A Calling Shaped By Compassion

Staff Spotlight: Mrs. Maria Andrews

Cornerstone is blessed by teachers who bring not only strong academic preparation, but also deep compassion and a heart for students. Mrs. Maria Andrews, who currently serves as an elementary teacher’s assistant and will be stepping into a greater teaching role next year, is one of those people. With a background in education, counseling, and psychology, she brings a unique and thoughtful perspective to our school community. 

Rooted in Education and Experience 

Mrs. Andrews earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the University of West Florida and later completed a Master of Science in Counseling and Psychology from Troy University. Originally from Fort Walton Beach, Florida, she joined Cornerstone in 2025 and quickly became known for her steady presence and relational approach with students. 

As a Cornerstone parent with a son, Colton, in 6th grade, she speaks from personal experience when asked what she loves most about the school. She immediately points to the model and mission. “I love so many things about the University-Model® of schooling. However, what I love the most is the partnership between the teachers and parents in education.”

That shared commitment to student growth, academically, emotionally, and spiritually, is something she deeply values.

A Calling Shaped Through Foster Care

Mrs. Andrews’ journey into counseling and psychology was born out of obedience, faith, and real-life experience. After years of prayer, she and her husband made the decision to foster full-time. They stepped away from their careers, rented out their home, and relocated to Birmingham, Alabama, where they spent two years fostering and working with teenage boys in a group home setting. “We were able to introduce the boys to what a Christian home looks like while practicing the basics of daily prayer, family meals, playing and connecting as a family, and attending church.” 

While that season was filled with both blessings and challenges, it also raised deeper questions about behavior, trauma, and resilience. “We struggled to understand the roots of some of the behaviors, emotional outbursts, and motivations. That led me to want a deeper understanding of trauma, family backgrounds, cultural differences, and resilience.”

Those questions ultimately led her to pursue graduate school and to a calling centered on compassion and understanding.

Faith and Mental Health: Not Separate, But Connected

Throughout her work as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), Mrs. Andrews has served in a variety of settings, including inpatient care for adolescent girls, outpatient counseling with children and families, and as both guidance counselor and mental health counselor in a private Christian school.

Her faith has always been central to her approach. “Mental health and faith do not need to be viewed as separate components.”

Teaching Psychology Through a Biblical Worldview

As Mrs. Andrews prepares to teach Dual Enrollment psychology courses, she is excited about the openness and curiosity students bring to conversations about mental health. “The newer generations bring a spirit of curiosity and self-awareness that can be quite refreshing.”

She believes psychology taught through a biblical lens helps students seek understanding rather than labels.

“Understanding the psyche while also connecting it with our Creator is important so we don’t get stuck in pathologizing, but instead pursue growth and understanding.”

A Dream Opportunity for Students

Mrs. Andrews hopes students gain confidence, wisdom, and a safe place to ask meaningful questions. “I want students to be able to explore difficult topics in a comfortable and safe environment, especially before encountering them in college.”

This opportunity, she says, represents the intersection of her passions. “This is truly a dream combining education, mental health, and faith.”

Outside of Cornerstone, Mrs. Andrews enjoys time with her two boys, walking trails, connecting with others, and baking,  all reflections of her love for family and community.

We are grateful for the depth, faith, and care Mrs. Andrews brings to Cornerstone, and we look forward to the impact she will continue to make in the years ahead.

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There is no better way to truly see what it’s like to be part of the Cornerstone family than by seeing our students, faculty, and staff in action. To learn more about the University-Model®, we invite you to connect with our Director of Admissions, Mrs. Freiler. She would love to answer your questions and share more about what makes Cornerstone unique.