Administrative Staff's Photos

Maquita Alexander is the principal of Van Ness Elementary School. Prior to joining DCPS, Ms. Alexander served as the Executive Director at Washington Yu Ying PCS, the only Chinese Immersion International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program school in Washington DC. Washington Yu Ying is a high performing, inquiry-based school with a highly diverse student body. Yu Ying opened in the fall of 2008. Under Ms. Alexander’s leadership, Yu Ying has become one of the most sought-after schools in the District of Columbia with its standardized test scores in the top 10% citywide year after year.

Ms. Alexander has over twenty-eight years of teaching and administrative experience, including fifteen years in the Fairfax County Public School system, seven of which she served as an elementary school teacher. She has a Master of Arts in Educational Technology Leadership from George Washington University, a Master of Teaching in Elementary Education from Virginia Commonwealth University, and an administrative certification in Curriculum and Administration from George Mason University.

Gareth R. Gary is excited to join the Van Ness Elementary School community as Assistant Principal. With a background in school counseling and educational leadership, Mr. Gary is passionate about creating safe, supportive, and joyful learning environments where every student feels valued, connected, and empowered to succeed.

Throughout his career in DC Public Schools, Mr. Gary has served students and families in a variety of leadership and student support roles focused on school culture, student wellness, restorative practices, and academic growth. He believes strong relationships are at the heart of every successful school community and is committed to partnering closely with students, staff, and families to help every child thrive.

Mr. Gary brings a student-centered approach to leadership and takes pride in supporting the social-emotional and academic development of young people. He is especially passionate about helping students build confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of belonging both inside and outside the classroom.

Outside of school, Mr. Gary enjoys spending time with his wife and daughters, mentoring young people, exploring creative projects, and staying connected to the community. He is honored to join the Van Ness Otter family and looks forward to an amazing school year filled with connection, growth, and celebration.

Danielle Proctor was born and raised in Washington, DC. Danielle received a BS in Science with a concentration in Biology from Virginia Commonweath University (VCU) and Master of Public Health from Capella University. Danielle has worked with DCPS for about 5 years and is very excited about her new role as the Manager of Strategy & Logistics (MSL). In her spare time, Danielle enjoys hanging out with family/friends, traveling, and singing with her community gospel group, Kevin Terry and Predestined.

Myya Seldon is the Coordinator of Strategy & Logistics (CSL) at Van Ness. Prior to officially working for DCPS, Myya has been an active part of our school’s community. She served President of the Van Ness PTO board, Chair of the Van Ness LSAT and the Van Ness Girl Scout Troop 44133 SHARE Chair. She is mom to two Van Ness Otter alums, Giselle and Paris, now in middle and high school, respectively. Her family has proudly been at Van Ness since 2016. Myya holds a BS in Communications and Minor in Business from Virginia Commonwealth University. She also owns a creative marketing agency. During her free time, she loves reading autobiographies, traveling overseas and spending time with her husband and daughters. She believes in the power of being kind and making everyone feel welcomed.