Ms. Daftari
2nd Grade Teacher

Ms. Daftari has been a proud member of the Coates family since 2014. She graduated from George Mason University with a Masters in Elementary Education and has undergraduate degrees in Chemistry and Biology. In her free time, Ms. Daftari loves spending time with her husband and two lovely daughters. Besides reading biographies and mystery novels, she is passionate about understanding cuisines and cultures of the world.

Mr. Feeley
2nd Grade Teacher

For the past five years he has been teaching at Nysmith School.  He is excited to join Coates this year as a second-grade teacher.  Mr. Feeley graduated with a Bachelor’s in Anthropology/Sociology from the University of Maine in Farmington in 2015.  He also graduated with a Master’s in Education from the American College of Education in 2020.  In his free time, he enjoys reading, cooking, spending time with his family and friends, and visiting our nation’s National Parks!  Mr. Feeley joins Coates Elementary this year!  For the past five years he has been teaching at Nysmith School.  He is excited to join Coates this year as a second-grade teacher.  Mr. Feeley graduated with a Bachelor’s in Anthropology/Sociology from the University of Maine in Farmington in 2015.  He also graduated with a Master’s in Education from the American College of Education in 2020.  In his free time, he enjoys reading, cooking, spending time with his family and friends, and visiting our nation’s National Parks! 

Mrs. Knotts
2nd Grade Teacher

Mrs. Knotts joined the Coates staff in 2014. Prior to teaching at Coates, she taught for several years in Arlington, VA. Mrs. Knotts graduated from William & Mary with a Bachelor's in Psychology and then earned her Masters in Teaching from James Madison University. When she is not at school she loves to spend time with her husband and two young sons, play board games and curl up with a good book.

Mrs. Shepard
2nd Grade Teacher

Mrs. Shepard is proud to be an original Coates star and has taught first and second grades. She earned a B.S. in psychology and an MBA from the University of Pittsburgh. While working in the telecommunications field for many years, she decided to pursue an interest in teaching. Shepard then completed graduate studies at George Mason University and began her career in education. Mrs. Shepard is also a George Mason Clinical Faculty Member. She always looks forward to visiting her son in New York City and spending time with her husband and rescue dog, Duke. She loves learning about different cultures, exploring local areas, snuggling up with a good book, and cheering on the Steelers!

Mrs. Turner
2nd Grade Teacher

Mrs. Turner came to Coates Elementary as a long term substitute teacher for first and second grades in 2013. She became a full-time teacher the following year for second grade. Mrs. Turner graduated from the University of Maryland with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1984. When she applied to Maryland schools, she realized she could not live off of that salary, so she worked in law firms until she met her husband and moved to Virginia. She was a stay at home mom for 18 years. She was a girl scout leader and volunteered at the elementary school that her children attended. After her children were on their own, she wanted to get her license to teach in Virginia. She did so within a year and began to substitute in a long term capacity in order to gain the experience to teach full time. Mrs. Turner relaxes by spending time with her family at the beach.

Mrs. Yi
2nd Grade Teacher

Susan Yi is one of the inaugural staff members that opened Coates Elementary in 2009. She has been teaching for the last 22 years in grades 1-3. In addition, she has also taught Spanish Immersion, Spanish FLES, and Reading Intervention. Mrs. Yi graduated from Boston University and is also a George Mason Clinical Faculty Member. She enjoys spending time with her family, friends and her adorable dog Sophie. She also enjoys shopping, fishing, music and exploring new places.