Frist Grade Team

Ms. Abdullah1st Grade Teacher Ms. Abdullah is a native of Los, Angelos California. She obtained her BA in Early Childhood Education from Clark Atlanta University. She has been teaching since, now embarking on her 12th year. Her experience includes both local and international students. She spent 6 years teaching overseas in Abu Dhabi and has taught the past 2 years within Fairfax County. Ms. Abdullah's favorite activities include roller skating, reading, and traveling.
Ms. Hammons1st Grade Teacher Ms. Hammons began her teaching career here at Coates in 2023. She received her undergraduate degree from Virginia Tech (Go Hokies!) and her Master's in Elementary Education from George Mason University. She is originally from a small town on the Virginia/Kentucky border, but she has been a Herndon resident since 2022. In her free time, she enjoys going for walks, reading, and spending time with her dog!
Ms. Ji1st Grade Teacher Mrs. Ji was born and raised in China. She came to the U.S. as a visiting scholar teaching Chinese literacy in George Mason University. Mrs. Ji started off teaching Chinese literacy 2 years in D.C. and 3 years in Delaware. Then she transitioned to General Ed. This year will be her 4th year in FCPS and 7th year teaching 1st Grade. Mrs.Ji is excited to join Coates and grow with her students!
Ms. Lee1st Grade Teacher My name is Tori Lee. This is my second year at Coates ES. I am a George Mason graduate am working towards my Master's in Education. I grew up in FCPS and am excited to continue helping students learn and grow. When I am not teaching I enjoy reading and spending time with my dog, cat, and husband!
Ms. Knight-Evans1st Grade Teacher My name is Nsambe Knight-Evans. I have been teaching for over 14 years and I absolutely love helping students discover the power of reading and writing. I am from Jamaica and I have a Degree in Early Childhood Education. It is my second year teaching at Coates Elementary. When I am not teaching I enjoy watching movies and spending time with my family.
Ms. Malik1st Grade Teacher Ms. Malik brings over 14 years of teaching experience in early childhood and elementary education, both in the United States and Turkey. She has taught Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 2nd grade, and is passionate about creating a nurturing, engaging, and inclusive learning environment where all students can thrive. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes curiosity, hands-on learning, and strong school-home connections. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her two daughters, exploring nature, biking and finding creative ways to bring cultural awareness into the classroom.
Mrs. O'Hara1st Grade Teacher Mrs. O'Hara has been teaching since 2016. She has enjoyed teaching 1st grade students and helping them to develop a love of Reading. She has a Bachelor's degree in English from Potsdam University and a Master's Degree in English from Ottawa Carleton University. Her favorite things to do are to spend time with her family, travel, and read.
Ms. Reed1st Grade Teacher Ms. Reed grew up in central Pennsylvania. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education at Susquehanna University where she also ran track. She also studied abroad in Mexico for half a year. She has experience teaching fifth grade and middle school math and was an Instructional Assistant at Coates last year while taking courses in Graphic Design. She enjoys reading, staying active, and making crafts. She also enjoys spending time with her friends, family, and cats. She is excited to work at Coates again this year!

Ms. Abdullah1st Grade Teacher

Ms. Abdullah is a native of Los, Angelos California. She obtained her BA in Early Childhood Education from Clark Atlanta University. She has been teaching since, now embarking on her 12th year. Her experience includes both local and international students. She spent 6 years teaching overseas in Abu Dhabi and has taught the past 2 years within Fairfax County. Ms. Abdullah's favorite activities include roller skating, reading, and traveling.

Ms. Hammons1st Grade Teacher

Ms. Hammons began her teaching career here at Coates in 2023. She received her undergraduate degree from Virginia Tech (Go Hokies!) and her Master's in Elementary Education from George Mason University. She is originally from a small town on the Virginia/Kentucky border, but she has been a Herndon resident since 2022. In her free time, she enjoys going for walks, reading, and spending time with her dog!

Ms. Ji1st Grade Teacher

Mrs. Ji was born and raised in China. She came to the U.S. as a visiting scholar teaching Chinese literacy in George Mason University. Mrs. Ji started off teaching Chinese literacy 2 years in D.C. and 3 years in Delaware. Then she transitioned to General Ed. This year will be her 4th year in FCPS and 7th year teaching 1st Grade. Mrs.Ji is excited to join Coates and grow with her students!

Ms. Lee1st Grade Teacher

My name is Tori Lee. This is my second year at Coates ES. I am a George Mason graduate am working towards my Master's in Education. I grew up in FCPS and am excited to continue helping students learn and grow. When I am not teaching I enjoy reading and spending time with my dog, cat, and husband!

Ms. Knight-Evans1st Grade Teacher

My name is Nsambe Knight-Evans. I have been teaching for over 14 years and I absolutely love helping students discover the power of reading and writing. I am from Jamaica and I have a Degree in Early Childhood Education. It is my second year teaching at Coates Elementary. When I am not teaching I enjoy watching movies and spending time with my family.

Ms. Malik1st Grade Teacher

Ms. Malik brings over 14 years of teaching experience in early childhood and elementary education, both in the United States and Turkey. She has taught Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 2nd grade, and is passionate about creating a nurturing, engaging, and inclusive learning environment where all students can thrive. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes curiosity, hands-on learning, and strong school-home connections. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her two daughters, exploring nature, biking and finding creative ways to bring cultural awareness into the classroom.

Mrs. O'Hara1st Grade Teacher

Mrs. O'Hara has been teaching since 2016. She has enjoyed teaching 1st grade students and helping them to develop a love of Reading. She has a Bachelor's degree in English from Potsdam University and a Master's Degree in English from Ottawa Carleton University. Her favorite things to do are to spend time with her family, travel, and read.

Ms. Reed1st Grade Teacher

Ms. Reed grew up in central Pennsylvania. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education at Susquehanna University where she also ran track. She also studied abroad in Mexico for half a year. She has experience teaching fifth grade and middle school math and was an Instructional Assistant at Coates last year while taking courses in Graphic Design. She enjoys reading, staying active, and making crafts. She also enjoys spending time with her friends, family, and cats. She is excited to work at Coates again this year!