ECE Teachers' Photos

A native of New Orleans, LA, Madison has spent 11 years as an educator and youth mentor in the nonprofit sector, with her experience focused on art and science education in early childhood. From launching a science outreach and scholarship program in New Orleans to serving as Head Program Director of Youth Mentoring at Madison House (a nonprofit community outreach organization in Charlottesville, VA) to teaching tap dance to children at DC nonprofit Knock on Wood Tap Studio, Madison works to foster creativity and wonder in our youngest students. Madison holds a BA from the University of Virginia and is completing her MPP at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government, her studies focusing on the intersection between education and public policy. 

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 daughters.

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 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.