Meet the Cornerstone Family:
Joanna M. Lange, a Louisiana native, is Lead Principal of Cornerstone Schools of Washington, D.C. She has been involved with Cornerstone for some time as a third-grade teacher, a member of the Curriculum Committee, and most recently principal at the Beulah campus. Mrs. Lange holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Advertising from Louisiana State University and a Masters of Education in School Administration from the University of Virginia. She was instrumental in the opening of both the Beulah and the Mt. Carmel campuses. She loves Cornerstone’s mission to give Christ’s love to our children through education and has witnessed the schools’ enrollment double over the past four years. She dreams of some day seeing a Cornerstone campus in every quadrant of DC!
Amy Henkle is Cornerstone’s Development Assistant. She is a native of Battle Creek, MI. She attended Wheaton College in Illinois where she received a B.A. in Elementary Education with a concentration in Math. For the past four years, she has enjoyed teaching second grade at Dominion Christian School in Oakton, VA. She loves being in a school environment and is excited to see the great things that God will do in the lives of all of the children at Cornerstone this year. In her spare time, she can be found reading, playing her violin, doing puzzles, and spending time with family in the area. Her favorite Bible verse is Ephesians 3:16-19.
Cornerstone Beulah Christian Academy:
Mary Jane D. Pimentel, Lead Teacher at CBCA, teaches Fourth grade. She received a B.A. in Psychology from Marymount University, and is currently pursuing a Masters Degree in Special Education from Trinity University. Because of her heart for the city, she began her work with youth at an after-school program and summer camp for an urban ministry in Washington, D.C. in 2001. She has been involved in tutoring, mentoring and leading bible studies for children and youth ages 4-18. This is her third year at Cornerstone.
Geronda Stroman has been the Pre-Kindergarten teacher at CBCA for three years. She is an Honors graduate of South Carolina State University where she earned a B.S. in Psychology. Currently, Ms. Stroman is studying to get her Masters in school psychology at Bowie State University. Prior to joining the CBCA family she worked with children in various capacities. Her experiences include instructing youth dance ministries at different churches in South Carolina and Maryland, instructing Sunday School and working with the youth choir at her church. She was recently named Teacher of the Year by the Phi Delta Kappa Honor Society for Educators.
Karen Gooden is the Early Childhood Teacher's Assistant at CBCA. She is a graduate of Springarn Sr. High School. Ms. Kay, as she is commonly known around CBCA, came from The Church of Jesus Christ Development Center in southeast Washington, D.C. and brings with her a variety of experiences in Early Childhood Care. She was the Teacher's Aide there, and regularly attends teacher-training workshops to keep abreast of the latest teaching concepts.
Kelly McCombie Polsinelli teaches Kindergarten at CBCA. She is an honors graduate of Clarion University of Pennsylvania where she holds her B.S. in Education. Ever since she can remember, she's wanted to be a teacher. It's something that comes from her mom (a first grade teacher for almost 30 years) and her love for children. Mrs. Polsinelli creates a fun learning environment where kids feel welcomed, nurtured, and motivated. Over the years, she's taught vacation Bible school, volunteered at her elementary school, coached swimming lessons, worked in Philadelphia schools, and tutored children.
Cherilyn Shahid teaches First grade at CBCA. This is her first year teaching at Cornerstone and she’s excited about her new experience. She holds a B.S. in Liberal Studies from Excelsior College and is currently pursuing two Masters Degrees. Mrs. Shahid has previous teaching experience in elementary physical education and middle school history. She also has extensive experience in coaching volleyball, basketball, and soccer. Mrs. Shahid has basic language skills in Spanish, Persian-Farsi, and Serbian Croatian. She loves learning through children and looks forward to this year!
Shauntaye Fontroy teaches Second grade at CBCA. She grew up in a military family and attended Coppin State University where she received a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education with a concentration in psychology. Miss Fontroy is currently enrolled in Bowie State's graduate program pursuing a Master’s Degree in Counseling. Her favorite scripture is Psalms 28:7: “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to Him in song.” Miss Fontroy loves children and more importantly loves teaching at Cornerstone!
Eve Coley is CBCA's Third grade teacher. Look back soon for her bio!
Kimberly Marshall was Cornerstone's Spanish teacher last year and is now the Fifth grade teacher at CCS. She graduated from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with a B.A. in Psychology. Ms. Marshall’s prior experiences include mentoring elementary school students with behavioral, emotional and/or learning disabilities. She also served as a camp counselor at a Christian camp, and has had several clinical experiences obtained through UNC Charlotte’s College of Education.
Jamie Smith is the Administrative Assistant at CBCA. She began her relationship with Cornerstone as a parent of two children attending the school. After two years of volunteering and substitute teaching at both Cornerstone Campuses, Ms. Smith found a permanent spot in the Beulah office. Her main goal in life is to train up her children in the way that they should go so that when they get older, they will not depart from the things of God. Ms. Smith studied Classical Ballet & Modern Dance at Duke Ellington School of the Performing Arts and Business Administration at Strayer College. She enjoys presenting the word of God to children with simplicity and understanding as well as teaching Dance Ministry.
Cornerstone Mt. Carmel Christian Academy:
Heather Barbee Regis, Lead Teacher at CMC, teaches middle school Language Arts. This is her third year teaching at Cornerstone she’s excited to give even more knowledge to the students here. She holds a B.A. from Oberlin College with a major in Sociology and a minor in Law & Society. She also holds a J.D. from the University of Toledo college of Law. Mrs. Regis has a wide spectrum of experiences instructing youth, from tutoring elementary students in Oberlin, Ohio, to coaching Varsity Girl’s Tennis, Basketball, and Softball in Virginia.
Celeste Wright teaches Kindergarten and First grade at CMC. She holds a degree in Applied Psychology from Coppin State University and was the Vice President of the Psi Chi Club. Ms. Wright currently attends a Master of Education program at Trinity College. Throughout her work experience she has taught elementary students for three years in Prince George's County Public Schools and has taught First and Second grades at Cornerstone. Ms. Wright's life desire is to assist and instruct adults and children. She strongly believes that Cornerstone is lead by God and that she was chosen to instruct students through His word.
Rachael McCray teaches second and third grade at CMC. Look back soon for her bio!
Shaina Grant, CMC’s middle school math and science teacher, is a native of the Washington DC area. Ms. Grant is the youngest of three children and attended Christian private school as a child. Ms. Grant later received her B.S. from University of Maryland with a major in Psychology. She is the youth leader at her home church and also the assistant leader with the teen Praise Dance Ministry. Ms. Grant has also coached two high school step teams for many years. This year, Ms. Grant will begin working on her Masters of Secondary Education. Ms. Grant’s favorite Bible verse comes from Philippians 4:13, “I can do ALL things through Christ which strengthens me.”
Lauri Swann teaches middle school history and Bible at CMC. She holds a B.A. in Art History from Syracuse University, a M.A. in Museum Studies from The George Washington University, a M.Div, from Wesley Theological Seminary, and is currently pursing her D.Min in Missional Evangelism at Wesley Theological Seminary. Ms. Swann is a former pastor and youth and young adult minister. She is a member of the Christian Methodist Episcopal church and currently serves in various capacities within her denomination including the position as chair for Mission Initiatives for the Commission for Social Justice, Missions, and Human Concerns. Because of her passion to fulfill the mission of God, through missions work, and God’s future generation of youth and young adults, Ms. Swann is the founder and president of At The Well Ministries, Inc.—where youth are empowered and transformed through intimate encounters with God. She is completely honored and humbled to be part of the Cornerstone staff.
Jewell Diggs is CMC's Administrative Assistant. Look back soon for her bio!
Electives Teachers and Staff for both Campuses:
Jonathan Powell is Cornerstone's P.E. teacher. During the previous year, Mr. Powell tutored First through Sixth grade students at the Third Ave Baptist Church's after-school program in Flint, Michigan. He also assisted with their Summer Safety-Net program. Mr. Powell brings a unique perspective as a teacher, student and small business owner. Currently, he is several credits shy of a B.S. Degree in Business Administration from Thomas Edison State College. Last spring Mr. Powell had the privilege of visiting public schools throughout Romania. The climax of his trip was building life long friendships and presenting the Gospel to the students.
