Principal

Muriel Summers has been the principal of A.B. Combs since 1998. She holds a BA degree from UNC-Chapel Hill, a master's in Elementary Education from UNC-Charlotte, a master's in School Administration from the University of Maryland and an honorary doctorate from California University. One of the greatest professional joys of her life is being the principal of A.B. Combs.

Ms. Summers has guided our school to create the first Leadership Elementary School in the nation. Combs has received many national awards under Ms. Summers’ leadership including, The National Blue Ribbon, The National School of Character, The National Magnet School of America, and the Lighthouse Recognition Award from FranklinCovey.  Ms. Summers has been recognized as Wake County’s Principal of the Year, one of North Carolina’s Women to Watch, and in 2014 received the coveted Friday Medal of Honor for her contributions to education.  She is the very proud mother of Banks Summers, a UNC-W graduate in elementary education and lives in Savannah, Georgia and Colin Summers, a recent graduate of Wake Forest University who works in Raleigh for Prometheus Group.  

Assistant Principal

Kelly Fish Wilson is honored to serve as the Assistant Principal of A.B. Combs. Kelly started her career at A.B. Combs in 2002. She has served as a 4th and 5th grade teacher, a STEM Specialist, and an Academic Coach. Kelly believes that all students are leaders and it is her goal to empower each child to discover his/her inner strengths and to see the value in them. She holds a master's degree in Executive Leadership from Gardner-Webb University and a bachelor of arts degree in American Civilization with K-6 Teaching Certification from Meredith College. Kelly and her husband, Dusty, reside in Garner with their daughters Molly and Laney. As a family they enjoy “Sharpening the Saw” by playing outside, visiting family, and reading great books!

Assistant Principal/ Magnet Coordinator

Juley is a native to Wake County and grew up in Fuquay-Varina. She is a graduate of Meredith College with a degree in Psychology and certification in Elementary Education, received her National Board Certification in 2012, and complete her master's degree in Executive School Leadership in 2015. She began her teaching career at AB Combs in 2000 and is passionate about our leadership model. As a former kindergarten and 1st grade teacher, Juley transitioned into the role of Magnet Coordinator where she organizes leadership opportunities for students that include public speaking and communication, practice in social etiquette, and service learning projects. Juley and her husband, Ryan, reside in Cary with their three children.

IRT

Paula Everett began her teaching career at A.B. Combs in 2003. During her time at Combs she has had the opportunity to teach 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Grades. Paula holds a Bachelor's of Science in Education from Methodist University in Fayetteville, NC. She and her husband have three beautiful children. Paula has a tremendous passion for the Leadership Model and encourages all students to work to their fullest potential. 

Leadership Lab School

Jodee Gupton brings more than twenty years experience to A.B. Combs. Having served as a classroom teacher, technology facilitator, and magnet coordinator, Ms. Gupton is currently collaborating with Combs and other Wake County Leadership schools to develop and enhance the leadership model. As the Senior Administrator for Wake County’s Leadership Lab School, Ms. Gupton works closely with the administrative teams at Combs and the other Leadership schools to provide ongoing support for the leadership model that makes Combs so unique. Outside of school, Ms. Gupton enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, and DIY projects. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Master’s in School Administration from North Carolina State University.

Administrative Assistant

Being a former A. B. Combs student and parent, Susan Reeves Staton is very honored to have been working for Combs Elementary for the past 20 years as the Administrative Assistant. Ms. Staton works very closely with administration, handling all bookkeeping, payroll, personnel and Leadership Day registration.

Mrs. Staton enjoys the beach, estate sales, crafting and spending time with her husband, Tom, family and friends.

Data Manager

My name is Denise Price and I am began working at AB Combs as a Teacher’s Assistant in First grade in 2006. I am a mom to a beautiful baby girl, Haleigh and the Aunt/Mom of Alex -9, Jessie -11, and Taylor -15. I am very busy to say the least. When we are not at school we like to play games together and just relax and watch movies with each other. I am looking forward to my journey at AB Combs this year and hope to enjoy many more!

I have an Associate Degress from Wake Tech Community College. Over a seven-year span I worked for the State of North Carolina at the Arts Council and Historic Preservation Office. Moving to King, North Carolina gave me the opportunity to stay home with my two daughters. When we moved back to Raleigh in 2000 I decided to go back to work. With my youngest daughter starting kindergarten, working at an elementary school seemed a good fit. Starting at Combs in 2001, has been a wonderful experience to work with children as well at watching them learn and grow. 

Head Custodian