Unity Braxton Middle School
Administration
Erin Sikes-Thurston, Principal
Areas of Supervision: ESOL, Technology, IB, Admin Team
[email protected]
703-361-3185
Erin Sikes-Thurston is so SIKED to be part of the Unity Braxton family!
Dr. Erin Sikes-Thurston began teaching middle school Earth and Physical Science in 1996 at Grace Metz Middle School in Manassas City, Virginia. Over the next 17 years, she taught middle and high school science in Prince William County Schools, Arlington County Public Schools, Fairfax County Public Schools, and in Texas in the Austin Independent School District. She also coached women’s soccer in Manassas City, Arlington, and Austin, where she enjoyed getting to know students outside the classroom through the sport she loves.
In 2013, Dr. Sikes-Thurston left the classroom to serve as a central office leader in Fairfax County Public Schools and as an Assistant Principal at both John R. Lewis High School and South Lakes High School.
She has supported various critical areas including English as a Second Language, Special Education, Science, Advanced Academics, attendance, On Time Graduation, and intervention.
Dr. Sikes-Thurston earned her master’s in education from George Mason University in Science Education Leadership in 2009 and her Doctoral degree in 2019 from Virginia Tech in Education Leadership and Policy Studies. Her dissertation focused on the science course-taking patterns based on when students take Algebra 1.
Outside of the classroom, Dr. Sikes-Thurston has an amazing husband and a wonderful 23-year-old son and lives in Centreville, VA. She and her family travel and spend time with extended family whenever they can. Their two dogs help them stay active with their walks, and she is also an avid reader.
Ruba Ayyad, Assistant Principal
Areas of Supervision: Science, Mathematics, Health & Physical Education, 6th Grade Administrator
[email protected]
703-361-3185
Area of Supervision: Science, Physical Education, Homebound Coordinator
Ruba is an experienced educational leader and teacher with over 26 years of expertise. Throughout her career, she has focused on fostering academic excellence with a special emphasis on student achievement. Her teaching approach is centered around actively engaging students in STEM fields, guiding them through various activities and providing opportunities for students to showcase their knowledge and creativity in science fairs and symposiums. Her why is to make a positive impact on the school community and to help create a supportive and well-organized environment that benefits students and staff.
Darius Coulibaly, Assistant Principal
Areas of Supervision: Special Education, Social Studies, 7th Grade Administrator.
Dr. Darius Coulibaly is a visionary and racial-equity centered school leader who always prioritizes scholars and staff over tasks, and fosters an inclusive, antiracist, and trauma-informed learning environment. He articulates a clear vision for creating a culture of rigorous learning and teaching, continuous improvement through data-driven decisions, personalized professional development, and transformational coaching cycles aimed at enhancing the instructional skills of teachers and increasing students’ learning.
As a committed advocate for students and families, Dr. Coulibaly actively works collaboratively and tirelessly to address and reduce racial disparities in disciplinary referrals, school suspensions and expulsions, chronic absenteeism, academic achievement, and access to advanced placement courses. His multilingual abilities enrich his approach as a school leader, enabling him to connect with diverse communities effectively. With nearly 20 years of experience in K-12 education, Dr. Coulibaly has held various leadership roles, bringing a wealth of instructional leadership experience and skills, a passion for rigorous teaching and learning, culturally responsive pedagogy, and restorative practices. He has taught at the elementary school, middle school, high school, and university level He received his Administrative & Supervision Pre K12 Leadership endorsement from John Hopkins University.
A Vanderbilt University alumnus, Dr. Coulibaly holds a master’s degree in economics and a PhD in International Education. He is committed to empowering underprivileged communities in Africa. In 2023, he founded Empowering African Youth, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides STEM education, equitable educational opportunities, and youth leadership initiatives in Africa through collaborative and global projects between K-12 students in Africa and the United States.
Dr. Coulibaly is also a dedicated family man, married and blessed with five wonderful children—four intelligent and beautiful princesses and one bright prince—who inspire him to continue his work in emancipatory education, social justice, and advocacy.
Kylie Henson, Assistant Principal
Areas of Supervision: ESOL, CTE, World Languages, Fine & Performing Arts, 8th Grade Administrator
Mrs. Kylie Henson is excited to join the Unity Braxton Middle School community as Assistant Principal. She is beginning her 20th year in education and her 11th year as a school administrator.
Throughout her career, Mrs. Henson has served as a middle school and high school Business and Marketing teacher, and Assistant Principal at the elementary and middle school levels. Prior to joining Unity Braxton, she served as an Assistant Principal at Ronald Reagan Middle School in Prince William County and previously at Marshall Middle School in Fauquier County. Unity Braxton marks her third middle school leadership experience as an Assistant Principal.
Mrs. Henson earned a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from Wheeling Jesuit University.
As an educator and leader, Mrs. Henson believes that meaningful relationships are the foundation of learning. She is passionate about helping students overcome challenges, recognizing that barriers often create opportunities for growth, creativity, and success. She firmly believes that every student can learn and thrive when they are supported, challenged, and encouraged to reach their full potential.
What excites Mrs. Henson most about joining Unity Braxton is the school's unwavering belief in its students. She is passionate about supporting students, empowering staff, and partnering with families to create a positive and welcoming school environment where every student feels valued, challenged, and inspired to succeed. She hopes her compassion, empathy, and enthusiasm for education contribute to the continued success of the school community.
Outside of school, Mrs. Henson enjoys traveling, listening to podcasts and audiobooks, and running. She lives with her husband, Ryan, their two adult sons, Nolan and Shea, and their dogs, Cora and Millie, on a mountain at the end of a dirt road.
Mrs. Henson looks forward to partnering with students, families, and staff to make this an outstanding school year for every student.
Jayna Cobbs, Counseling Director
703-361-31985
Areas of Supervision: School Counseling, Family Liaison and Purple Star Committee
Jayna is a dedicated educational leader and counselor with a passion for supporting students' academic, social, and emotional success. Her diverse career spans roles as a middle school teacher, higher education counselor and professor, and high school counselor with Prince William County Public Schools before transitioning into school administration.
Committed to fostering a positive, inclusive, and student-centered environment, Jayna believes in empowering every student to reach their full potential. Her collaborative leadership style and deep commitment to student well-being have guided her work throughout every stage of her career.
Jayna earned her bachelor's degree from Hampton University, a master's degree in School Counseling and Human Development from George Mason University, and a post-master's degree in Clinical Counseling from Johns Hopkins University.
Outside of work, Jayna enjoys spending quality time with her family, traveling to new destinations, and tending to her garden. She is honored to serve the Unity Braxton Middle School community and is committed to helping every student thrive.
Eduardo Garcia, Dean of Students
703-361-3185
Areas of Supervision: MTSS Coordinator, Attendance, 504 Compliance
Mr. Garcia, also known as Coach Garcia, is entering his 17th year in PWCS. This is his 6th year at Unity Braxton and his first year on the administrative team. He earned a degree in Administration and Marketing from InterAmerican University of Puerto Rico. Mr. Garcia obtained his teaching license from the University of Phoenix. In 2014, he earned his first master’s degree in Teaching and Learning from Nova Southeastern University. Last year, he completed his second master’s degree in Educational Leadership. Additionally, he proudly serves as the coach of the Jaguar boys’ soccer team and wrestling team.