Faculty & Staff

Our Team

Interested in a Career?

Some of our faculty and staff have only been with us for a year or two, while others have been with us for more than 30. Yet all are near the top of their field in terms of both skill and experience. Above all else, we pride ourselves on the commitment of our faculty and staff to not just their careers, but to our children and our cause.

Our Administrators

Front Office

Tracey Dorenbusch
Office Manager
tdorenbusch@cornerstonecenterstl.org
(314) 865-5244 ext. 100

Ta’Lisha Franklin
Center Director
tfranklin@cornerstonecenterstl.org
(314) 865-5244 ext. 118

Markie Hempen
Center Director Hearts & Hands Location
mhempen@cornerstonecenterstl.org
(314) 449-1120

Toni Jackson
Program Director
tjackson@cornerstonecenterstl.org
(314) 865-5244 ext. 119

Sharon Coleman
Office Coordinator
scoleman@cornerstonecenterstl.org

Administrative Building

Michelle Campbell
Communications Coordinator
mcampbell@cornerstonecenterstl.org
(314) 865-5244 ext. 133

Karen Lucy
Executive Director
klucy@cornerstonecenterstl.org
(314) 865-5244 ext. 131

Carissa McCleery
Business Manager
cmccleery@cornerstonecenterstl.org
(314) 865-5244 ext. 132
Board Member 2009-2016

Jami Melton
Development Specialist
jmelton@cornerstonecenterstl.org
(314) 865-5244 ext. 132

Arnashia Nguyen
Administrative Assistant
anguyen@cornerstonecenterstl.org
(314) 865-5244 ext. 130

Dani Smith
Development Director
dsmith@cornerstonecenterstl.org
(314) 865-5244 ext. 134

Our Teachers

Infants

Ducks
Maddie Dorenbusch
Tirhas Girmay

Lambs
Tennille King
Cece Mason

Penguins
Christina Buckley
Marian Crane

Toddlers

Pandas
Vicky Bakole
Jazmine Eason

Puffins
Nyreile Jones
Kelcey Molina

Two Year Olds

Bunnies
Jeanette Johnson

Teddy Bears
LaRonda Lewis
Christina Nieto

Junior Preschool

Bears
Rhonda Glover
Kenya Templer
Shalaia Vaughn

Blue Jays
Erin Jackson
Kyle Ward

Preschool

Lions
Weston Lundy
Kathy Podor

Tigers
Aeryn Candies
Bradley Pierce

Pre-K

Explorers
Taylor Murphy
Jennifer Watts

Classroom Facilitators

Vanessa Anthony
Rosemary Chappell
Gina DeRoy
Quinetin Jackson
Mary Maguire
Traonna Martin
Walter Pruitt
Erin Ritter
Kimberly Simpkins

Hearts & Hands Educator

Kamery Jackson
Sarah Schultheiss
Kaitlyn Swartz

Teacher-Interventionist

Ellie Hill

Our Kitchen Staff

Tim Cosentino, Chef
Terri Fierce, Kitchen Assistant
Flo Harris, Kitchen Assistant

What our parents are saying

What you have on the corner of Russell and 39th is something incredibly precious and so incredibly needed in our world right now: a place to belong, a place to be safe, a place to grow and be challenged and be loved. Thank you for allowing us to be part of it.

Cornerstone Parents

Cornerstone became a part of our lives. The teachers didn’t just care for our boys- they LOVED them and cared about them. You have a special place with SUPER special teachers loving and shaping all of these little people.

Cornerstone Parents

Cornerstone is our biggest blessing - exceeds expectations - and knows what we need before we know what we need.

Cornerstone Family

I am very grateful for the resources, teachers, and level of care and development of my children at Cornerstone.

Cornerstone Parent

Our family loves all the staff and support Cornerstone has to offer. You guys are extended family.

Cornerstone Family

We so appreciate each and every one of you and all you do for our family and all of the Cornerstone families. It does not go unnoticed - thank you, thank you!

Cornerstone Family

Thank you all for your dedication to teaching us the skills we need to grow up to be great human beings. We've all endured tough times during the pandemic but you all, especially, have been there for us kiddos. Thank you!

Cornerstone Parent

I appreciate every one of you. It's really nice to know that my girls are safe, loved, and cared for. Thank you all so much for all you do.

Cornerstone Grandparent

I'm so blessed to have found a school as amazing as Cornerstone. I'm a very protective mom but I feel a sense of security sending my children to Cornerstone. You all are so attentive to the children and loving it warms my heart. Greeting each child and parent enthusiastically by name every single morning is unfortunately not always the case in schools and daycares. It shows that you guys care and love the children. Thank you for all your kindness and patience.

Cornerstone Parent

Thank you so much for all you do! [Our child] loves coming to daycare, and your cheerful smiles and gracious greetings make pick and drop off so easy. We love the community at Cornerstone and couldn't do it without you.

Cornerstone Parents

As a parent, there is no better feeling than knowing that not only is your little one safe while he's away at school, but he's also loved and having a ball. Thank you all for creating such a wonderful environment for all of the kids that walk through your doors each day. Cornerstone is a special place and I am so thankful to be part of the community. You all are the best!

Cornerstone Parent

I truly appreciate how dedicated you all are with caring for my child and all the children of Cornerstone. Throughout the years I've built a strong relationship with many of the staff members and consider them family. I am so grateful that [my daughter] is a Cornerstone kid. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Cornerstone Parent

Thank you so much for creating such a loving and supportive environment for [our son]! He comes home happy every day and is learning so much. We feel so lucky that [his big brother] got to experience Cornerstone too, and we're excited for when [their little brother] joins the Cornerstone crew!

Cornerstone Family

When we found out in October 2020 that Cornerstone was opening their enrollment, we jumped at the chance of getting [our son] in the program. Because of the amazing teachers he's had, he has returned to the sweet goofy little human he was before COVID made his world so small. Everything he was behind in he is now excelling in. We are forever thankful for his teachers that he's had. Thank you for being amazing.

Cornerstone Parents

Thank you for the amazing job you do every day helping our kids grow. You guys are super heroes and I really appreciate you. Thanks Cornerstone!

Cornerstone Parent

Thank you to each and every one of you. Thank you for everything you do for our children. Thank you for your love, patience, and support. Cornerstone is an amazing place and I'm blessed to be a part of the Cornerstone family. We love y'all.

Cornerstone Parent

Thank you to the amazing staff at Cornerstone! You are always so welcoming in the morning at drop off and so helpful getting kids to their classrooms.

Cornerstone Parents

Thank you for being so very patient with me as I transitioned from a stay-at-home mom to a working one. It was hard at first, but I appreciate all the efforts of getting my many, many questions answered. I also appreciate the love and care you give my child and the other children. You all are really super heroes in my book. I know when I drop off [my son] he's in good hands, and I'm reminded with the smile on his face when I pick him up. Thank you Cornerstone Team!

Cornerstone Parents

Thank you for your constant creative and thoughtful care!

Cornerstone Parents

Thank you for taking care of and loving [our daughters]. They absolutely love school, mainly due to the relationships they have with the teachers and staff. We could not have asked for a better loving, supportive school for them.

Cornerstone Family

Thank you for sharing your time and hearts with all of the kids. You guys are the BEST!

Cornerstone Parent

You are SO great for LGBT, interracial, and foster/adoptive families!

Cornerstone Parent

I have been with Cornerstone for 6+ years. I love the family environment. My youngest is about to age out and I almost want to have another one because you guys are a big help (:

Cornerstone Parent

Your center helped calm the fears this single, formerly unemployed mother had. You are a diamond in the rough and a treasure to the families that get a chance to encounter your care. We miss you dearly and thank you for all you did!

Cornerstone Parent

I feel so happy with all that Cornerstone provides. I can't think of anything else we could need.

Cornerstone Parent

Our kids love it! They are safe and learn a lot.

Cornerstone Parent

The highly professional and caring teachers make it easy to see your child's education is in their best interest.

Cornerstone Parent

I have heard stories from friends at other daycares, and it makes me appreciate Cornerstone even more than I did before. You all are great and do such a wonderful job with the kids.

Cornerstone Parent

Your teachers are just wonderful and that really is the best thing. You have great hours, great staff, nice facilities, the best playground and are always improving. Thank you!

Cornerstone Parent

We have been so happy. Our kids are excited to come to school and are happy when we pick them up. We have had very positive experiences in the classrooms.

Cornerstone Parent

The staff members are great with the kids. They also have wonderful activities for the children.

Cornerstone Parent

We love Cornerstone. Our daughter is happy, thriving, and learning. Every teacher and staff member is great with kids and is dedicated to Cornerstone families.

Cornerstone Parent

I love how diverse and thoughtful Cornerstone is. The little things like the Christmas shop, the co-op, and the books sent home are all examples of how you are thinking of kids and families.

Cornerstone Parent

They do a great job building our children's self-esteem and creating kind, knowledgeable humans.

Cornerstone Parent

The staff has become like a second family and my child has developed friendships I hope last after they leave the program.

Cornerstone Parent

Our kids are thriving and we feel completely safe with them at Cornerstone.

Cornerstone Parent

The end goal is the welfare of the kids and I really love the team. You all work so hard and it does not go unnoticed.

Cornerstone Parent

My child loves to come to school.

Cornerstone Parent