Specialist Team
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. |
Tim is starting his first year as a music teacher at Coates ES. Tim graduated from George Mason University in Spring 2023 with a degree in Music. Before joining Coates ES, Tim has worked in Arts Management at private music schools and concert halls. When he isn't teaching Tim is writing songs at home or out playing music in the community. |
Mrs. Hawes holds a BS in Business and Marketing from the Pamplin College of Business at Virginia Tech. Go HOKIES! She has taught Advanced Marketing, Marketing Co-Op, Sports and Entertainment Marketing, Travel and Tourism Marketing, Personal Finance, and Economics in neighboring Loudoun County for the past 4 years. In addition, she has been the Lead advisor for both DECA and Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA). She has been an artist her whole life and enjoys painting and drawing landscapes, portraits, and puppies! |
Hello there! This is my fourth year teaching music and I'm very excited to be spending it with you! I am a graduate of Shenandoah Conservatory in Winchester, VA and previously taught in Montgomery and Frederick counties. Outside of the music world I enjoy exercising, reading fantasy and science-fiction books, and spending time with my daughter, Leah. |
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 with a Masters of Education (Curriculum and Instruction) from George Mason University in 2022 with a Health and PE concentration. He cherishes spending time with his wife (Elisabeth) and three young kids (Aimee, Sophia, and Jesse). He is passionate about his Christian faith and considers it central to his life. His family is very active in their church community. He loves cosmology, archeology, being outdoors in nature, and working on his yard. He enjoys all kinds of physical activities including hiking, basketball, tennis, skiing, playing with his kids, and the the family dog (Rosie - golden doodle). |
Ms. Lowkis joined Coates Elementary School as a Music Teacher in August of 2023. She graduated from George Mason University in May 2023 with a Bachelor’s in Music Education. Prior to joining FCPS, Ms. Lowkis taught private piano lessons for over 9 years and worked as a horse trainer and horseback riding instructor for several years. She is going into her second year as Chairperson for NVMTA’s Spring Festival and has managed her non-profit program “Key Steps" since starting it in 2017. During her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, dog, and horses. |
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. |
Mrs. Park is excited to begin her first year as an art teacher at Coates Elementary School. She attended ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena and graduated from the University of California with a degree in Art History. Prior to becoming an art teacher, she worked as an assistant concept designer at a mobile game company in El Segundo, CA. She also volunteered as an educator presenter for non-profit organizations. Mrs. Park loves to go for walks and enjoy the fall season. |
This will be my 20th year teaching PE in FCPS as a proud Alumna. I earned a B.S. in Kinesiology with a Concentration in Athletic Training from James Madison University and a MS Ed. from Shenandoah University. My hobbies are too many to list but include spending time with my family, travelling around the world, and sharing the Aloha spirit. |
This will be Miss Reed's second year teaching Creativity Lab here at Coates. Previously, she taught 4th grade in Fairfax County for 11 years. She has a Bachelor's degree in English from the University of Mary Washington. She also has her Masters of Science in Elementary Education and her Graduate endorsement in Gifted Education, both from UMW. Miss Reed loves camping, coffee, the Capitals, and Broadway musicals. |
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. |
Ms. Reihanifard holds two master's degrees in Industrial Design and Graphic Design. She is a former faculty member of Azad University, Tehran, Central Branch, with 18 years of experience educating graduate and undergraduate degree students in the Industrial Design Department. Her creative spirit is not confined to the classroom, as she has also worked as a Visual Art instructor at multiple places in Loudoun County. |
I received my Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Sport Management from the State University of New York at Cortland. I am going into my second year of teaching! I love being outside, visiting new places, and of course Starbucks. I spend my Fall Sundays watching football, specifically my NY Giants. |
Mrs. Adams
Mr. Despard
Mrs. Hawes
Mr. Forbes
Mr. Gardiner
Ms. Lowkis
Ms. Meehan
Ms. Park
Ms. Pualoa
Ms. Reed
Mr. Renne
Ms. Reihanifard
Ms. Wolstenholme