Meet the Team
We’re a team of introverts and sensitive people, just like you. We’re also experienced coaches, wellbeing practitioners and counsellors. Each of us has grown in quiet confidence and appreciation of our gentle temperaments over the course of our lives and careers – and now we want to help you do the same.
Quiet Connectors at our Meet Ups
Quiet Connector
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.
Quiet Connector for Liskeard
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.
Quiet Connector for Penzance
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 But I’ve also faced many challenges in my life that left me feeling shy, isolated and withdrawn, too.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.
Quiet Connector for Truro
Chloe Stevens
Hi, I’m Chloe,
I consider myself a quiet person. I’m introverted and I’ve struggled with social anxiety in the past. Because of feeling socially anxious, I had negative associations with the word ‘quiet’. But becoming friends with other shy people made me realise that there is nothing wrong with being a quiet person, and now I see quietude in a positive light.
I’m excited to be a a part of Quiet Connections because I love the idea of having quiet people meet up. I’m always interested in learning about other people and their passions, and it feels rewarding for me whenever I can help like-minded people to feel more comfortable socialising or to connect with new friends. I hope to see you soon.
Quiet Connector for Liskeard
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.
Quiet Connector for Falmouth
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 a space to be themselves and make meaningful connections. I hope that as a Quiet Connector I can help to make Falmouth Meet Up a welcoming space for others.
Quiet Connector for Redruth & Hayle
Mike Edward
Hi my name’s Mike.
Quiet Connector for Helston
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.
Quiet Connector for Helston
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.
Quiet Connector for Newquay
Julie Jones
Hi, I’m Julie! I started my journey with Quiet Connections working with a coach and becoming a Quiet Community Member. Through gently stretching my comfort zone, I came to love and appreciate my quieter qualities and I found my tribe amongst like-minded people. I am now keen to give back to the community what I have learnt myself and I love encouraging others to take similar small steps and gradually grow their confidence too.
Quiet Connector for Penzance
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.
Quiet Connector for Penzance
Aaron Chiffers
As far back as I remember, I’ve been an introverted, sensitive and lonely person, finding it deeply challenging to ‘fit in’, feel relaxed in certain environments or make genuine connections.
Over the years I’ve come to realise that rather than mould myself to fit in to what seems normal, I actually feel a lot more whole by embracing my natural differences and finding the spaces and people that resonate on a deeper level.
Quiet Connections has opened my heart and my eyes to a world of brilliant and like-minded souls that are also introverted, quiet and sensitive. I want to be able to help these invaluable safe spaces – where everyone is welcome just as they are without judgement or pressure – to continue to exist and thrive.
Become a Quiet Connector with us
Volunteer
Our weekly Meet Ups gently connect quieteers like us in a safe, relaxing space where it’s okay to talk and it’s okay to be quiet too. Here, you can flourish in your life and career as your true quiet self – and help others do the same.
Find out more about how you can get involved at www.quietconnections.co.uk/quiet-connectors
Other Roles
Founder & Coach
Hayley Stanton
Hi, I’m Hayley. I’m the original quieteer and founded Quiet Connections after I trained as a coach in 2014. Now, I’m studying coaching at Masters level. Before I started coaching, my background and education was in health and wellbeing and business but I knew deep down that, somehow, there was a more meaningful contribution I could make.
A series of leaps of faith and trusting my intuition led me to discover what I’m truly here for: personal growth and connection for quiet people who want to make a difference in the world. If this sounds like you, I’d love to help you flourish and create a positive ripple effect of your own.
I, too, identify as a quiet person. I’m naturally a highly sensitive introvert and 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 because I was afraid of being judged harshly, criticised and rejected – and because I doubted that I had the ‘right’ personality to succeed. Quiet Connections exists in part because I had a fantastic coach who helped me to work through old patterns of keeping myself small and hidden so that I could show up and be seen to play my part in creating the more connected, curious and compassionate world that I dream of.
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 and contribute to the world in a way that works with their quieter or more sensitive nature – and I’d love to help you uncover what this looks like for you and how you can create this in your life now.
Credentials
- Student of MSc Applied Positive Psychology
- Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Positive Psychology and Coaching Psychology
- NLP Practitioner (neuro-linguistic programming)
- mBIT Coach (multiple brain integration techniques – think head, heart & gut wisdom)
- Blue Health Coach (the science and philosophy of water for wellbeing)
- ASIST: Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training
- Action Learning Team Facilitator
- ILM Level 3 Award in Coaching
- BSc Dimensions in Healthcare
- Business Studies (140 credits level 4-6)
- Association of NLP (ANLP) Professional Member
- Code of Practice: ANLP, mBIT & EMCC
Non-Executive Director
Stacie Clark
Hello! I’m Stacie. I was the girl who awkwardly blurted out half-formed sentences. Pretended to not know much – about a lot of things! Would go on a date to sit in silence. And nervously laughed to hide the fear of speaking. I dropped an A-Level so I wouldn’t have to do presentations. Spent 3 years ditching Uni applications because I’d have to live in halls (I got there eventually… not living in halls!). I couldn’t get a job in McDonalds and left jobs I did get because I felt too anxious. If only I knew back then what I know now… I would have seen that I was more capable than I ever thought I was.
Now I’m a qualified NLP Coach, passionate about helping people express their truest self and creating environments that encourage gentle participation so that those who are quieter, shy and struggle to speak up, can thrive, fulfil their potential, and achieve all that they want to and all they are capable of! I have a background in art and design, so naturally, I love bringing elements of these practises into the way in which I support people; mixing arts and crafts with coaching techniques to help with speaking clearly, confidently and calmly.
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.
Coach
Lisa Fisher
Hello, I’m Lisa. I’m happy to connect with you! I’m a Positive Psychology Coach currently undertaking a Masters to deepen my learning and skills to support others in their journeys to flourishing and living their best lives, but it’s been a long and strange journey to get where I am now.
I started my adult life preferring to stay in the background and just go with the flow rather than speak out. It held me back in jobs, going to university and in my social life. I fell into teaching line dancing with a big push from a friend. But I was so anxious I could hardly be heard – even with a mic! And I couldn’t remember what came next. With time, I became better and more confident in teaching, yet I still preferred to stay at the front of the class, behind the mic, so that I didn’t have to make conversation with strangers.
Then, I spent five years with health problems. I went from an active, always-on-the-go person to being at home most of the time and needing help with simple tasks and a mobility scooter to get out. With that, I felt like a lost all the confidence I had and I really noticed those feelings of social anxiety.
But during this challenging time, I completed a psychology degree to keep my brain active even if my body wasn’t and I was over the moon to get a first-class honours!
I fell in love with Positive Psychology. It’s taught me to appreciate the little things, and to be a lot more resilient. I’ve done things that scare me because that is how I learn and grow. Using elements of Positive Psychology, including mindfulness and gratitude, really helped me to improve my own health and wellbeing. With determination and perseverance, I have my independence and mobility back. While I now enjoy being the quiet one, I have learnt to enjoy speaking to different people too, I know how to advocate for myself, and I am far happier and more confident.
I knew I wanted to use Positive Psychology to help other people lead happier, more authentic and fulfilled lives too. To this end, I started a Masters in Applied Positive Psychology and Coaching Psychology. I love it! And while learning so much, I am also continuing to apply it to my own life with great results. So here I am now, ready to help other people as a coach, bringing the benefits of coaching and positive psychology to help you improve your own wellbeing so you can live a more fulfilling, authentic life too.
Credentials
- BSc Psychology
- Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Positive Psychology and Coaching Psychology
- Certified Mindfulness Life Coach
Fundraising Volunteer
Vicky Gilbert
I consider myself a shy and introverted person who does some ‘loud’ things –like play in a band! I’ve also felt that I’m not enough and don’t fit in and I struggled during childhood because I looked different from my peers. Not feeling what I had to say was worthy or interesting, I used to hide behind confident people, and I’d drink to get the courage to go to places.
Gradually, I accepted myself as I am. I tried new things and took some risks, including going to places on my own. It felt scary and lonely to begin with but then I met others with shared interests… the world became friendlier and more exciting. I felt I had more options in life, and I began to be more myself and to like myself. I still feel cautious of new environments and new people, but I know now that’s okay.
Quiet Connections has given me a safe space to be myself and the opportunity to meet others who have experienced similar challenges. I want Quiet Connections to continue to positively impact fellow Quieteers. I hope to raise awareness and funds to support us all as a community. I’m thrilled to have met so many lovely people at Quiet Connections and look forward to meeting you.