Meet the Administration
We are kind, caring, courageous Cardinals who SOAR by focusing on...
Safety,
Outstanding behavior,
Acting responsibly, and being
Respectful every day.
Together, we are SOARing to success!
We welcome the Piney Branch Cardinals to the 2025-2026 school year. It is our pleasure and privilege to serve the Piney Branch community as Principal and Assistant Principal. In 2023-2024, Piney Branch saw huge success in reading, mathematics, social-emotional growth and wellness, and community engagement. We look forward to expanding this work through this school year with priorities on increasing student achievement and overall pass advance in mathematics and reading rates for all students, including English learners and students with disabilities. We also strive to increase student satisfaction in school belong, wellness, and climate, as well continue to develop and grow collaboration and engagement with the parents and community to strengthen our educational partnerships. The kind, caring, courageous cardinals of Piney Branch will go harder, KINDER, faster, stronger this year! We work to support the PWCS Vision ‘25 in launching thriving futures.
Principal Steve Thorne is in his 10th year as an administrator at Piney Branch, and his 5th as principal. He earned his M.Ed in Educational Leadership from George Mason University and his early childhood education degree from James Madison University. Additionally, he holds an endorsement in Gifted Education through University of Virginia. Prior to working as an administrator Mr. Thorne spent 13 years as a 2nd and 3rd grade teacher in Centreville, VA.
Assistant Principal Monica Sobers is in her 5th year as administrator at Piney Branch. She currently holds a Graduate certificate in Education Leadership from James Madison University, M. Ed in Curriculum and Instruction from Regent University, and Bachelor of Music Education from Old Dominion University. Prior to working as an administrator, Ms. Sobers spent 11 years as a music teacher in Alexandria and Montclair, VA. In the summers of 2023 and 2024, Ms. Sobers served as summer school principal for PWCS.
Administrative Intern Candyse Crow is in her first year as an administrator at Piney Branch. She earned her Ed.D. from Liberty University in Educational Leadership. She received both her M. Ed. in School Administration and her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Loyola Marymount University. Additionally, she holds an endorsement in Gifted Education through Regent University, and an endorsement in Special Education through LMU. Over the last 12 years, Dr. Crow has worked as a 3rd through 5th grade teacher, STEM specialist, STEM trainer, teacher mentor, and as a special educator for grades K-2.
Principal: Steve Thorne
Email: [email protected]
Phone:571-261-5300
Assistant Principal: Monica Sobers
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 571-261-5300
Administrative Intern: Candyse Crow
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 571-261-5300