My name is Sara Batten . I grew up on the coast of North Carolina and have taught in Wake County since 2010. I graduated from Meredith College with a degree in Child Development and a K-6 licensure. Prior to teaching first grade, I taught kindergarten. I am lucky that I get to spend my days nurturing the minds of young children here at AB Combs! When I’m not teaching, you can find me spending time with my family. I love to go to the beach, travel, and read a good book.

Hello! My name is Caitlin Branch and I am a North Carolina native. I grew up close to the North Carolina beaches in a small town called Whiteville. Throughout childhood, my answer to “What do you want to be when you grow up?” was often “a teacher and a momma,” although sometimes I would switch things up and the answer would be veterinarian, artist or interior designer. When graduating high school in 2013, the dream of becoming a teacher remained the same, and I left my tiny town to head to East Carolina University to pursue a degree in Elementary Education. I graduated in 2017 from ECU, and moved to Raleigh to begin my teaching career at Triangle Math and Science Academy, where I taught for 6 years. I have previously taught kindergarten and first grade and have a passion for cultivating a love of reading in students starting at this young age! I also have a deep interest in child development- carried out by constantly observing children and researching that area of interest. When I am not at AB Combs, you can find me teaching ballet to young children, walking and exploring with my husband, Brian (and our sweet dog Leo), grabbing dinner at local restaurants (Hanks in downtown Cary being a favorite!), creating art/painting and rearranging the rooms in my house (pretending to be that interior designer I also dreamt of becoming), relaxing at the beach with friends and family, or hanging with our four nieces who I love dearly–I love being “Aunt Caitlin!” I am excited to meet YOU, and I am looking forward to a wonderful school year together at AB Combs! 

My name is Gabrielle Breit and I am so thrilled to be a teacher at Combs Elementary! I graduated from NC State University with a Bachelor of Science degree. I was born in Pennsylvania, but have grown up in North Carolina almost my whole life. Raleigh has been my home for years now, since attending NCSU, and now my brother is also at State! In my free time I love to cook and try new restaurants and recipes, spend time with my family and friends, and go to a yoga or Pilates class. I am so grateful to be at combs and cannot wait for this school year!

My name is Morgan Kuell, and I grew up in Cary, North Carolina. I graduated from North Carolina State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education. Upon graduating, I taught pre-kindergarten in Morrisville, NC. I began teaching at A.B. Combs in 2013.  Teaching is my passion, and I love watching students grow through learning experiences! In my spare time, I enjoy reading, running, and shopping.

My name is Lexi Lopez. I am beyond eager, and excited to start my teaching career at A.B. Combs Elementary. I am from Massachusetts but decided to move to Raleigh, North Carolina full time once I graduated in May 2025 from North Carolina State University! While attending NCSU I earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with a STEM concentration. Outside of the classroom I love activities like working out at the gym or taking gym classes, hanging out with friends, in Carter Finley at a football game, shopping, and reading books! Helping students develop academically and as future leaders is something I care deeply about, and I value being in a school that supports the whole child.

My name is Tonya Maness. I grew up in Florida, and received my Bachelor's Degree in elementary education at the University of North Florida. I began my teaching career in 2004, and in 2006, I married my best friend who was in the United States Navy. We moved all around and even overseas with our 2 sons. I later received my Master's Degree specializing in Learning and Technology. My husband retired from the military, and we chose to make our (final) home here! North Carolina is the 4th state that I've taught in, and in all 4 states, I've been lucky enough to teach 1st graders- they are my favorite people! I'm excited to serve as a vessel, guiding and encouraging those precious minds to discovery and success. I value transparency, communication, and forming relationships with families. I'm incredibly happy and honored to be a Gator!

My name is Lora Rowe and I am super excited to be here at AB Combs!  I began my teaching career in 2007 in Wake County.  I received my Master's degree in Education with a specialization in Reading from Meredith College in 2013, and my undergraduate degree in Sociology from N.C.State.  I grew up in Raleigh, and actually am a former Combs Gator myself!  My passion is helping cultivate a love of reading and learning with my students.  In my spare time, I enjoy traveling with my family, camping, reading and making scrapbooks of our many adventures.  We also love attending N.C.State basketball and football games. I am super excited about the awesome learning we will be doing this year!