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.
Employed Directors
Hayley Stanton
Stacie Clark
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
Chief Experience Officer & Coach
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.
Volunteer Directors
Phil Williams
Stacey Mills
Alistair Miller
Director & Coach
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 & Psychological Therapist
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.
Director
Alistair Miller
Hi, I’m Alistair. I’m looking forward to connecting with you. As a highly sensitive male introvert, living in what feels like an extrovert dominated world, I believe I have a good understanding of the issues introverts face. So, as a mental health facilitator, I am on a mission to help introverts navigate the world… along with helping get the message out there about how introverts have different needs and preferences to extroverts and to get these acknowledged.
I am a highly sensitive introvert, living in Falmouth in Cornwall, UK. I am a qualified primary school teacher, having studied the PGCE course at the University of East London. I am also a qualified Life Coach with Newcastle College and last year I qualified as an iheart Mental Health Facilitator. In 2019 I moved down on my own from London to Cornwall and started a new life. But I certainly haven’t always had that level of self-confidence to make such a bold life choice.
I grew up in Crystal Palace, South London, during the 80’s. I was routinely described as shy and quiet. It not only had an effect on me socially; it also had an effect on me at school, as I used to spend my day trying to hide and avoid being in the spotlight. There was little sympathy for my quietness and that only made my desire to hide even stronger. I dreaded being noticed. I felt that if I was ‘seen’, then I was worried I would be judged harshly. This could be open disdain. Or pity. But rarely respect. The effect of all of this was to cause me to judge myself harshly and not accept my quiet highly sensitive introverted personality. I lacked self-respect because I didn’t like myself.
My issues from school carried on into the workplace. I struggled to fit in, with my quietness routinely considered to be an issue. It was only when I was 40 that I realised that not only was I shy, but I was an introvert. Discovering the physical implications of being an introvert was life changing for me. It helped me feel that I was not alone and that there wasn’t anything fundamentally wrong with me. I had genuine reasons for some of my choices and behaviours. Joining an Introvert Meet Up group, which I went on to host, helped me meet other introverts who also felt the same way.
I began to stretch my comfort zone and faced up to my fear of public speaking by joining Toastmasters. Previously, the idea of doing a 1-minute presentation at my breakfast networking group terrified me. But going to Toastmasters, whilst not completely taking away the fear of public speaking, helped to make it manageable. It transformed the way I looked at shyness and myself.
Another major comfort stretch was to appear live on BBC Radio 5 and BBC London to discuss introversion. For the chronically shy teenager at school, this was a major achievement. And again chipped away at my belief that I ‘would never achieve anything as I was too quiet and too shy’.
Conquering my chronic fear of speaking in front of people also helped me make the transition into becoming a primary school teacher. It was during my time as a class teacher that I saw the issues that many children have with mental health; which have been exacerbated by covid and lockdowns. I know how difficult it can be for children growing up these days and how strong mental health is a cornerstone of their development. So that is why I trained as an iheart (Innate Health And Resilience Training) mental health facilitator to help tackle this, through teaching children how the mind works and how knowing this helps them navigate through life wisely. They learn that their well-being and resilience are innate.
I love working with children who don’t accept their introversion and feel that their quietness is a weakness, and seeing them grow to embrace their introversion and to be quietly confident. With my personal history I have a lot of empathy for the issues that shy and quiet people face.
I love living down in Cornwall and want to explore all that it has to offer. I’m now hosting groups and attending social events. Again, a far cry from the shy child who spent his days constantly wanting to hide away. But we’re all capable of change.
Volunteers
Marilu
Naomi Barnes
Storytelling content writer
Marilu
Hi I’m Marilu,
I am a highly sensitive introvert and I’ve always been a quieter member of a group socially, particularly in larger, unfamiliar contexts. Growing up, I was considered a quiet child and despite feeling liked and accepted, I was surrounded by more extroverted personalities. This, coupled with some unhelpful experiences, made me feel that being quiet and sensitive were negative attributes. It was only until much later on that I learnt to lean in to these qualities and reframe them as positive. I now feel more accepting and comfortable with myself. This is why I think it’s incredibly important to have access to other people who share quietude and sensitivity.
I’ve always really enjoyed drama and music and these helped me to express parts of myself that I didn’t feel I otherwise could in everyday interactions. So, singing or performing in front of others didn’t present as much of a challenge as learning how to manage post-event rumination after social interactions. This was especially tricky if there was any negativity or uncertainty around the interaction. I’ve found compassion-based CBT techniques, mindfulness and meditation useful tools to help manage and it’s still a work in progress. Weight-lifting, running, long nature walks and finding a restorative niche in my working week have also enabled me to feel more grounded.
Having spent most of my career as a primary teacher, I believe that creating positive perceptions and reactions from an early age to quieter, sensitive individuals have life-changing benefits to both the individuals themselves and to everyone else around them. Being an ally to a more introverted colleague in the workplace as an example, presents a wonderful opportunity to exchange understanding and skills. For this reason, I’m excited to be a part of Quiet Connections; creating content and telling stories which celebrate, embrace and advocate the qualities of being quiet and sensitive in a mainly extroverted world.
Marketing Coordinator
Naomi Barnes
Hi, I’m Naomi.
I’ve always been “the quiet one” and I often feel overwhelmed in social or busy situations. I’m a highly sensitive person and I’ve struggled with feeling responsible for making sure that everyone is okay, as well as anxiety and exhaustion. Most recently I have noticed a trend for “busy-ness” and, at first, I thought something was wrong with me because I didn’t see the appeal but I’m noticing more and more people embracing “slow living” or JOMO (joy of missing out). For the first time ever, I am content with who I am and gently unravelling the tangled ball of wool in my brain. I’m excited to be part of Quiet Connections. Everybody deserves the chance to find their tribe and I hope I can help you to feel like you belong here, too.
Quiet Connectors at our Meet Ups
Hayley Stanton
Stacie Clark
Ellie Zalick
Rose Burch
Alistair Miller
Julia Le Gallo
Therese Cooklin
Dominic Hughes
Holly
Lucy Hallett
Mike Edward
Volunteer
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 St Austell & Truro
Stacie Clark
Hi, I’m Stacie.
I run the Truro & St Austell Quiet Meet Ups and I’m here to greet you, guide the event and lead the optional activities, as well as answer any questions or concerns that you might have. I, also identify as a quiet person. I used to be so fearful and anxious about speaking to people that I avoided social situations, dropped A Levels and even left jobs. If only I knew back then what I do now – that I’m more capable than I ever thought I was! Now, I’m a qualified NLP coach and the Chief Experience Officer at Quiet Connections. I’m passionate about helping people to express their truest self and love creating environments that encourage quieter people to speak up, thrive and fulfil their potential. I would love to have you join me at this Meet Up so you can do just that.
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 Redruth
Rose Burch
Hi, I’m Rose.
I have been a quieteer for several years now, starting with coaching. When I first joined Quiet Connections, I was very lonely with limited confidence, self-esteem and self-belief. I didn’t feel worthy of others time. But with Quiet Connections, I began to feel differently about myself. I discovered I could do the things I was scared of, and I was likeable. It made me feel more rounded as a person. I joined the Meet Ups, developed friendships with new people, did different group activities and had fun while being my true self… Happy Dance and all! I have really benefitted from being part of the quiet community and I can’t wait to welcome you into the community so that you can have a space to be your own authentic self, too.
Quiet Connector for Falmouth
Alistair Miller
Hi, I’m Al.
I co-host this Meet Up. I, too, consider myself a quiet person. I used to feel like there was something wrong with me and struggled to fit in. My quietness often seemed to be an issue and I used to spend my day trying to hide and avoid being in the spotlight. But realising that I’m a highly sensitive introvert was life-changing for me – I finally saw that I wasn’t alone and there was nothing wrong with me; I had genuine reasons for some of my choices and behaviours. Joining an Introvert Meet Up group helped me to meet other introverts who also felt the same way. Now I’m passionate about helping people embrace their introversion and to feel quietly confident through connecting with like-minded quieteers, and I would love to have you join me at a Meet Up so you can do just that.
Quiet Connector for Falmouth
Julia Le Gallo
Hello, I’m Julia.
I’m one of the Quiet Connectors at the Falmouth Meet Ups. I know what it’s like to be a quiet person feeling like you don’t quite “fit in”. For a long time, I struggled with anxiety and perfectionism. I still find speaking up in groups and meeting new people can be a challenge, but I’ve grown in self-acceptance and learnt to be so much kinder to myself. I believe that we all deserve to feel that we are just as beautiful and strong as anyone else. So, I’m excited to be a part of the Quiet Meet Ups creating safe spaces for people to connect at their own pace. I hope I can help my fellow quieteers to feel accepted and thrive as their own beautiful selves. I’m looking forward to meeting you at this Meet Up, so you can do just that, too.
Quiet Connector for Truro
Therese Cooklin
Growing up as an only child, I was naturally shy and quiet and found it difficult to form friendships. But over the years, I have grown in confidence and become more comfortable with people. Now, I’m a pranic healer and my passion is helping people to connect in the community. I started up a community magazine five years ago and I now run three, including Truro Together. I love connecting quieteers at the Truro Meet Up, and hope you’ll join me so you can gain more confidence and build friendships with us, too.
Quiet Connector for Helston
Dominic Hughes
Hi, I’m Dom.
I’m a quiet person and I have also struggled with anxiety and low self-esteem, especially in social situations. I used to feel very fearful in life and coped through avoidance, which left me quite isolated. But becoming a dad, I realised that something had to change. I put the work in –from going to counselling to meditating, walking, being outside and connecting with others– and I found a way through it. I realised that I’m not alone and I don’t have to live my life on my own. I found better ways of managing in social situations. I learned to appreciate life and I accept myself for who I am now. Helping people has become part of my own growth. I’m not someone who would naturally attend a group and I know what is like taking those first steps. I hope that, if you’re like me, you’ll come along to our Meet Ups so that you can feel the benefits of connecting with likeminded people, too.
Quiet Connector for Truro
Holly
Hi, I’m Holly.
I’ve always been a quiet person, often being called shy when I was young. I have many ‘symptoms’ of social anxiety -like finding it difficult to make eye contact, ask people questions or offer information about myself- though, I prefer to think of myself as socially awkward. Over the years, I have learnt to accept myself more and see that being quiet is totally fine, and being sensitive is not a weakness – in fact, it can be a strength! I am aware of the things I struggle with, and so when I feel brave, I can push myself to step out of my comfort zone. I joined Quiet Connections to help provide opportunities for quiet people to come together and socialise in a calm, safe environment, and I hope that you’ll join me here.
Quiet Connector for Liskeard
Lucy Hallett
Hi, I’m Lucy,
I’m a quiet introvert and have also experienced social anxiety. I’ve struggled to have the confidence to talk in groups, often feeling out of my depth in social situations. So, I would tend to withdraw and avoid social situations where I felt uncomfortable. Whilst social situations can still feel daunting now, I’ve realised that being quiet is just my approach, and not something wrong with me. Because of this, I now have more confidence in being myself when talking to others. I also used to assume that being an introvert meant that I would get less joy from socialising, however, the more I put myself out there, I found this wasn’t the case and I’ve really enjoyed connecting with others. I’ve met some lovely people through attending the Quiet Meet Ups and it’s been really valuable in helping me make friends. After six months of attending the Liskeard Meet Ups, I’ve now become a volunteer to support the group that I got so much from. I would love to connect with you at the Meet Ups and hope I can help you to discover the strengths that come with being a quieter person, too.
Quiet Connector for Helston
Mike Edward
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
Coaches & Facilitators
Hayley Stanton
Stacie Clark
Phil Williams
Vicky Otter
Lisa Fisher
Julie Jones
Elaine Macey
Emily Wheeler
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
Chief Experience Officer & Coach
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.
Director & Coach
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.
Coach
Vicky Otter
Vicky’s personal wellbeing journey began with a belief that she just wasn’t good enough. This drove her to keep working harder and being nicer in order to gain the approval she thought she needed from others to feel good enough. Eventually, Vicky saw that she was already complete and whole; she didn’t need fixing –and just because she thought something didn’t make it true. Vicky trained as a coach whilst working as a teacher and began using coaching with children in her classes to draw out the potential within them, helping them to see that they already have the confidence and resilience they need inside of them. Vicky offers coaching for children and adults and brings people together for confidence and resilience courses in nature settings.
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
Facilitator
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!
Coach
Elaine Macey
Hi, I’m Elaine. I am an NLP Practitioner and a Blue Health Coach and I have had my own experiences with anxiety. I know what it feels like to not feel good enough and movement has played a huge role in my journey. As well as being a Coach, I have extensive experience and a passion for inclusive dance, yoga, fitness and community events. I thrive on teaching, delivering training and facilitating experiences that spark creative ways of moving, learning and engaging with people and nature. I’m also the founder of 4Motion CIC where I help people to stay moving and connected to improve their wellbeing. I love helping people to feel more confident in themselves and I’m looking forward to helping you feel good too.
Coach & Group Facilitator
Emily Wheeler
Hi, I’m Emily. Here for you to listen, to chat or just ‘be’. I’m excited by the magic that the right support and community can create in our lives… moving towards acceptance and celebration of our quietness and sensitive natures.
We can all tell a hundred different versions of our own story… so which is the most helpful for you, to get to know me as a coach? I moved to Falmouth, Cornwall (all by myself, not knowing anyone!) in 2019 and was so pleased to meet Hayley and Stacie very early on and get to know the amazing ethos and work of Quiet Connections.
I am a writer, workshop facilitator and founder at Strength in Feathers CIC, and I’m also a former sailing, windsurf and paddleboard instructor. I use connection to the coast to practice blue health wellbeing coaching, empowering people to feel more confident and connected both to themselves and the world around them.
We are all allowed to be ‘more than one thing’, and on some days I love speaking to people, running workshops and being at social events. On other days I have felt too overwhelmed to go to the supermarket, and am convinced that I am alone and unwanted, and sure that it will be this way forever. Our brains can play such tricks on us, if we let them.
I was quiet as a child, clinging to my Mum rather than jumping into the ball pit with the other kids – my school reports all say something along the lines of ‘a lovely girl, but doesn’t always engage well with her peers…’ As an adult, I am committed to my own ongoing therapy and personal development – recognising and starting to rewire some of my long-held limiting beliefs. I am fascinated by social research and wellbeing psychology, both on a personal level and academically. You’ll often find me with my head in a book or listening to a podcast packed full of wellness content – and then having powerful conversations about what I’ve learnt with others who are just as passionate as I am. I wish I’d learnt all of this this at school, but although we can’t go back in time, we can talk about it now and share the gems that have helped us most.
Now, working primarily with women, I am passionate about creating safe spaces to connect, create and laugh together! More often than not you’ll find me outdoors, near the water. I love sea swimming and paddle boarding, and think that beach yoga is one of the best ways you’ll ever start your day. I’m learning to surf, slowly, which might have something to do with the amount of surf sessions that are mostly spent sat on the beach in my wetsuit, ideally with coffee and cake in hand!
Credentials
- Blue Health Coach (the science and philosophy of water for wellbeing)
- Diploma in Life Coaching
- MA Creative & Critical Writing
- BA English with Art History & Visual Culture
- Studying Level 2 Counselling
- Specialising in Writing for Wellbeing