Kindergarten Team
I received my undergraduate and graduate degrees from George Mason University, with my Master's being in elementary education. In my free time, I like to spend time with my friends and family, read, or exercise. I am so excited to be at Coates again this year! | |
Ms. Connole began teaching Kindergarten at Coates in 2011. She was born and raised in Ohio. She enjoyed living in Cincinnati, Chicago, New York City, and London before settling in Reston. As an IA in Falls Church City, beginning in 2001, she found her "vocation," and got her teaching license. While at Coates she has had opportunities to be a team leader, Equity Team leader, as well as a mentor for GMU teacher candidates and fellow team members. She finished her Masters of Science in Curriculum and Instruction in 2024. (It's never too late!) For fun, she enjoys Nat's and Caps games, reading, movies, and being with her two adult-aged children. She is very excited to be a new Grandma! | |
Mrs. Grande has been teaching in the Kindergarten classroom for twenty-five years. This is her 16th year teaching kindergarten at Coates Elementary. Mrs. Grande obtained her BA and MA Degrees from George Mason University. She loves being in the classroom with her young learners. Watching her students become a community of learners while having fun and building friendships brings her great joy. She is a mother to her son who is attending college (GMU) and her daughter who is a sophomore in high school. Mrs. Grande loves watching her daughter play volleyball and basketball, having cookouts with her family and being surrounded by her family and friends. | |
Ms. Jones is excited to be on the Kindergarten team this year at Coates! This will be her second year teaching at Coates. She earned her bachelor’s degree in communications from Marymount University. When she’s not teaching, Ms. Jones enjoys spending time with her family and friends, reading, and exploring new places. | |
I love working with young children and have over 19 years of experience teaching as an early childhood educator!! This will be my third year teaching Kindergarten at Coates Elementary School, and I am so happy to be back! | |
Mr. Vargas joined the Coates team in 2014. He started his teaching career as a long-term kindergarten substitute teacher. He has been a fourth-grade teacher (4 years) and a kindergarten teacher (6 years). Mr. Vargas graduated from Strayer University with his undergraduate degree in Business Administration and obtained his graduate degree from George Mason University in Elementary Education PreK-6. Mr. Vargas loves spending time with his wife and two sons, especially when it is at the beach. | |
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. 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 3 granddaughters. | |
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. | |
I grew up in Mumbai, India. I received my bachelor's degree in Accounting from the University of Mumbai. This is my 3rd year as an Kindergarten Instructional Assistant (IA) in Coates Elementary School. Before this, I have a total of 5 years of experience as an Assistant Teacher at the Montessori School in Herndon and as a Math Tutor at Eye Level learning Center. Currently, I reside in Chantilly with my husband, daughter who graduated from VT, son who goes to VT, and very friendly Labradoodle, Lucky. In my free time, I love to on walks with Lucky, try new cuisines, listen to Bollywood songs and podcasts. | |
Mrs. Kethu is one of the original members of the Coates since 2009. This is her 15th year of working as kindergarten IA. She holds a Bachelor degree in Sciences from Osmania University, India and a Software programming diploma from New Jersey. She has worked as software Programmer for several years in PA 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, cooking for family & friends, travelling and shopping! | |
Mrs. Kulkarni is one of the original members of Coates ES. This is her 15th 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. Moon |
Ms. Baxter
Mrs. Connole
Mrs. Grande
Ms. Jones
Mrs. McCormick
Mr. Vargas
Ms. Werner
Mrs. Chaganti
Mrs. Chun
Mrs. Chitre
Mrs. Kethu
Mrs. Kulkarni