introverted people present only a small part of themselves to the outside world. Like the TARDIS, we are bigger on the inside. So much so, that sometimes we can get lost in there. It feels good to occasionally throw the doors open and allow a select bunch of open minded, non judgemental people, a tiny glimpse of who we really are.

This is what I think Quiet Connections is all about.

Connector

Anne Coulson

I was a shy child and would hide behind my mum rather than talk to anyone. Then, aged 12, we moved to a different area of the country and that’s when I really struggled. I found being amongst strangers made me socially anxious, but I needed to be among people to not be lonely. Tricky, huh? It took me many years to figure out how to cope in social situations and I still mask my anxiety to some extent. I’ve now learnt that being quiet isn’t a negative thing at all, and that my sensitivity and compassion are traits that should be valued and respected. It’s OK to be more reserved. I love the idea of being among like-minded people and being able to take time out from the sometimes frantic world we’re in to just be ourselves, and I know from my role as a Social Prescriber that there are a lot of people who appreciate the quieter and gentler side of life. I’m genuinely excited about being part of the Quiet Connections family to help people make friends in a safe, calm and no-pressure environment.

Pop Up Connector

Erzsébet Keserű

Hi, I’m Erzsébet,

I consider myself an introverted and sensitive person, and I have also experienced social anxiety. I know what it’s like to struggle with making friends, not feeling as worthy as others around me. Overthinking situations would stop me from trying. At times, this made me feel lonely and stuck. After slow and determined steps to push my boundaries, I realised that there is nothing wrong with who I am. Being surrounded by fellow quieteers has made me feel safe, heard, and helped me to open up and shift my focus from the fears to how I can be me and lift others at the same time. I am passionate about sharing the belief that quiet people are amazing and, given safe spaces and the right circumstances, they have plenty to talk about. I would love to have you join me at this Meet Up and hear your story.

Connector

Jennie

Connector

Ben

Connector

Shelley Michell

Connector

Louise Ostrovsky

Hi, I’m Louise,

I have always been known for being reserved or quiet in large group settings. I used to struggle to feel comfortable in environments where I had to step out of my comfort zone to be heard.

However, when I am with people I feel comfortable with, I become confident and more able to chat and offer my point of view within conversations. I’ve found that through working in the nursing and social care sector, I have developed skills in advocacy and as a result I am now confident in most face to face social interactions, as long as the group I am with, is small enough to feel seen and heard. I’m motivated to be a part of the Quiet Meet Ups, as I now love my ‘quietness’ and I am keen to assist others to feel accepted and thrive, in their quietness. I’d love to connect with you at the next Meet Up.

Connector

Daphne Atkinson

Hello. My name is Daphne and I consider myself to be a quiet person. An introvert by nature, I’m more at home in a one to one exchanges or small group set ups. I found it hard to accept this aspect of my personality over the years. However, many years later, I now know it’s ok to be me, and it’s okay to take the time and space that we need as quieter folk. I believe it is a privilege when someone lets themselves be known to you. And I hope that when you become part of Quiet Connections, you find a place where Quiet is valued and it’s ok to be yourself. I look forward to meeting you.

Connector

Catherine Centofanti

Hi, I’m Catherine. I am a quiet and highly sensitive individual who has experienced shyness and social anxiety throughout my life. I grew up believing and being told these traits were undesirable, and so I suffered a great deal from low self-esteem, self-consciousness, and a lingering sense of not fitting in or belonging. But over time, I have come to see my sensitivity as a gift – an ability to notice, feel deeply, and connect in meaningful ways. Through self-compassion, I’ve begun to embrace my quiet nature, and recognise there is strength in softness and courage in simply being myself. I believe everyone deserves a space where they feel seen, valued, and understood. I hope to help others embrace their quietness, connect with their authentic selves, and find a sense of belonging in a world that often seems so loud.

Non-Executive Director

Phil Williams

Hi, I’m Phil. I am an NLP Practitioner & a Blue Health Coach. In the past I have struggled with social anxiety & depression. Learning NLP was a game changer for me & it has helped me shift negative behavioural patterns & taught me to develop a sense of self-awareness that helps keep me on an even keel.

I am passionate to help my clients bring lasting change to their lives by challenging you to safely step out of your comfort zone & explore new rewarding ways of thinking & develop what is arguably the most important relationship in life – Your relationship with yourself.

As a Blue Health coach, I very much enjoy taking coaching sessions in blue spaces, walking on the Southwest coast path & the occasional toe dip or deep dive into the sea. Working in and around our blue spaces & connecting with nature are extremely powerful resources for those looking for change.

I have helped build & run an IT & Telecoms business for almost 20 years which has certainly been rollercoaster ride & has taught me some valuable life lessons which I endeavour to bring to my coaching. In a nutshell I want to help my clients to feel more confident & truly become their own best & authentic self.

Non-Executive Director

Stacey Mills

Hi, I’m Stacey. I’m a person-centred counsellor working in the NHS. I’ve always found it challenging to be in groups of people. Wanting to fit in, I used alcohol as a coping strategy to mask who I truly was when I was younger. I wanted to feel like I was more engaging, exciting, social and relaxed and, with alcohol, I earned the label of ‘life and soul of the party’. But that didn’t fit with who I really was. I came to accept my quieter, more introverted nature and learnt to follow my own internal valuing system and find the hidden gifts to my introversion, working with my more sensitive nature, rather than against it. 

I trained as a Psychological Therapist and I am a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. Group facilitation has been a key focus throughout my career and I have designed and delivered a number of programmes and psychoeducational groups. I bring all my experience to Quiet Connections to offer guidance with strategy and development. Read my story here. 

Non-Executive Director

Lowenna Underwood