Administration

Mr. Scott Elchenko, Principal

Mr. Scott Elchenko is a graduate of Temple University in Philadelphia, PA. In addition, he has earned two Master’s Degrees in the field of education. He is a graduate of Cabrini College, in Radnor, PA, where he earned his Master of Education degree along with becoming a state certified teacher. Additionally, he earned a second Master of Education degree from the University of Mary Washington, in Fredericksburg, VA, in Administration and Supervision. 

Mr. Elchenko has been an administrator for over fifteen years. He started his administrative career as an assistant principal at Mount Vernon Community School in Alexandria, VA where he gained valuable experience working in a diverse, bilingual environment and supported a Spanish Dual Language Immersion program.

From 2012-2019, Mr. Elchenko was the principal of Hartwood Elementary in Stafford, VA. He helped create a S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) integrated curriculum and vision while partnering with the University of Mary Washington to create a Makerspace/Engineering Lab. He also formed a leadership team that worked with the John F. Kennedy Center’s Changing Education through the Arts (CETA) program. Through this partnership, Hartwood incorporated arts integration throughout the school.  Under his leadership, Hartwood was recognized by the Virginia Department of Education as a Distinguished Title 1 school for outstanding academic achievement.

Mr. Elchenko also served as principal of Stafford Middle School in Stafford, VA from 2019-2023. There, he helped establish team-based Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), implemented a school-wide Multi-Tiered System of Supports for all students, promoted the use of Classroom Circles and Restorative Processes to decrease negative behaviors, and created a HOUSE system with student advisory time to promote an inclusive culture. He developed a culture of high expectations and cultivated a positive working climate for both students and staff. 

Mr. Elchenko met his wife, Erin, while teaching at Grafton Village Elementary in Stafford, VA. He lives in Stafford County with his wife and five children. He loves to travel, play tennis, and spend time with his kids.  Mr. Elchenko brings a passion for teaching, learning, and leading to Margaret Brent Elementary!

Ms. Ryan Espinoza-Gray, Assistant Principal

Ms. Ryan Espinoza-Gray joins Margaret Brent Elementary School as Assistant Principal after serving in a variety of leadership roles with Fairfax County Public Schools. Most recently, she served as Dean of Students and Interim Assistant Principal, where she developed a strong reputation as a student-centered leader committed to fostering supportive, engaging, and inclusive learning environments.

Ms. Espinoza-Gray began her career as an elementary classroom teacher before transitioning into school leadership. As Dean of Students, she led the school's In-Person Flexible Instruction Time (IFIT) program, implementing innovative strategies to improve student attendance through targeted academic support and enrichment opportunities. She also served as the school's Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) administrator, helping strengthen a positive school culture while reducing disciplinary incidents through proactive, student-centered practices.

Throughout her career, Ms. Espinoza-Gray has been dedicated to building strong relationships with students, staff, and families. She believes in supporting the whole child by promoting academic achievement, social-emotional well-being, and a welcoming school community where every student can thrive.

Ms. Espinoza-Gray earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education, a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Grand Canyon University, and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from James Madison University.

Ms. Espinoza-Gray is excited to join the Margaret Brent Elementary School community and looks forward to partnering with students, families, and staff to inspire a positive, engaging, and successful learning experience for every child.