Ms. Abdullah
1st 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.

Mrs. Adams
1st Grade Teacher

Mrs. Adams joined the first grade team at Coates in 2018. She graduated from Christopher Newport University receiving her Bachelors degree in English. Following her undergraduate years, Mrs. Adams graduated from George Mason University receiving her Masters in Elementary Education. In Mrs. Adams' spare time, she enjoys spending time with her daughter and husband, going to baseball games (Go Yankees!), walking her dog, and playing sports.

Ms. Hammons
1st Grade Teacher

Ms. Hammons joined the first-grade team at Coates in 2023. She received her undergraduate degree from Virginia Tech (Go Hokies!) and her Masters in Elementary Education from George Mason University. In her free time, she enjoys going for walks, reading, and spending time with her dog! 

Ms. Ji
1st 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! 

Mrs. O'Hara
1st 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. Sell
1st Grade Teacher

Ms. Shafer
1st Grade Teacher

Ms. Shafer, or "Ms. Amie" as she prefers to be called, joins Coates as a Teacher Trainee this 24-25 school year! Ms. Amie grew up down the street, off Herndon Parkway, before running off to Philadelphia to receive her B.F.A. in Theatre from the University of the Arts. (Go Birds!) For the past two years, Ms. Amie has long-term subbed for FCPS, and she has taught various after-school classes for almost two decades. Ms. Amie hopes that by incorporating her performing arts background with the First Grade curriculum, she can enrich her young students' experience with education and inspire them to become lifelong learners.