Mrs. Van Aalst has worked with Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) for over 20 years in various school communities, serving as principal, assistant principal, and teacher (grade 2 and grades 5-6). Mrs. Van Aalst holds a Bachelor's Degree in History from Randolph-Macon Woman’s College and a Master's Degree in Initiatives in Educational Transformation from George Mason University. Her administrative endorsement was earned through the LEAD Fairfax Accelerated Certification Cohort, a partnership between FCPS and UVA.

Mrs. Van Aalst grew up in Fairfax County, and she now lives in Manassas with her husband, Neil, daughter, Cecilia, and dog, Whopper. She enjoys spending time with her family, camping, visiting the local battlefields, and traveling to Charleston, South Carolina.