My name is Samantha Gregory. I graduated from UNC-Charlotte in 2023 with a degree in K-6 Elementary Education. Teaching is my greatest joy! I do have to thank my younger sisters for allowing me to play “teacher” so much when we were kids– I sure enjoyed the practice, but I’m not so sure they did! I grew up all over the place: Pennsylvania, Utah, and several NC towns/cities, but I am excited to be able to call Raleigh and Combs Elementary “home,” now! Outside of school, I have been told that I have “grandma hobbies” as I enjoy crocheting, sewing, reading, painting, embroidery, and walking in the various parks around the city.

Hello! My name is Carrie Hubbard, and I am thrilled to be teaching at AB Combs, where I’m passionate about fostering a love of leading and learning together. I graduated from Meredith College with a degree in Drama and Speech, along with K–6 certification in Elementary Education, and began my teaching career at Hunter Elementary.

Throughout my journey in education, I’ve had the opportunity to serve in a variety of roles across Wake County Public Schools, including Instructional Resource Teacher, Magnet Coordinator, and Dance and Drama Specialist. I’ve also enjoyed teaching in both magnet and traditional schools throughout the district.

Beyond the classroom, I love spending time in nature—especially hiking in Umstead State Park—and enjoying the simple pleasures of life like gardening, cooking, traveling, and relaxing at the beach with family and friends.

My name is Joanna Klager and I started my teaching career here at Combs in 2014.  I received my Master's degree in Elementary Education at the University of Florida in Gainesville.  I moved up to Raleigh shortly after graduation and absolutely love the triangle!  Working alongside my fellow kindergarten teachers is a wonderful privilege.  We believe in putting children's needs first in the classroom and helping cultivate a life long love for learning.  Outside of work I love to stay active hiking, kayaking, and doing yoga.  I also enjoy reading and spending time with my dog and cats. I can't wait for the amazing year we are going to have!
 

My name is Rebecca Norton, and I am so excited to be a part of Combs Elementary School. I started teaching in 2018 in Caldwell County. I graduated from Appalachian State University with a degree in Child Development: Birth-Kindergarten. One of my favorite things about teaching is watching my students grow from the beginning to the end of the school year. Watching these young students become leaders is one of the most rewarding things in life.  I believe that each student is unique and can make a difference in the world. When I am not teaching, I enjoy cheering on the App State Mountaineers and spending time with my family and friends!

Hello! My name is Brooke Russell and I am so excited to be teaching at Combs. I started my teaching journey in 2019 when I obtained my Master of Arts in Teaching degree from UNCW. I taught for 4 years in New Hanover County before making my way to Wake County. Teaching is my passion. I strive to provide a comfortable and inclusive environment in my classroom that sparks confidence in the children that I teach. In my free time, I enjoy spending time outside with my dog, Baxter, traveling, and enjoying the company of friends. I am looking forward to a great year at Combs Elementary! 

My name is Michelle Tyndall, and I’m proud to call North Carolina home, having grown up in Charlotte. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Utah State University, followed by a Master of Arts in Teaching in Elementary Education and a Master of Education in English as a Second Language from Westminster College. Over the years, I’ve had the joy of teaching Kindergarten, 1st, 3rd, and 7th grades, and I truly love watching my students grow, discover, and develop a lifelong love for learning.

Outside the classroom, I enjoy connecting with my community, finding creative ways to make learning exciting and meaningful, and spending quality time with my family. I love being part of the Combs community and am excited to begin another year of learning, laughter, and growth with my students.

My name is Elise Wagner (formerly Steele), and ever since I can remember, teaching has been my dream! I just moved to North Carolina in 2023 from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I am a graduate of Slippery Rock University, where I had amazing opportunities to teach almost all elementary grades. I was also given the incredible opportunity to study and teach abroad in Spain. These experiences changed my life! Kindergarten has always been my passion. I love that “work” will never just be a job, but something I love. My goal is to radiate positivity everywhere I go, because life is too short not to be 100% me. I am currently a fiancée to Evan, so a soon to be Mrs. Wagner in July 2024:) When I am not at school, I LOVE to read and journal.  Thrifting is a common hobby, always ready to make new friends wherever I am, and I am thrilled that the beach is near! When I think back on my life, Kindergarten is where I would stay forever, as I am bright and colorful at heart. There is nowhere I’d rather start my career than here with Combs' staff and your students. I look forward to all that is to come!