Our Community

Title: Head of School / Pastor

Contact: jeremybarb@ccsconnection.org

My Story:

I like CCS as it’s been a significant part of my life. I’m a former student, former teacher, and current parent. The focus on character, discipleship, and transforming oneself to be more like Christ is a needed focus in today’s culture.

Where the Lord was leading me, I walked with Him. And here I am.

Exodus 33:15 – Then Moses said to him, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.”

I enjoy time with my family; also I enjoy reading, gaming, hunting, and carving.

Title: K-6 Spanish & Lunch/Recess Assistant

Contact: georgiagood@ccsconnection.org

My Stories:

I love the encouragement and positivity from the staff and students at CCS. It is a blessing to feel supported and know that everyone has your back.
I have been passionate about Spanish since living in Bolivia for 6 months in 2017. When the school contacted me and gave me the opportunity to teach Spanish and cooking, I gladly accepted.

Psalm 84:5-7 (can just use 5-6)
What joy for those whose strength comes from the Lord,
who have set their minds on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem.
When they walk through the Valley of Weeping,[b]

it will become a place of refreshing springs.
The autumn rains will clothe it with blessings.
They will continue to grow stronger,
and each of them will appear before God in Jerusalem

I love to bake nearly anything and cook with fresh herbs from my herb garden. When it’s not too hot I go on bike rides through farm country, and when the weather isn’t good I stay in and read.

Title: Middle School Language Arts

Contact: faithbuck@ccsconnection.org

My Story:

What do you like about CCS: I love the family atmosphere and commitment to character in addition to excellent academics.
What brought you here: A recent move to Harrisonburg brought me to the area where I met another teacher from CCS. I love the school environment, the opportunity to minister to middle schoolers, and be a part of helping them become all-around better communicators. I also have a desire to help them love God’s Word deeply as they apply it to every part of life.
Favorite Verse: 1 Peter 2:24-25
What do you enjoy doing when you aren’t at CCS: spending time with my husband, playing music/drumming, working out & playing sports, reading, cooking/baking.

Title: Director of Admissions & Marketing

Contact: stephanieshafer@ccsconnection.org

My Stories

Mrs. Shafer has served at CCS for 6 years as the Development Director. She previously worked in secondary school/higher education enrollment for 19 years. 

She enjoys spending time with her two girls, who also attend CCS, and her husband. 

I love CCS for the love and care that my girls receive from teachers and staff. They are prayed over, taught from a Biblical perspective, challenged academically and afforded opportunity to try things that they wouldn’t be able to at a larger public school.

Title: Music, Drama & Bible

Contact: michelemorgan@ccsconnection.org

My Stories

Mrs. Morgan has been blessing CCS for 24 years in the areas of music and theater.
She loves CCS for the relationship that she develops with the students. She teaches all grades-PK-8th grade and this allows her to see the students grow over the years and develop a relationship with each one.
In her free time she enjoys spending time with her husband, children and grandchildren. She enjoys hanging out with the ladies in her Lifegroup and making music unto the Lord with her friends in the church worship team.

Title: 5th Grade Reading, Library & Instructional Assistant

Contact: gwenzook@ccsconnection.org

My Stories

Mrs. Zook serves as the Librarian and lower elementary aid. She has 19 years teaching experience with 16 of those being at CCS.

I enjoy interacting with the staff, students and families of CCS. I like the emphasis of the school and home working together to shape the heart of each child. I like that the goal is not just academics but also Godly character. I like the positive atmosphere of the staff and how they work and support one another.

Title: Upper Cluster Science Teacher

Contact: andreanissley@ccsconnection.org

My Stories

Mrs. Nissley serves as the middle school team leader.
She has taught middle school science at CCS for 18 years. In addition to teaching middle school science she teaches 7th grade Bible, technology, speech, and elective classes – including photography. She also serves as the leader of the 7th grade girls’ cell group and is the 7th grade homeroom teacher,
Some middle school highlights are: swimming on the first day of school, MS retreat, MS musical, mission trips, dissecting frogs, building model rockets, helping students grow stronger in their relationship with God.

Title: Academic Director

Contact: deannabenavides@ccsconnection.org

My Stories

Mrs. Benavides has 24 years of teaching experience with 11 of those years being at CCS. 

“I love the community and the emphasis on relationship. I like the opportunity to encourage others. I enjoy the challenge and the variety of things that I do at CCS. It’s exciting to be part of the transforming work that God does year by year in the lives of the students and their families.”

Mrs. Benavides enjoys playing the piano, traveling, being in nature and meeting people from other cultures.”

She loves the Bible and doesn’t have a favorite passage. “I don’t really have a favorite verse because I am constantly interacting with the Bible hearing many things from God that are specific for each day and each season.”

Title: Middle School Math

Contact: melissashirk@ccsconnection.org

My Stories

Mrs. Shirk has taught at CCS for 1 year but has 10 years teaching experience.

“CCS is different than any other school I have ever been part of. I love teaching math and seeing those “light bulb” moments when students really get it, but more than that, I love having the opportunity to see students grow in every aspect of their lives…academic, social, and spiritual. As a middle school teacher, I hope to plant seeds in my students’ lives that will eventually bear fruit for the Kingdom of God.

Mrs. Shirk enjoys doing nature photography. Her favorite book is The Hiding Place

Title: Preschool

Contact: ginaschultz@ccsconnection.org

My Stories

Mrs. Schultz has over 20 years experience teaching. She has her Child Development Associate Certification and is a member of VAECE and keeps her first aid/CPR certification current.

Mrs. Schultz enjoys hiking, walking, and spending time with her family. 

Her favorite Bible verse is Philippians 4:13 and Proverbs 22:6

“I enjoy being able to encourage children to develop skills and confidence by stimulating their physical, mental, emotional and social development. I love to watch them discover new things and develop an excitement for learning.”

Title: Kindergarten/1st Grade

Contact: loriblosser@ccsconnection.org 

My Stories

My favorite part of teaching at Cornerstone is the family atmosphere. Teachers, staff, and students care about one another. I love Christian education. Cornerstone is unique in the fact that a child’s heart and their relationship with God are of highest priority. Students are prayed over and shepherded. I love the grace of God in the process.

I love the freedom I have to daily pray with my students and teach them truths about God.

Mrs. Blosser enjoys reading and going for walks. Her favorite book is Hinds Feet on High Places.

Title: 2^nd/3^rd Grade

Contact: estherwenger@ccsconnection.org  

My Stories

Mrs. Wenger has been teaching for 23 years with 15 of those being at CCS. “I love the opportunity to invite Jesus into all we do in my class, to worship Him, read and learn scripture and pray together. Positive relationships with students, coworkers and parents are another blessing for me. I also enjoy the freedom to be creative in my teaching and to go on plenty of field trips.

Mrs. Wenger’s favorite Bible verse is Ephesians 3:20-21

Title: 2^nd/3^rd Grade

Contact: sondrastevanus@ccsconnection.org

My Stories

I love CCS because the approach is more of Jesus/less religion. Education is also about the “whole child” with age appropriate expectations. I enjoy teaching here because I am able to bring Jesus, the Bible and Godly principles into lessons, all day long.

“I love teaching at CCS because I have freedom to be creative and am encouraged to infuse Jesus throughout. “

Mrs. Stevanus enjoys hiking and reading. 

Her favorite book is The Mitford Series by Jan Karon