david Stayback

⸻ My name is David Stayback, and I was born and raised in Bergen County, New Jersey. I’m 41 years old, and my story is one of hard lessons, accountability, and real change. I was a knock-around kid who fell in with the wrong crowd early. By the age of 14, I was already doing time, and what followed was a downward spiral that eventually led to 14 years in the New Jersey state prison system. For a long time, my life was measured by calendars and release dates. Eventually, I got tired of counting days and decided I wanted a different future. Today, I’m a father of two, a mentor, and someone who uses my past as a tool for purpose instead of shame. I speak in middle and high schools — from 6th through 12th grade — sharing honest conversations about making the right choices, drug awareness, accountability, and living a healthy lifestyle. I also work professionally in the adolescent behavioral health field, helping young people navigate challenges I know all too well. I’m not proud of where I came from — but I’m proud of where I’m going, and even more proud to show others that change is possible.