Holly Riley Woodside, a native of Lowe Sound Andros was born in April of 1982. A native of Andros, Holly or Icess as she was so fondly called grew up on the beautiful settlement of Lowe Sound.

Daughter of Vezel Evans and Genest Riley, Holly grew up with her extended family in the care of Vyomie Knowles, her adopted mother.

Holly is the mother of three children, Dionnete, Jonni and John Jr. Holly’s life centres around her family, she believes that it is the backbone of most women, it gives them a reason to push harder, to not give up and to bear all.

As an Educator with the Ministry of Education, she began her career as a Physical Education Teacher, after obtaining her bachelor’s in education at The College of the Bahamas. In 2012, she completed her master’s degree from Kent State University.
She has worked in education for 19 years and has worked in primary and secondary schools. Holly worked 4 years as a subject coordinator, and 3 years as a senior assistant and has recently been promoted to Senior Mistress. She now serves as Principal at Fresh Creek Primary School.
Creative, versatile, and passionate about her craft, she enjoys every opportunity to learn and to promote the personal and professional development of all around her.

However, In 2007 Holly was faced with one of the most challenging times, her daughter was diagnosed with cancer, and Holly travelled back and forth to Jackson Memorial Hospital where her daughter was being treated for cancer and is now 17 years still being treated for Chronic Kidney Failure.

This was a long and hard journey for her, the challenges financially, mentally, and physically nearly consumed her. There was not room to give up, to break down or to fall apart, these were not an option. She had to always be strong, for her daughter to beat these chronic diseases she had to stay strong, give her strength and keep her positive and happy.

Holly has a passion for the youth and their success. A teacher made a big difference during a difficult period in her life, and she wanted to be that to other young children. When asked why? She responded, “When I look into the faces of the children entrusted into my care, not only do I see my future, the future of my country, I see my kids, I see myself and I want the best for the youth, my kids, who are the future of my country, and my future, our future depends on them!”

Today she credits her wide-ranging knowledge and education as the key to her success. Her analytical skills, innate creativity, passion, and love for work allow her to consistently reflect on the needs of those around her, she believes in teamwork and that each team member has something unique to contribute.