Our Community

Title: Art

Contact: dawnmurray@ccsconnection.org

My Stories:

Title: Physical Education

My Stories

I have taught at CCS for 10 years although not consecutively (2001-2003, 2006-2013, 2022-present). I am very grateful to be back among the Cornerstone Christian School community. As a PE teacher I want to help the students understand that they are fearfully and wonderfully made by their loving Heavenly Father. I also want them to realize that their body is an amazing gift from God and we show our gratitude to Him by living a healthy lifestyle. As the Athletic Director my desire is that the CCS Athletic Program be known for humble, competent coaches who encourage their players and help them reach their full potential, student-athletes who put the interests of the team first while giving their best effort and having fun in the process, and an enthusiastic and supportive family/fan base that is proud of the team regardless of the outcome. I love spending time with the love of my life, Renee and the amazing family God has blessed us with. I’m proud to be a girl dad to Hannah and Abbey and a girl Papaw to Eloise, CiCi and Maya! I also am a big UNC Tar Heels fan.

Title: Language Arts; Bible & History

My Stories

As of 2022, I’ve been teaching for eight years in private Christian schools, including one year teaching English at a JROTC all-boys’ military school.

I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, writing, hiking, fishing, boating, drinking coffee, and talking about deep theological subjects related to the Kingdom of God. I love to delve into God’s word to discover rhema truth: daily bread for the journey.

CCS is a great school and I’m honored to serve among the wonderful people – families, teachers, and administrators – who labor to make this school a true community. It’s also a blessing to have my family attend CCS with me: my four children as students, and my wife, Heidi, as a Spanish teacher.

This is my prayer as I step into class each day:

“Let my teaching fall like rain and my words descend like dew, like showers on new grass, like abundant rain on tender plants” (Deuteronomy 32:2, NIV).

Title: First Grade

My Stories

I have taught kindergarten and first grade for over 39 years. I teach First grade Reading, Math, STEM and Technology. I have been connected with CCS since its founding, as a supporter, parent, grandparent and now as a “retired” teacher who still loves teaching children! I love showing children the love of Jesus and fostering their relationship with Jesus. Teaching at CCS has given me the opportunity to pray with my students, teach from a biblical perspective, support parents and develop relationships!

In my free time I enjoy being with Family-my sons and their wives- and of course, spoiling my grandchildren- I enjoy cooking, baking bread, reading and sitting around the fire pit with friends and family.

Title: English & Bible/ 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: 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: 5^th Grade & Librarian

Contact: gwenzook@ccsconnection.org

My Stories

Mrs. Zook serves as the Librarian and lower elementary aid. She has over 20 years teaching experience with more than 18 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: Science

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: Spanish 8-9/ Academic Director

Contact: deannabenavides@ccsconnection.org

My Stories

Mrs. Benavides has over 25 years of teaching experience with more than 12 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: Math

Contact: melissashirk@ccsconnection.org

My Stories

Mrs. Shirk has taught at CCS for 1 year but has 10+ years of 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/First 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