PTO Board Members
Myya Seldon - President
Myya Seldon is the PTO President and Coordinator of Strategy & Logistics (CSL) at Van Ness. She is mom to a fifth grade Otter (Giselle) and an Otter alum (Paris). Her family has proudly been at Van Ness since 2016. She has been an active part of our school’s community and also serves as Chair on the 2025-2026 LSAT. Myya also owns a creative marketing agency.
Scott Currie - Secretary
As the son and grandson of elementary school teachers, Scott is excited to support our amazing teachers and give back to the Van Ness Elementary School community. Originally from Michigan, he has called DC home since 2000. Scott has otters in first and third grade. On weekends, you can find the Curries riding bikes around the Navy Yard and Capitol Hill in search of burgers and ice cream.
Stephanie Nelson - Treasurer
Stephanie Nelson is the treasurer of the Van Ness PTO and proud parent of Peter and Patrick Campbell (4th and 3rd, respectively). When not chasing her kids on the playground or organizing her pantry, Stephanie works as an independent consultant, helping clients get unstuck and sort through messy problems. She is thrilled to be on the PTO again this year!
Portia Trice - Member
Portia (Judy) Trice is a proud parent of Skylah, a 4th grade Otter, and has been part of the Van Ness ES community for six years. Now in her third year as a PTO board member, Portia is dedicated to planning and organizing events that celebrate and support our incredible teachers and staff. With a background in public service and a passion for equity and community-building, she strives to ensure that every Otter educator feels valued for the care and commitment they bring to our students each day. Portia looks forward to continuing her work with fellow parents and staff to foster a welcoming, appreciative, and joyful school environment.
Asia West - Member
Asia has served on the PTO board for 5 years building strong relationships within our Van Ness family. As a proud parent of Logan (5th grade) and Morgan (3rd grade), she is passionate about creating a positive and engaging environment for all students. With experience in financial management, education and creative projects, Asia is committed to fostering collaboration and innovative ideas within the PTO. She looks forward to working with fellow parents and staff to enhance our children's educational experience and strengthen our community.
Maquita Alexander - Staff Board Member
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 became 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-nine 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.
Jessica Thompson
Jessica is passionate about supporting her child's education and building a strong school community. Jessica enjoys helping organize events and initiatives that enhance our students' learning environment. Jessica's commitment is driven by a love for helping others and making a positive impact at Van Ness Elementary. Jessica has been a part of the Van Ness family for three years and has an Otter in Kindergarten.
Laura Patton
Bio coming soon!
Open Seat