Mrs. Adams Band Specialist

Mrs. Adams has taught instrumental music in FCPS since 1997. Prior to that, she taught middle school band for three years in the Alexandria City Public Schools. Mrs. Adams attended Herndon High and earned her Bachelor's Degree in Music Ed from West Chester University and Master's in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Scranton. Her favorite pastime is exploring museums and historical sites with her adult son and her husband, a retired US Air Force Band percussionist. She looks forward to continuing the excellent music tradition here at Coates.

Mr. Barnett Physical Education Teacher

Mr. Barnett has been the part-time PE teacher at Coates Elementary since 2020. He graduated from James Madison University with a masters degree in Education. Mr. Barnett loves being active and especially enjoys hiking, biking, kayaking, and playing sports outside. He is a diehard Washington Football Team fan and can't wait for the day when they are actually good! Mr. Barnett loves to travel and just recently completed a cross country trip across the United States. He is excited to help motivate Coates students to live an active and healthy life!

Ms. Capurso General Music Teacher

Ms. Capurso joined the Coates Elementary staff in 2019. She grew up in Central New York and attended the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam, where she earned a Bachelors degree and a Masters degree in music education. More recently, she completed a certification program in Orff Schulwerk pedagogy at George Mason University. She began her music teaching career in 2009 and joined FCPS in 2016. In her free time she enjoys singing with the Loudoun Chorale, contra dancing, and spending time with her husband and her dog.

Mrs. Claessen Art Teacher

Mrs. Claessen began teaching art for Fairfax County in 2011 and joined the staff at Coates Elementary School in 2013. She attended the State University of New York at Buffalo for her Bachelor of Arts and graduated with a major in Environmental Design. After working many years in the private sector, she changed careers. She took additional fine art and teaching courses at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), University of Phoenix and Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) to become an Art Teacher. Mrs. Claessen enjoys spending time with her husband and their three daughters. Her interests include painting, ceramics, travel, and volleyball.

Mrs. Dinkov General Music and Chorus Teacher

Mrs. Dinkov has been teaching music and co-directing the chorus at Coates Elementary since 2011! She earned her Bachelor's Degree from the University of South Carolina in Music Education and Piano Performance in 2009. She earned her Master's Degree in Education Leadership from George Mason University in 2019. She is excited to share her musical skills by playing piano for performances at Coates. Mrs. Dinkov enjoys teaching music to all students, but especially loves to teach students how to play the Orff Instruments, perform folk dances, and studying famous composers. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her husband, gardening, and traveling.

Mrs. Duggan Physical Education Teacher

Mrs. Duggan is a physical education and health teacher and has been teaching in FCPS since 1994. She originally from Pennsylvania and has lived in the Pittsburgh suburbs and the Philadelphia suburbs. She attended the University of Delaware and West Chester University. She was an NATA Certified Athletic Trainer for 25 years. She taught at several FCPS high schools and elementary schools. Her husband also works for FCPS and is the Assistant Director of Student Activities at South Lakes High School. They have 2 daughters. Mrs. Duggan loves spending time with her family. She enjoys watching sports they are involved in such as basketball, lacrosse, and swimming. She loves being active and doing many activities that involve being outdoors. In her spare time she likes listening to music and cooking for family and friends. She is excited to share her enthusiasm for being healthy through exercise and lifelong healthy habits!

Mr. Gardiner Physical Education Teacher

Mr. Gardiner has been at Coates since it first opened in 2010. He started as an instructional assistant, then was hired as a PE teacher in 2011. He graduated from George Mason University (GMU) with an undergraduate degree in Health and Physical Education (K - 12). He will graduate with his Masters of Education (Curriculum and Instruction concentration) from GMU in Spring 2022. He cherishes spending time with his wife and three young kids (Aimee, Sophia, and Jesse). He is passionate about his Christian faith and considers it central to his life. Mr. Gardiner loves learning, being outdoors in nature, and working on his yard. He enjoys all kinds of physical activities including hiking, basketball, tennis, skiing, and playing with his kids.

Ms. Gioseffi Art Teacher

Ms. Gioseffi loves teaching art at Coates! She graduated from Longwood University in 2017 with a BFA in Art Education and concentrations in Crafts and Art History. She especially loves to build sculptural work, paint, and explore new ideas. Ms. Gioseffi grew up in Fairfax County Schools and is excited to help her community grow. In her free time you can find her doting over her dog, trying new foods, and reading a good book

Mrs. Herring School Based Technology Specialist

Mrs. Herring joined the Coates family in 2020.  Before becoming an SBTS, she was a classroom teacher for 14 years.  She loves helping teachers use technology with students in a meaningful way.  Mrs. Herring graduated from Clemson University.  One of her favorite things to do is watch the Tigers play.  She also enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and three children.  They love to go on walks, read books, and travel to the beach.

Mrs. Hunter Advanced Academics Resource Teacher

Mrs. Hunter joined Coates in 2014. She is going into her 8th year of teaching. This is her first year as the Advanced Academics Resource Teacher. Mrs. Hunter graduated from George Mason University with her graduate degree in Elementary Education. Mrs. Hunter loves being a mom to her amazing toddler, Charlotte. She can often be seen reading, knitting or playing with her kittens. Mrs. Hunter loves going to the beach with family and friends during the summer and snowboarding/ skiing in the mountains in the winter.

Ms. Meehan Librarian

Rosemary Meehan joined the Coates staff in 2014. Ms. Meehan has been a media specialist since 1988. She has eight years of experience as a Media Specialist and 10 years as a Children's Librarian in the public libraries. Ms. Meehan has her BFA in Drama from Catholic University, an MLS from the University of MD and an MSIST from GW. She has an AAP certification from FCPS and 24 credits in Special Education. She has three children in UVA, VA Tech, and NOVA. Ms. Meehan loves to use technology to create formal and informal learning experiences.

Mr. Renne Strings Teacher

Mr. Renne has been teaching at Coates Elementary School since 2012. He also teaches orchestra at Rachel Carson Middle School. Mr. Renne has always lived in Virginia and even attended Fairfax County Public Schools. He graduated from Westfield High School and then received his Music Education degree from George Mason University. Mr. Renne enjoys making music and is a member of the American Prize winning Manassas Symphony Orchestra.

Mr. Roberston Strings Teacher

Mr. Robertson is a part time General Music Teacher at Coates Elementary. He has been with FCPS since 2021. He has previously taught in Michigan, U.S. Virgin Islands and Trinidad and Tobago, where he was born. He is a Classical Bass player and has studied at University of Miami (D.M.A.) as well as Florida International University (M.M). Mr. Robertson has performed in various ensembles and various genres of music in South Florida and the Caribbean. He looks forward to contributing to a strong and vibrant music department at Coates Elementary.