Faculty Bios (click on the name to read bio)

Beaner, Sharon (HS Teacher/Academic Advisor)

Originally from the state of Maryland, Sharon and her family moved to Georgia 15 years ago.  She and her husband, David, have two sons (Joshua and Dominic) who currently attend Cornerstone.  Sharon attended Howard University and Bowie State where she completed a course work of study leading to certification in alternative dispute resolution.  The majority of her work experience was in human resources management and mediation.  She left the federal service to start a mediation consulting firm which she continued until the birth of their second son.  This year will mark the 9th year she has been a homeschooling parent.  Sharon and David are active in ministry as teachers of God’s Word and servants to His people.  Their family currently fellowships with Blueprint Church in Atlanta, Georgia.  In her limited free time, Sharon enjoys reading and writing Christian fiction.

Beaulieu, Melissa (7th Grade Science)

 

Borders, Jeanne (Administrator)

Jeanne loves organizing, so being a school administrator is a joy! She's a midwesterner by birth, but a southerner now for over twenty years. Jeanne has her Bachelors in Education from Central Methodist College in Missouri and her Masters in Education from Covenant College. She has been in Christian education for over 16 years, after many years of being a stay-at-home mom to her three sons. With Fred, her husband of over 39 years, they enjoy time with their three sons, daughters-in-law and grandchildren, long walks on the beach, exercising, and eating out. In Jeanne's spare time she organizes closets!

Boyd, Sherry (7th & 8th Grade History/Study Skills, SA

Sherry has her teaching degree from Liberty University. She taught middle grades for five years before "retiring" to be a stay-at-home mom. Sherry is married to Dennis (almost 25 years!), who works for In-Touch Ministries. They have two boys, one in high school and one in college. Sherry enjoys reading and being involved at North Metro Church and would like to have more time to water ski, snow ski, and snorkel with her family.

Brainard, Gayle (Secondary Art)

Gaylen believes that art communicates far beyond the physical boundaries of the work of art itself and can touch deep places in the human soul. With this in mind she has been helping others to sharpen and deepen their creative skills for over 15 years. Gaylen earned a B.A. in fine arts from Brevard College in N.C. and a bachelors degree in Fine and Commercial Arts from Valdosta State. She later returned to Valdosta State where she received her GA. State Art Education Degree. Currently she lives in Kennesaw with Roger her husband of 36 years and her son Christopher who attends a local college. When Gaylen is at home and not working on an art project you will likely find her in her garden.

Brannen, Stephanie (7th & 8th English & Technology)

Stephanie attended Kennesaw State University and graduated Summa Cum Laude with her Bachelor of Science in Middle Grades Education. She has taught in the private sector for six years, and seeks to challenge her students to always give their best work. Stephanie enjoys literature both inside and outside the classroom, and you will usually find her with a book nearby.

In addition to teaching English, Stephanie will also be the assistant coach for Cornerstone's cross country team. Her all-time favorite race remains the Peachtree Road Race in Atlanta, and she has run that race for the last three years. She enjoys being active in any way, especially if it involves playing ultimate frisbee or ballroom dancing. As the assistant coordinator of student activities, Stephanie looks forward to building unity among the student body.

Braund, Ginger (6th Grade & Guitar)

Ginger looks forward to being back at Cornerstone Prep for the 2010-2011 school year. She has been teaching for over 27 years, 20 in Christian education. She enjoys teaching the middle grades because she thinks middle high students are so much fun to teach! Ginger has a Masters degree in middle grade education specializing in math and science with 30 graduate hours in Bible and 2 years of training to be a prayer counselor. Ginger and her husband, Ron, have two grown sons and a wonderful new daughter-in-law. When not teaching, she enjoys tennis, golf, biking, swimming, sudoku, guitar, and walking her best companion, “Gigi”, the Labradoodle. Ginger was born in Georgia, but grew up in Michigan so is ½ Midwestern and ½ Southern! Ginger also serves as a worship leader for a ladies Bible study in Atlanta. She thanks God for all He is in her life and for all of His abundant blessings, most of all for Jesus!

Burton, Pat (Elementary Academic Dean)

Pat serves as Cornerstone's Dean of Academics and teaches sixth grade English and History, ninth grade English, and The Bible and Its Influence. Along with Alison Luke she has co-written the entire Cornerstone Prep curriculum for each grade. Pat has taught elementary and middle school for over 20 years, and she served as the Curriculum Director for a K-8 school. Pat is a graduate of Covenant College in Lookout Mountain, GA, with a BA in Elementary Education and a minor in Biblical Studies . She is also on the Founding Families Board. Pat is the mother of 3 grown children. When not busy with Cornerstone efforts, Pat enjoys reading, tennis, walking, and old movies.

Cagle, Bob (Athletic Director/ P.E.)

 

Chandler, Kristin (Elementary Art)

My name is Kristin Chandler.  I graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in Art Education and then earned my Masters of Elementary Education at Kennesaw State.  I taught elementary art for four years in public schools and for the last two years have been a stay at home mom.  I have two wonderful little boys: Caleb who is 2 years old and Colby who was born in February. I am thrilled to join the CPA staff as the elementary art teacher.  I love Jesus, I love kids, and I love art.  I believe art is about experimenting, exploring, creating, and discovering.  I believe art can be a whole lot of fun!

Chastain, Denna (5th Grade & Cheerleading)

 

Cross, Pam (Junior High Math)

 

Crowell, Cynthia (Health/Worldviews/Anatomy)

Cynthia was raised in Marietta and graduated from Piedmont Hospital School of Nursing.  She received a Bachelor’s degree in Health Arts from the College of St. Francis.  She practiced as a Registered Nurse for 15 years in a variety of specialties which included teaching Health classes to hospital employees and the community.  Cynthia has been married to Ed for 20 wonderful years and has enjoyed the opportunity of being a stay-at-home mom to her children,  Kayla (15) and Tommy (12).  She is a member of Burnt Hickory Baptist Church where she has been involved in the Women’s Hospital Ministry, Bible study, and teaching in the Children’s ministry.  She enjoys reading, gardening, and spending time with family and friends.

Edwards, Shelly (Algebra I)

Shelly received her degree from Auburn University in Math Education. She has been working on and off for the past 11 years. Shelly most recently moved here from Plano, TX one year ago. While in Texas, she taught math to 6th, 7th, and 8th grade for three years. She has also taught and tutored in Louisiana and Alabama. Shelly is married to her best friend for 11 years and they have 3 fantastic kids. Her children attend school at St. Catherine of Siena school where her family also attends Church. When Shelly is not volunteering at the kids’ school, cleaning house, or running the kids to their different activities, Shelly loves to read, cook, and try to fit in time for her treadmill.

Eeles, Angela (4th Grade)

Angela Eeles attended Liberty University for two years and began her degree in education. She graduated in 1993 from Western Michigan University with a BA degree in Elementary Education. Angela and her husband David began their teaching and coaching careers in Scottsdale, Arizona at Scottsdale Christian Academy. Angela taught 2nd grade for three years and one year of first grade along with coaching varsity cheerleading. She graduated with a Master's of Elementary Education from Northern Arizona University in 1998.

Angela then became a stay home mom in 1998. Angela taught in a home school co op in Phoenix teaching science to students grades 3rd-8th from 2004-2008. Angela and David have two sons, ages 12 and 10, and a daughter, age 6. David is a local public school teacher and coach. They attend Northstar Church and are involved teaching in the children's ministry. Angela enjoys exercising, scrapbooking, and attending their son's ball games.

Everill, Alison (Praise Team/Chorus)

Alison Everill was born and raised in Jacksonville, Fl. She graduated from Liberty University. She is married and has 3 boys. Alison teaches the middle high school chorus and directs the middle and senior high praise teams at CPA.

Everswick, Emily (1st Grade)

Emily's a Northern girl (from Pennsylvania) and she has LOVED teaching 1st grade at Cornerstone for the past two years.  Before that she's held a number of positions as; a Director of Household Operations, a public school Fourth Grade teacher, a missionary in the Middle East, and a college student holding two Bachelor's Degrees (Communications and Elementary Education).   Her current role of wife, to Rick,  and mother to Max (11) and Riley (9) are the two positions that bring her the most joy.  Being a child of God is her greatest privilege.   She enjoys serving alongside her husband and children to internationals both here and abroad at North Metro Church.

Fites, Kris (M/W/F Office & Director of Missions)

Kris is a Midwestern transplant and has lived in the Kennesaw area for the past eight years. She graduated from Taylor University with a degree is Early Childhood Education. She has 19 years of experience with preschoolers, 12 of those as an administrator. She and her husband, David, have been married for 30 years and they have four children and three grandchildren. Their family is involved at Grace Community Church in Marietta. Kris enjoys scrapbooking, reading and spending time with her family.

Freiler, Amy (2nd Grade)

Amy graduated from Columbus State University with a degree in Early Childhood Education.  After moving to the Atlanta area, Amy taught first and second grades in Cobb County, and second grade in Gwinnett County.  After her first child was born, Amy quit teaching to become a stay-at-home-mom.  Amy and her husband, Chris, have been married for sixteen years.  They have three sons, Luke (11), Matt (8), and Jacob (4). It has been her pleasure to have had the opportunity to home school her children.  Both older boys will attend Cornerstone this year.  Amy and Chris are members of Acworth United Methodist Church.  While not teaching, Amy enjoys spending time with her family, reading, walking with friends, and collecting children's books.

Garmon, Stephanie (8th/9th Grade Science)

Stephanie is a native of Paulding County and currently resides in the Acworth area with her husband, Scott, and her two sons Ethan (11) and Alec (8). She received her BS in Geology from Georgia State University in 1997. She worked as a Environmental Geologist for two years before having her first child. She has been an active member of Pickett's Mill Baptist for the past seventeen years. In her spare time, Stephanie enjoys caving, geo-caching, and hiking. 

Garner, Nathan (Geometry)

 

Goodwald, Sarah (5th/6th Grade English/History)

 

Gurniewicz, Cindy (Admissions/Hostess/Development)

Cindy and her husband, John, have one daughter, Hannah, who is a student at Cornerstone. Cindy and John are members of the Founding Families Board of Cornerstone. Cindy received her BS degree from Berry College and worked for Amli Residential Properties for 11 years as Development Manager for the Southeast. She has also served as a Children's Ministry Director. Cindy enjoys scrapbooking, reading and spending time with her family.

Haas, Terri (Science Chair/Chemistry/Biology)

Terri is a recent resident of Georgia, living here for 5 years. She is from Fredericksburg, VA. There she attended both George Mason University and graduated from Mary Washington College cum laude with a B.S. in Biology in 1998. Teresa married her high school sweetheart Brett after college and they are now the proud parents of Faith (9) and Lucas (6). Terri has taught Bible School for 5 years and has been teaching in the Cobb County System the last year. Her passion is science and always has been. She was on her way to medical school when her daughter surprised them early. Putting family first, she decided medical school was not part of God's plan. Passing her passion for science onto other children would provide more pleasure and be the most rewarding gift in the long run. In her free time, she enjoys playing games with her husband and children, spending time outside with her dog, Cinnamon, and enjoying the simple things that so often get lost in the hustle and bustle of a busy life.

Hall, Amy  (3rd grade)

Amy received a B.S. in Early Childhood Education from the University of West Georgia, and is certified in ESOL and Gifted Education. Over the last 9 years, she has taught third grade in the regular classroom, as well as elementary gifted & talented classes in Gordon County & Cobb County Schools. She was also the Gifted Program Coordinator for Gordon County Schools for four years. Amy is originally from Detroit, MI and moved to Georgia with her husband, Ken, in 1996. Their daughters, Avery & Audrey, attend Cornerstone Prep. They are members of West Ridge Church. In her spare time, Amy enjoys baking, photography, traveling, and spending time with her family.

Hallett, Ann Marie (6th Grade)

Ann Marie and her husband, Cory, live in the Acworth area. They have one daughter, Anna Claire, who is two years  old. They attend Riverstone Church where Cory is on staff as the youth pastor.  Ann Marie genuinely enjoys teaching! After completing her undergraduate degree at the University of Georgia, she also earned her Masters in Reading and Literacy from Walden University. She has five years of teaching experience in Paulding County, Gwinnett County, and Ghana, West Africa.  Ann Marie believes that learning should be fun and challenging. She thrives in finding creative ways to challenge learners to take risks and expect excellence out of themselves as they strive to become all that God intended. During her spare time, Ann Marie loves reading to her daughter, scrapbooking, and shopping. 

Hamilton, Kyle (Secondary Principal/Program Support)

Kyle is married to Stuart Hamilton and they have two children, a daughter at UGA, and a son at Kennesaw State University. The Hamiltons are members at NorthStar Church. Kyle is a native of the Marietta area and attended the University of Tennessee. She worked for Delta Airlines for 10 years and then was a stay-at-home mom while her children were young. Kyle homeschooled her children for two years before enrolling them in Christian school. In December of 2000, after returning to college at the age of 40, Kyle received a degree in Early Childhood Education from Kennesaw State University. In her spare time, Kyle enjoys reading, running, and spending time with her family and friends. She strives to inspire the children in her class to reach their full potential as an individual and to be the best person God intended them to be.

Heitz, Angela (High School History)

 

Hilliard, Katrina (Math Chair/Pre-Calculus, Calculus, Algebra 2)

Katrina is originally from Rhine, GA, a small farming town in Middle Georgia.  She graduated from Berry College with a B.S. in Mathematics and a minor in Secondary Education.  In October of 2007, she married her childhood sweetheart, Mark.  Katrina and Mark relocated to the Acworth area in the summer of 2008 to minister at Journey Church in Acworth.  Mark serves as the fulltime Worship Pastor and Katrina volunteers as the Nursery Director.  Katrina enjoys teaching math, organizing closets, ministering with her husband, talking, and figuring out the family budget!  At Cornerstone, Katrina teaches her favorite subjects, Algebra 2 and Pre-Algebra.  She loves teaching at Cornerstone because it gives her the opportunity to spend more time with her husband and keep up with the household chores!

King, Brent (High School English & History)

 

Layton, Michelle (2nd Grade)

Michelle is married to Todd Layton (married for 25 years) and has one son,
Ilya who attends Cornerstone. She graduated from Georgia State University
with a BBA and then went to UNC Charlotte later in life to obtain a
teaching certification. She has taught in both public and private schools
and began home schooling Ilya in kindergarten. Michelle and her family
attend Crossroads United Methodist Church where she helps with the church
youth group, sometimes teaches children's Sunday School, as well as
accompanying Todd, at times, when he ministers to the youth at Paulding
Youth Detention Center. She loves to read, organize (which Todd laughs
about-because she organizes everything), shop and just spend time with
family and friends. Travel is also something Michelle loves to do but
doesn't get that much of a chance at the moment.

Luke, Alison (Secondary Academic Dean/Advisor)

Alison has co-written the Cornerstone Prep curriculum for each grade level and teaches secondary electives as well as serving as an Academic Dean and Academic Advisor. She has over 21 years of classroom teaching experience, ranging from kindergarten to music to middle school teacher. Alison graduated with a Bachelor of Music Education with a minor in Social Studies from Samford University. In addition to her day-to-day Cornestone Prep duties, she and her husband Jeff are also on the Founding Families Board. They have one daughter, Katy, who is 9th grader at Cornerstone. When not writing curriculum, Alison enjoys shopping and watching NASCAR.

Maddox, Julia (3rd Grade)

Maddox graduated from Kennesaw State University with a bachelors in Early Childhood education. Julia has taught for 12 years in private Christian Schools around the area. The Maddox family has been active at Roswell Street Baptist in Marietta since 1992. Julia and her husband Randy enjoy teaching in the middle school department and Julia enjoys volunteering at the Women’s Center at the church. Julia and Randy have three children , Addy (13) Avery(10) and Ava(2). Julia loves being a part of the process of growing Gods will in her students as they learn God has a special plan for each one. Julia enjoys family life, friends, reading, walking, skiing, and watching English mysteries with Randy.x, Julia

Manning, Allyson (9th/10th Grade English/Performing Lit/Clubs/English Chair)

Allyson Manning is returning to Cornerstone after working full-time in Christian education for the past two years.  Mrs. Manning was born and raised in Cobb County, and she attended Kennesaw State University and graduated in 2004 with a degree in Secondary English Education.  In her spare time, she enjoys reading, participating in church related functions, and writing.  Allyson has been married to Brandon for almost thirteen years, and they have a son named Wesley who will be going into 4th grade this year.  She will be teaching 9th and 10th grade English and Performing Literature.  Mrs. Manning is very excited about her return to Cornerstone, and she is looking forward to seeing how and where God uses her.

Marlow, Jeanine (Yearbook & Communications)

 

Mozley, Claire (Geography/Spanish/Humanities)

I grew up in Cobb County and graduated from Wheeler High. I attended
Auburn University and graduated with a degree in Spanish, French and
Secondary Education. I taught at Wheeler High for 2 years and at Jessamine
County High in Kentucky for 3 years. I taught homeschool Spanish for 8
years. I am married to Michael and we have 3 wonderful children, Anna
(junior in college), Maggie (senior in high school) and Luke (6th grade at
Cornerstone). Our family most recently served in Ghana, West Africa for
10.5 years. I have traveled to 18 countries around the world and have seen
God's power and grace at work all over the world. I am so thankful to be
teaching the wonderful students at Cornerstone!

Nolan, Brandon (Secondary Activities Director)

I was born in Somerset Kentucky which is where all my family lives.  I
graduated high school at PBL High in Paxton, IL in 1999.  I then moved back
to Kentucky where came to know the Lord in April of 2002.  I then moved to
Plant City Florida and joined Lone Oak Baptist Church.  I started to learn
more and more about God and soon loved to be at church at every possible
chance.  I worked at the YMCA and earned my personal training certification
and worked with kid's camp and taught swim lessons.  My first Christian
service was teaching the High school Sunday school class and I then moved on
to teach the SWAT youth group at Lone Oak.  I attended seminary at Emmaus
Baptist College in Brandon Florida for two years and then transferred to the
University of South Florida where I received my bachelor's degree in
Psychology.  I met Sarah Lewis in college and went on our first date on
January 6th, 2007, and I've been with her ever since.  Sarah has been in
church her whole life and was saved at age six.  Sarah is also a USF alumni
where she received her bachelor's in Elementary Education.  She has taught
elementary for 4 years.  Sarah also sells Premier Jewelry which is a
Christian jewelry company.  I proposed to Sarah on September 7th of the same
year and we got married on June 14th, 2008. In November of 2008 I came to
Hillcrest Baptist Church in Acworth in view of a call for the youth pastor
position.  The church offered us to come and we prayed and accepted the
challenge that God had in store for us.  In the summer of 2009 we moved to
Acworth and started working immediately with the youth.  I had heard about
Cornerstone Prep from a church friend who knew one of the teachers.  I am
thankful that I found Cornerstone and am now serving as the Activities
Director; what a fabulous job!  I am truly blessed and totally excited about
the future of my ministry at Hillcrest and my awesome job at Cornerstone.

Norwood, Kim (Elementary Music)

Kim is originally from Louisville, KY and moved here 10 years ago. She holds a BA in Psychology/Child Development from DePauw University and has taught private music lessons for over 16 years.  Kim is excited to be joining Cornerstone this year and teaching 1st - 6th graders about music.  Kim is the mother of Kendra (14) and Bayley (11) and is thankful for the awesome opportunity to raise them.  She loves growing in her relationship with Christ and serving as a small group leader at North Metro Church/Youth Ministry for over 8 years now.

Nygren, Tisha (4th Grade)

Tisha Nygren is a 2001 graduate of Mercer University with a B.S. in Early Childhood Education and a 2006 graduate of Kennesaw State University with a Master’s in Early Childhood Education. She has taught for the past seven years in the Paulding County School System. She taught third grade for three years and kindergarten for four years. During her school years, Tisha was educated through Christian school and home schooling and is very excited to have the opportunity to work with others who are choosing to educate their children in a similar way. Tisha enjoys hiking, picnics, reading, and spending time with family. She has been married for almost 13 years to Ian and they have a beautiful one-year-old son, Julian.

Reiner, Gabbie (T/W/TH Office, Registrar)

Gabbie is an Atlanta area native, though she and her husband lived in Indiana for eight years. She and Jason have been married for 22 years and have four children, one of which still lives at home full time and is a junior in high school. Gabbie was a full time mom for many years and a homeschool mom for several (9+) of those. She started working at Cornerstone four years ago when her youngest daughter attended. She and her family are involved at Grace Community Church. Gabbie enjoys reading, is a Sudoku addict, recently attempted her first scrapbook (and loved it!), and would travel more if she had the opportunity.

Snow, Rhonda (High School English & History)

 

Spell, Vivien (5th/6th Science & Math)

 

Varner, Emily (Elementary Computers & Technology Chair)

I graduated from the University of GA with a BS in Business Education and later received an MED in Business Education from West GA University. I taught high school in Cobb County for 8 years before becoming a stay-at-home mom. I have two girls, Kate (7) and Anna (4). My husband, Gary, is a teacher and a football coach at Allatoona High School. We attend North Star Church in Kennesaw. In my free time I enjoy being with family and friends, watching football, sewing, and traveling.

Vehrs, Xiomara (Spanish)

Xiomara hails from the city of Saltillo, in the Mexican state of Coahuila. She graduated the Universidad Autonoma del Noreste in 1992 in Saltillo. She taught English (ESL) and was an English Coordinator for the state of Coahuila before coming to the United States in 2007. She married her husband Ron in 2007, and they live in Acworth. Xiomara attends Northstar Church where she is active in Bible Studies and translates English to Spanish for Northstar sermons. Xiomara has a genuine joy for life, and loves to help people.

Webster, Lesley (Kindergarten & 1st Grade)

Lesley hails from Port Elizabeth, South Africa. She studied for her
Bachelor of Primary Education Degree through correspondence at the
University of South Africa while serving as a teacher's aide/teacher
(1997-2001). Thereafter, she took a year off to work as an Au-pair for a
family in Powder Springs (2002). Lesley then went on to teach 3rd grade at
a private Christian school back home, Harvest Christian School. She returned to the States and joined Team Cornerstone in 2007 as the Kindergarten teacher. Currently, she is teaching both Kindergarten and First Grade on alternate days.

Werner, Deena (5th Grade)

Deena has been a third grade teacher for most of her teaching career. She received her teaching degree from Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Missouri, with an emphasis in science. Deena taught for a couple of years before deciding to stay at home to start a family. She began teaching again 16 years ago at Eastside Christian School and spent the last year teaching at Shelton Elementary School in Paulding County. She and her husband, Mark, live in Kennesaw and have two daughters, Bonnie (26) and Aubrie (21). Walking, reading, and riding on the back of her husband's motorcycle are some of Deena's favorite things to do. She and her husband attend North Metro Church.

White, Cynthia (Entrepreneur / Assistant)

Cynthia is a graduate of Auburn University with a BS in English and French secondary education. She taught school for one year before beginning her career as a stay-at-home mom to their four children. Cynthia has homeschooled her children from the beginning, and has had them at Cornerstone Prep since its inception.

Wilson, Peggy (Band)

Peggy Wilson spent the first half of her life in southwest Missouri.  She graduated from
Southwest Missouri State University (now known as Missouri State University) in 1985. 
Peggy is certified with a K- 12 vocal/instrumental music degree.  She met her husband of
25 years in the university marching band.  Peggy has invested 19 years teaching
elementary music and middle school bands in Missouri, Texas and Georgia.  She obtained a
couple of specialist certifications in Kodaly Levels 1 and 2 and Orff Level 1.  After her
daughters were born, Peggy stayed home to take care of them .  She entered back into the
teaching arena when she began homeschooling Madison and Shaylynn.  She has taught music
at various homeschool venues and is presently teaching with Joyful Noise and Cornerstone.
 Peggy and her family are members of North Point Community Church where they have enjoyed
helping out with the CG and sound board for the Upstreet children.  When Peggy has any
spare time, she enjoys redecorating, doing home improvement projects and spending time
with her family.

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Bio

Name (Class)

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