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.

Kristi Kay joined Van Ness in 2024 after teaching at Tubman Elementary for seven years. She holds a BS in Early Childhood Education from LSU and recently earned a Masters in Reading Science from Mount St Joseph University. Kristi is a certified reading specialist and is passionate about teaching literacy. Outside of school, Kristi enjoys trying new restaurants around DC, organizing, reading, and watching football.

Kerri McKay has over 20 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 holds a B.S. in Elementary Education with a concentration in Psychology and a M.Ed in Reading Curriculum & Instruction 

Andrea is a PK3 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.