In the Space Between Breaking And Healing, DeNeale-Wood Is Changing Lives Across St. Mary’s County

LEXINGTON PARK, Md. — For Christina DeNeale-Wood, being named a Women of the Year nominee by the St. Mary’s County Commission for Women isn’t just recognition; it’s something far deeper.

“Being named a Women of the Year nominee honestly means more to me than I can fully put into words,” DeNeale-Wood said in an interview with The BayNet. “Personally, it feels like a full-circle moment.”

Her journey, shaped by both hardship and resilience, has led her to become a driving force behind multiple community efforts, a business owner and now the founder of an emerging nonprofit aimed at expanding access to mental health support.

A Full-Circle Moment

DeNeale-Wood described the honor as emotional, rooted in a past where she learned to persevere through challenges largely on her own.

“I grew up learning how to survive, how to push through and how to figure things out on my own,” she said. “So to now be recognized for the way I show up for others… It’s emotional. It reminds me that everything I’ve been through wasn’t for nothing.”

When she first received the news, disbelief set in before the reality of the moment caught up.

“My first thought was, ‘Are they sure they have the right person?’ ‘Is this a scam?’ And then it hit me. I got emotional,” she said.

Giving Back With Intention

That emotional connection fuels her commitment to service across St. Mary’s and Calvert counties, where she has supported initiatives like Toys for Tots, Cake4Kids and events benefiting The Arc of Southern Maryland.

“Giving back isn’t something I do because I feel obligated; it’s something I do because I remember what it felt like to go without,” DeNeale-Wood said. “I give back because I want people, especially kids, to feel seen, valued and remembered.”

One experience, in particular, continues to resonate.

“Providing a birthday cake for a child who may not have had one otherwise… It sounds simple, but it’s not. It’s everything,” she said. “Knowing that for even just one day, that child felt special, celebrated and important, that hits deep for me.”

More Than A Business: A Safe Space At SMASHRx

As co-owner of SMASHRx, DeNeale-Wood has found another avenue to connect with the community, one that goes beyond traditional business.

“It’s not just a business; it’s become a safe space,” she said. “A place where people come to celebrate, to release, to grieve, to laugh… sometimes all at the same time.”

The concept behind the business is rooted in emotional release and healing.

“We wanted to create a space where it was OK to feel all of that and to release it in a way that didn’t hurt you or anyone else,” she said.

She’s seen the impact firsthand.

“I’ve had people cry, laugh, hug us, thank us… even after some of the hardest moments in their lives,” DeNeale-Wood said. “That’s when I know it’s bigger than just smashing things.”

Healing Through Chaos: Expanding Access To Mental Health Support

Building on that mission, DeNeale-Wood is now launching her nonprofit, Healing Through Chaos — a project she describes as deeply personal.

“Healing Through Chaos is probably the most personal thing I’ve ever worked on,” she said. “It comes directly from my life, my experiences, my struggles and the realization that not everyone has access to the help they need.”

The nonprofit aims to remove barriers to mental health care by helping cover counseling costs and creating accessible, supportive environments.

“Mental health isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity,” she said. “And too many people go without support simply because of cost or access.”

For DeNeale-Wood, success won’t be measured in numbers, but in lives impacted.

“If we can help even a handful of individuals or families get the support they need… that’s success,” she said.

A Community That Shows Up

DeNeale-Wood credits the strength of Southern Maryland communities for helping fuel her work.

“St. Mary’s & Calvert County are special because people really do show up for each other,” she said. “It’s a community where connections matter… and where support feels personal.”

She encourages others to get involved in whatever way they can.

“You don’t have to do everything or have it all. Even the smallest act of kindness or support can make a difference,” she said.

Driven By Family, Grounded In Purpose

At the center of it all is her family.

“My kids, my husband, my parents, my grandkids… they’re my why,” DeNeale-Wood said.

While balancing it all remains a work in progress, she finds strength in reflection and connection.

“Sometimes just by reflecting on how far I’ve come… that alone keeps me grounded,” she said.

Looking Ahead

As she looks to the future, DeNeale-Wood is focused on growth — but with intention.

“Expanding SMASHRx, continuing to build unforgettable experiences, launching Healing Through Chaos in a meaningful way and just continuing to show up for my community however I can,” she said.

Her message to the community is simple, yet powerful.

“Everything I do comes from a real place… I don’t just want to run businesses… I want to make a difference,” she said.

And through every challenge she’s overcome, that mission remains clear.

“If my story can inspire even one person to keep going… to turn their pain into purpose… we started it all with a negative bank account balance and did it all with our hearts & souls… that proved to us that it’s all worth it.”

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