Hello, my name is Victoria Bardsley, and I’m thrilled to be teaching at Combs! I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from St. Edward’s University in Austin, TX, a Master’s degree in Special Education from San Francisco State University, and certification in General Elementary Education (K–6) and Special Education (K-12). I’m also proud to be a National Board Certified Teacher.

Before joining Combs, I served as a district-level MTSS Coach for WCPSS and earned certification in Advanced Cognitive Coaching. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of teaching across the country in 4th and 5th grades, whole-school science, Special Education, and Gifted and Talented programs. Outside of the classroom, I’m the proud mother of two daughters—both Elon University graduates—who are now living out their wildest dreams! When I’m not at school, you’ll likely find me walking my dog, hiking, or pursuing my passion for the arts!

My name is Mary Horton and I am so excited to be a teacher at Combs Elementary! I graduated from NC State University with a Bachelor of Science degree and an English as a Second Language add-on licensure. I grew up in Eastern North Carolina my whole life, but Raleigh has been my home for years now, since attending NCSU, Go Pack! In my free time I love to travel, try new restaurants, and spend time with my family & friends. I am so thankful for this opportunity to work at Combs, and I can’t wait to foster my love for learning with my students! 

My name is Casey O'Brien and I am so excited to be teaching at A.B. Combs! I grew up in a military family and have lived all over the U.S. and Europe. I studied Philosophy as an undergraduate at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA (Class of 2012) and received my Masters in Teaching from NC State University in 2015. Go Wolfpack!! I am so happy to be in North Carolina and am proud to call Raleigh my official home base. I have a very serious passion for reading and writing, most especially those books that remind me of my Philosophy roots. I absolutely love the great outdoors, especially when hiking and camping with my dog, Mac. I cannot wait for the great things to come this year!

My name is Lauren Riggsbee, and I am so excited to be teaching at A.B. Combs Elementary, where leadership and learning go hand in hand. I feel incredibly grateful to begin my teaching career at a school that already feels like home. I completed my student teaching in fifth grade here at Combs and knew right away this was where I wanted to be.

I am originally from Charlotte, North Carolina, and I moved to Raleigh to attend NC State University (Go Pack!), where I earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with a STEM concentration and a minor in Psychology. I am passionate about helping students grow as both learners and leaders, and I love being part of a school that values the whole child.

When I am not in the classroom, you can find me walking my dog, Scooter, going to yoga class, or cheering on NC State at football and basketball games. I am looking forward to a wonderful year!

Hi! My name is Hannah Vaughn (formerly Hannah Smith---I got married in May 2025) and I am so excited to be teaching 4th grade at Combs this year! I was born and raised in Raleigh, North Carolina and graduated from North Carolina State University (go pack!) with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education with a STEM concentration in 2018. After student teaching here in 3rd grade, I fell in love with the leadership model and school community and knew this was the perfect place for me to teach. I received my National Board Certification in 2023, and am pursuing my Masters at NC State. I have always known since I was in elementary school myself that teaching is my passion, and I am so thrilled to get to do what I love daily. In my free time, I love to cook, travel, try new restaurants, workout, spend time with friends & family, walk my Mini-Bernese Ted, and attend Wolfpack sporting events with my husband. I am looking forward to a wonderful year growing and learning alongside my students! I hope to instill in them a love for learning while helping them reach their fullest potential and grow as leaders!