When you sit across from Mrs. Taneshia Stoney Dryden, who prefers to be called “Stoney,” you quickly sense that her journey has been anything but ordinary. Born to a teenage mother in Crawle, a small district in Bog Walk, her story of resilience began early. At just two years old, she was sent to live with her paternal grandparents in Duncans, Trelawny.

She recalls those early years fondly. To the Stoneys, Sundays were sacred: her grandparents’ home overflowed with relatives and neighbours, drawn by love, food, and tradition. Stoney tenderly speaks of her grandparents. “It takes people of a certain breeding to raise seven children of your own, then turn around and raise five more, and nothing fell through the cracks,” she says.

That stable, loving environment grounded her. They were also strict, and valued education.  “Education was always our vehicle for upward mobility.” Stoney says it was this upbringing that brought her to where she is today, Chief Executive Officer at Christel House Jamaica. “I think they’d be proud.”

Stoney’s interest in community development took root early when she participated in a Ministry of Education research team visiting schools across the island.

That foundation, her family upbringing, along with her curious mind about humans, led Stoney to pursue sociology at the University of the West Indies, inspired by social scientists like Dr. Orville Taylor and a lecturer, Mr. Alan Bernard, who often began class with: “What’s happening in the world? What’s happening in Jamaica? And what are you doing about it?” Those moments cemented her passion for community and social development, and how we as citizens can add value to Jamaica.

Stoney’s professional journey began at the Jamaica Social Investment Fund, where she worked for ten years. She started as a temp and rose to senior social officer. She later joined the MultiCare Youth Foundation as a project manager, stepping into a leadership role with no prior experience but a lot of heart.

With coaching and mentorship, especially from Judy Bruce, who taught her the power of leading with authenticity, Stoney grew into the leader who made an easy transition to CEO of United Way before being called to serve at Christel House Jamaica.

When asked how she defines success, Stoney says it is subjective and deeply personal. “It’s not one-size-fits-all. For me, success was being the sibling who helped others through high school, and one through university. I was also the first on my mother’s side to earn a degree.” That’s the lens through which she views Christel House students, each with their own journey, and their own definition of success.

Stoney laughs when asked about her years at school. “I was a prefect and on student council… but let’s just say I was not the perfect student.” She recalls skipping history class, ironically, the same subject in which she excelled.

Although she gave a bit of trouble, Stoney attributes her educational success to teachers who saw her potential. When she later moved to Spanish Town, her teacher, Ms. Gayle, bought her lunch every day, knowing Stoney’s family could only afford to provide her with bus fare. “Hunger impairs learning,” she says, “and Ms. Gayle understood that.”

Outside of work, Stoney has a sweet tooth. Cheesecake is her go-to, and she’s a water lover, always seeking out rivers and beaches.

She lives by the power of manifestation, drawing inspiration from the saying, “There is power in the tongue.” Stoney believes in speaking things into being, then working hard to turn them into reality.

With her bold spirit, grounded wisdom, and deep love for people, there is no limit to what Christel House Jamaica will manifest under her leadership.