Mrs. Connole Kindergarten Teacher

Mrs. Connole began teaching Kindergarten at Coates in 2011. She was born in Ohio and graduated from Miami University. She enjoyed the adventures of living in Cincinnati, Chicago, New York City and London while working in publishing. After settling in Falls Church she discovered her life's decisions had been leading her to her true vocation and she became certified to teach. Prior to Coates, she taught as a K-1 Instructional Assistant in Falls Church City for 10 years. While at Coates she has had opportunities to be a team leader and Equity Team co-leader as well as a mentor for several GMU teacher candidates and fellow team members. For fun, she enjoys Nat's games, reading, movies, and being with her two adult-aged children. She is grateful to be able to enjoy her second career choice every day.

Mrs. Gazulis Kindergarten Teacher

Mrs. Gazulis is thrilled to be on the Kindergarten team again this year at L.L. Coates! Mrs. Gazulis grew up in California and earned her Bachelor’s, Master’s and teaching credential at U.C. Santa Barbara. She began her teaching career in Santa Barbara, California before moving to Northern Virginia and teaching fourth grade at another school in FCPS. When she’s not teaching, Mrs. Gazulis enjoys spending time with her family and friends, taking pictures, reading, and exploring new places.

Mrs. Grande Kindergarten Teacher

Mrs. Grande has been teaching in the Kindergarten classroom for twenty-two years. This is her thirteenth year teaching kindergarten at Coates Elementary. She started her teaching career in FCPS teaching kindergarten at Hutchison Elementary and McNair Elementary. Mrs. Grande obtained her BA and Master's Degree from George Mason University. She loves being in the classroom with her young learners and spending time with her family and friends.

Mr. Vargas Kindergarten Teacher

Mr. Vargas joined the Coates team in 2014. He started his teaching career as a long term kindergarten substitute teacher and has been a fourth grade teacher at Coates Elementary for four years. Mr. Vargas graduated from Strayer University with his undergraduate degree in Business Administration and obtained his masters from George Mason University in Elementary Education PreK-6. Mr. Vargas loves spending time with his wife and son, especially when it is at the beach.

Ms. Werner Kindergarten Teacher

Elizabeth Werner is an original Coates Star and has been teaching kindergarten for more than 20 years. She graduated from Grinnell College in Iowa with a Bachelor’s Degree and earned a Master’s Degree in Math Education Leadership from George Mason. When not at school, she can be found riding her bike, playing tennis, or curled up on the couch with Georgie (her cat) and a good book.

Instructional Assistants 

Mrs. Chun Instructional Assistant

Mrs. Chun has been working at the Coates from 2009. She is one of the original members of the Coates. Since then, she's been working as a SPED IA with K, 1st, and 2nd grade mostly. Mrs. Chun graduated from Kyung Hee University(Seoul, Korea) with Bachelors in English major, and minor in Education. Mrs. Chun has a wonderful husband and two beautiful grown up kids - daughter and son. They have studied in FCPS and are working as professionals in the community. Mrs. Chun is a choir member of Korean United Methodist Church in McLean, VA. She loves to sing and listening to music. 

Ms.  Feseha Instructional Assistant

Ms. Feseha has been teaching in the Preschool classroom for ten years.  She started IA career in FCPS at Fox Mill Elementary in 2018.  This is her 1st year working as kindergarten IA at Coates Elementary.  Ms. Feseha obtained her BA in Accounting and IT in London Guild Hall University. She has two teenage kids. Her son graduated from FCPS, and her daughter is a senior in HS.   She loves spending time with her kids and watch movie.

Mrs. Kethu Instructional Assistant

Mrs. Kethu is one of the original members of the Coates ES. This is her 14th year of working as kindergarten IA. She holds a Bachelor degree in Sciences from OU, India and a Software programming diploma from New Jersey. She has worked as software Programmer for several years in Pennsylvania and Texas and finally found her calling and love of teaching! She enjoys teaching and helping young learners to become confident students. Mrs. Kethu has a wonderful husband and two beautiful grown up daughters both graduated from FCPS schools. Her hobbies are playing with her dog Sansa, and her cat Py, reading books, travelling and shopping!

Mrs. Kulkarni Instructional Assistant

Mrs. Kulkarni is one of the original members of Coates ES. This is her 13th year working as Kindergarten IA! She did her Bachelors and Masters in Computer Science from Bombay University, India. Mrs. Kulkarni has a wonderful husband and two grown up boys who studied in FCPS. Her hobbies are reading books, shopping and going for walks.

Mrs. Chaganti Instructional Assistant

Mrs. Chaganti joined the Coates team in 2018. She started as a SPED IA with K, 3rd and 6th grades. She holds a Pharmacy degree from SNDT University, India and training in computer programming courses. She has worked as a computer programmer for many years in VA and later found her love for teaching. Mrs. Chaganti has a wonderful husband and 2 grown up daughters, who studied in FCPS and are now working as professionals in the community. She enjoys spending time with her 2 granddaughters.