Leadership Team

Principal

Jennifer Hamilton is the principal at Mount Vernon Community School, taking on this role in July of 2023. As principal, Hamilton establishes and maintains the school philosophy and educational programs consistent with the goals and practices of Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS).

Hamilton previously served as the division coordinator of ACPS’ Dual Language Program. She joined ACPS in 2012 as an English Learner (EL) instructional specialist in the Office of English Learner Services. Hamilton also served as an assistant principal at Mount Vernon Community School from 2018 to 2022. Prior to joining ACPS, Hamilton was an English Learner teacher in Prince William County Public Schools and Arlington Public Schools, as well as a teacher trainer at Georgetown University. 

Hamilton holds a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and linguistics and a Master of Arts in teaching ESL from Georgetown University, an education specialist degree in reading from the University of Virginia and a post-graduate certificate in educational leadership and administration from The George Washington University. Hamilton became a National Board Certified Teacher in the area of English as a New Language in 2010, and holds a postgraduate professional license in administration and pre-K supervision, ESL, Reading, Spanish and English.

Assistant Principal for Grades 3-5

Ericea Davis-Buchanan is the assistant principal at Mount Vernon Community School as of July 28, 2023. In this role, Davis-Buchanan supports the principal in leading the instructional program while ensuring its alignment with Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) regulations for curriculum design and assessment. 

Davis-Buchanan served as ACPS’ middle school ELL coordinator during the summer of 2016, 2017 and 2023. She first joined the school division in 2014 as an English/Language Arts/ELL teacher at Francis C. Hammond Middle School/International Academy. Previously, Davis-Buchanan was an ESOL resource teacher at Belmont Elementary in Woodbridge, Virginia. She also had taught at Castle Hill Elementary School in Lauderhill, Florida and was an independently contracted tutor in Broward County in Florida.

Davis-Buchanan earned her Bachelor of Science at Florida Atlantic University, with a major in small business management/entrepreneurship. Then, she received her Master of Education at Florida Atlantic University in educational leadership: school leaders (K-12). Davis-Buchanan also received a Master of Education from University of Virginia in curriculum and instruction. She is a National Board Certified Teacher, Certified Primary Education Teacher and ESOL endorsed.

Assistant Principal Specialized Education/English Language Learners

Julanne Keil is excited to be a part of the leadership team at Mount Vernon Community School (MVCS). This will be year 13 at MVCS and year 14 in education. She graduated with a degree in Elementary and Special Education from The University of South Dakota and has a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from George Mason University. During her time at Mt. Vernon, she has held the roles of Assistant Principal, Instructional Coordinator, and Special Education Teacher. Mrs. Keil is passionate about the progress and success of all students. She understands what it is like to be a language learner from her year of living in Berlin, Germany, and values this experience from a professional and personal perspective. She looks forward to supporting students, families, and staff in the third, fourth and fifth grades. In her free time, Mrs. Keil enjoys running, music, and spending time with family and friends.

Email: julanne.keil@acps.k12.va.us

Assistant Principal K–2

Ms. Ricks joins MVCS with 25 years of experience as an educator. Ms. Ricks has taught a variety of grades including kindergarten, 2nd, 3rd and 5th.  She holds a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction and an endorsement in Administration and Supervision.  Ms. Ricks has a love for children and is passionate about ensuring high levels of academic achievement for all of our students.  

Email: linda.ricks@acps.k12.va.us