ECE Teachers' Photos

Christiana Richardson joined Van Ness in 2022 from Stanton ES where she recently completed her 14th year teaching. She holds BA and MA degrees from the University of Virginia.

Whitney Listman has worked as a lead and partner teacher in DCPS since 2013, serving as an interim preschool teacher at School Without Walls at Francis-Stevens before transitioning to Van Ness in 2016. Before working with DC Public Schools, Whitney served as a lead toddler teacher at La Petite Academy in Florida. Whitney also has a background as a social worker, having interned at Talawanda High School in Oxford, Ohio. Whitney holds a BS in Social Work from Miami University and a MEd from Grand Canyon University. During her free time she likes to travel, read, and spend time with her daughter.

Bio coming soon!

Kerri McKay has over 16 years of experience as an Early Childhood Educator. She has taught PK3, PK4, and 1st grade. Prior to coming to Van Ness this year, Kerri served as a founding faculty member at Excel Academy and as a founding turn-around teacher at Stanton Elementary School. Kerri served in various teacher-leadership roles during her 10 years at Stanton to include: Grade Level Chair, Leading Educators Fellow, Peer Instructional Coach, Mentor Teacher, and co-creator/ lead of the Stanton Wellness Coalition. Kerri holds a B.S. in Elementary Education from Kutztown University with a concentration in Psychology and a M.Ed in Reading Curriculum & Instruction from Grand Canyon University. In her spare time, Kerri likes to read, travel, and spend time with her fur-baby, Gizmo. She is beyond excited to join the Van Ness family this year!

Andrea is a PK4 partner teacher. She has worked in a variety of childcare settings for nine years, including public and private preschools. Andrea holds a child development associate degree and is working toward a BS from the University of Phoenix. Her goal is to take her students' imaginations into another world.

Krysten Legion has been an early childhood educator for over nine years working in DC and Virginia at various private and public schools. Prior to Van Ness, Krysten has served as a teacher, mentor teacher, and Assistant Director. She obtained her B.A. in English from Virginia State University and then served as Assistant Director of a preschool in Richmond, Va for two years. After relocating back to the DMV area Krysten attended George Washington University where she obtained her M.A. in Education and Human Development. During her free time she likes to travel, read, shop and spend time with family and friends.

Imani Sutton has worked in early childhood education in Washington D.C, Maryland and Durham, N.C. She joined the Van Ness family during the 2019-2020 school year. Prior to Van Ness she was an Assistant teacher at Bright Horizons early learning and served as a childcare provider for 6 years. While actively working to gain her B.A in Family Consumer Science with a concentration in childhood development and family relations from the Illustrious North Carolina Central University she also serves as a tutor and mentor towards previous students and additional mixed aged children. During her free time she enjoys cooking, enjoying nature, and spending time with family and friends.