Principal: Mrs. Stephanie Downey
Assistant Principal: Mrs. Monique Watford
Assistant Principal: Mrs. Taryn Geier
School Phone Number: 571-598-3500
School FAX Number: 703-367-9064
Assistant Principal, Monique Watford
Mrs. Monique Watford is a proud member of the Chris Yung Steam Engines leadership team. Prior to her arrival at Chris Yung, she was the Title I math coach at Featherstone and Marumsco Hills elementary schools in Woodbridge. While serving the Title I math coach role, she concurrently served as a math interventionist at Featherstone. She's held instructional team lead roles at Featherstone and Manassas City Public Schools. Mrs. Watford has a passion for working closely with staff, students, and families to help meet their social, emotional, and academic needs.
Mrs. Watford's teaching career includes experiences at Fairfax County Public Schools and school systems in northeastern North Carolina, where she began her career. Mrs. Watford is a graduate of George Mason University, where she obtained two master's degrees, one in instructional leadership, and the other in mathematics. She received her undergraduate degree in elementary education at Elizabeth City State University.
She is excited and eager to continue working with students and their families. She looks forward to working collaboratively to achieve success!!
Assistant Principal, Taryn Geier
Mrs. Taryn Geier brings 15 years of experience with Prince William County Schools, including 11 years teaching students in grades 3 and 5 and the past 4 years serving as Assistant Principal at Kyle Wilson Elementary School. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to student achievement, staff collaboration, and building positive relationships with families and the community.
Mrs. Geier believes that student success is rooted in meaningful relationships and strong partnerships between home and school. Her dedication to creating supportive learning environments and fostering collaboration among students, staff, and families reflects her commitment to ensuring all students feel valued, supported, and empowered to succeed.
In addition to her professional experience, Mrs. Geier is a proud resident of Bristow, where she lives with her husband and their 17-month-old son. Their family is also eagerly anticipating the arrival of a second son in August. As both an educator and a parent, she understands the importance of trust, communication, and partnership between schools and families.
Principal, Stephanie Downey
Meet Our Principal: Mrs. Stephanie Downey
In 2022, Mrs. Stephanie Downey proudly joined the Chris Yung Elementary School family, bringing with her a deep passion for education and over nine years of experience as a principal in Winchester, Virginia. Her journey in education has included teaching 4th and 5th grades, serving as a curriculum specialist, instructional coach, and assistant principal.
Mrs. Downey holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Bridgewater College and a master’s degree in Administration and Supervision from Johns Hopkins University. When she’s not at school, she enjoys life on her family’s farm in Strasburg, Virginia, with her husband and two children.
A Note from Mrs. Downey
Dear Chris Yung Families,
Welcome to the 2025–2026 school year! We’re thrilled to have you as part of our vibrant school community. At Chris Yung Elementary, we believe that learning should be joyful, meaningful, and shared—and that starts with strong partnerships between home and school.
We look forward to rolling out exciting family engagement events designed to bring us together, build knowledge of academic standards, celebrate our students, and create lasting connections. We’d also love to see you at our PTO and Parent Advisory meetings, held on the third Tuesday of each month at 6:00 p.m., both in person and on Zoom. Your voice matters, and everyone is welcome!
To keep you in the loop, I’ll be sending out the Chris Yung Update every week through our School Status messaging platform. Please keep an eye out for it—it’s a great way to stay informed about upcoming events, school news, and important reminders.
Every day, our team is focused on helping your child thrive—academically, socially, and emotionally. We’re guided by the Prince William County Strategic Plan, which centers on:
· Learning and Achievement for All
· Positive Climate and Culture
· Family and Community Engagement
You can explore these commitments in more detail by visiting the PWCS Strategic Plan.
If you ever have questions, ideas, or just want to connect, I’m here for you. Feel free to call the school office at 571-598-3500 or email me directly at [email protected]. I can’t wait to get to know each of our amazing STEAM engine families and make this year one to remember.
Let’s make it a fantastic year at Chris Yung Elementary!
Warmly, Stephanie Downey, Principal