Stefanie Hill- Director
My name is Stefanie, and I am the Director at Cornerstone. I joined Cornerstone in 2020 as the Lead Preschool Teacher and Preschool Coordinator, and in 2023, I was grateful to step into the Director role.
I earned my degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Martin Luther College in New Ulm, Minnesota. I have been teaching since 2012, beginning my career as a kindergarten teacher in Wisconsin for four years. After getting married and moving to Minnesota, I taught preschool in a daycare setting and later served as both director and preschool teacher at a Lutheran preschool in Brooklyn Park for three years. I then felt very blessed to be called to Cornerstone.
I live in Roseville and have two daughters, who attend both Christ and Cornerstone. In our free time, we enjoy going on walks and visiting the zoo and aquarium as a family.
Cornerstone has been a wonderful place to serve. I feel blessed to share God’s Word each day and to be part of each child’s learning and growth. I also appreciate the opportunity to build relationships with families and staff as we work together to support children in every area of development, especially their spiritual growth.
Crystal Laurin-Johnson- Administrative Assistant
My name is Crystal and I am part of Cornerstone’s administrative team. I have been part of Cornerstone’s family since January 2017. I live in Hugo with my husband of 18 years and our 3 boys; a teenager who attends St. Croix Lutheran Academy, and 2 littles who have attended Cornerstone since infancy.
God has blessed me with a never ending family where I have the privilege to witness our children grow in faith and love in Jesus Christ. My absolute passion is building relationships with our current and prospective families and learning all I can about advancements in child growth and development.
Todd Volk- Administrative Assistant
My name is Todd Volk. I joined the Cornerstone administrative team in November 2023 after a career in health care as a chiropractic physician. I have always had a heart for helping people. It is a blessing that I can continue in a similar role, now helping children. My position in administration focuses on supporting our teachers and staff while they care for the children in various stages of social and academic development, all in a Christ-centered environment. My time spent with the students is always the best part of the day. Whether it’s reading, singing, dancing or playing, they make it a joy to come to work.
I live in Hugo with my wife and have lived in several parts of the country. I did my undergraduate and professional education in Wyoming, Colorado and Iowa. I had chiropractic practices in both Massachusetts and Wisconsin before deciding to make Minnesota home. We have children and grandchildren in the area, 2 of whom have attended (and currently attend) Cornerstone. My wife and I love to spend time with our grandkids and travel in our free time.
Jodi Lobin- Called Worker and Lead Infant Teacher
Hi, my name is Ms. Jodi, and I work as the lead teacher in the Infant Room. I have worked with all ages from Infant through Preschool since I was called to Cornerstone in 2021. It is a joy to watch children learn and grow! My favorite thing about Cornerstone is how we become a part of each family while caring for their children each day. When I am not at work I enjoy spending time with my family on the lake, reading, singing, or cooking. I consider it a joy and privilege to care for God’s little lambs.
Anna Russ- Lead Transition Teacher
Hello! My name is Anna Russ and I am the Lead Teacher in the Transition room. I graduated with a communications degree in November 2024, and have over 8 years of experience working with children. I adore every child I have worked with. I enjoy spending time outside, reading, writing and hanging out with my friends and family. I am extremely family oriented and I value my family and faith over everything. I always look forward to building relationships and getting to know every family in my care.
Michaela Mergen- Lead Toddler Teacher
Hi! My name is Michaela Mergen, and I am the Lead Teacher in the Toddler Classroom. I have been part of the Cornerstone team since 2024 and earned my Child Development Associate (CDA) Certificate shortly after starting.
Working with toddlers is truly something I love. I enjoy watching them grow, reach new milestones, and seeing their little personalities begin to shine. Every day brings something new and exciting as they learn about the world around them.
I feel very grateful to be part of the Cornerstone community and love building strong relationships with the children and their families. Being part of each child’s early learning journey is incredibly special to me.
Marissa Mathison- Lead Preschool 4 Teacher
Hello. I am Ms. Marissa. I have a daughter named Leah. I am originally from Arizona and moved to Minnesota in 2021 to move closer to my family. I enjoy swimming, watching hockey, teaching, and cooking. I have been with Cornerstone since 2022 and have loved every minute of it. I first started my time here at Cornerstone working as an aid in the Transition room. After a year and a half, I was asked to go help teach in the Preschool 5 Classroom. Some time went by, and I was asked to be the Lead in Preschool 4. In 2026, I earned my CDA, which stands for Child Development Associate. It is such a blessing to teach all of the children. My mission in the classroom is to help your child gain confidence in their learning, to reach their developmental goals, and to be ready and prepared for kindergarten.
Trista Langton- Lead Preschool 5 Teacher
My name is Trista, and I am the Lead Teacher for the Preschool 5 classroom. I have been part of the Cornerstone family since 2024. I hold an AAS degree in American Sign Language Interpreting and Transliterating from St. Paul Community College.
For more than 20 years, I have had the privilege of working with children in many different roles. My experience includes teaching Sunday School, working as a camp counselor, running my own licensed home daycare, working as a sign language interpreter, supporting children with special needs as a special education paraprofessional, and serving as a lead teacher in both an infant room and a young toddler room at Especially for Children Early Learning Center.
My journey working with children has led me here to Cornerstone, where I am grateful to continue helping young learners grow, explore, and develop each day. I’m blessed to work with a great group of children, families and staff. Thank you for the opportunity to continue making connections, and sharing my passion for sign language, and learning.
Outside of work, I enjoy taking walks, camping, reading, playing board games, and spending time with my family and friends.
Madi Almquist- Preschool Coordinator
My name is Ms. Madi and I am the Preschool Coordinator here at Cornerstone. I get to work with the children and staff in both Preschool 4 and 5!
I have a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. I also hold a Minnesota Birth-3rd teaching license. I got my degree from University of Northwestern- St Paul. I have had a variety of teaching experiences since 2016 both in Early childhood and Elementary classrooms. I taught kindergarten for 1 year at a classical Christian school before coming to Cornerstone in 2025.
I am originally from Sioux Falls, South Dakota. I live in Forest Lake MN and have lots of extended family in Minnesota. Going to a Christian K-12 school, Christian university, and my own faith has influenced my teaching and demonstrating God’s love while also sharing joy and laughter with my students and others. I am so excited to help children learn about and grow in God’s love.
Christ Lutheran Church Staff
Cornerstone is a ministry of Christ Lutheran Church
Pastor Mark Wessel
Pastor Mark Wessel was born and baptized in Red Wing and raised in New Ulm, Minnesota. He grew up with five siblings in a college home at Dr. Martin Luther College (now MLC) where his father taught for over three decades. He attended Northwestern College in Watertown, WI. where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1982. More importantly, there he met his future wife, Mary, whom he married in 1985. Mark graduated from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in Mequon, WI. in 1986 and was assigned to St. John’s Ev. Lutheran in Dowagiac, Michigan. There God blessed them with three children: Laura, Ethan and Samuel. The family later moved to Grove City, Ohio for eight years and most recently Mark served as pastor in Sparta, Wisconsin.
In the summer of 2016, the couple came to Christ Lutheran Church. Pastor Wessel and his wife enjoy serving God’s people through His Word and music. Mark welcomes the return to his home turf of Minnesota and looks forward to serving the greater Twin Cities’ area of God’s kingdom. He also enjoys the outdoors, fishing and sports. At this time Pastor and Mary are thankful and delighted to be grandparents of two grandchildren as well.
God bless you in Jesus!
Principal Andrew Mantz
Andrew was born and raised in West Bend, WI. He graduated from Martin Luther College in 2021. During that summer, he married Emily, who also graduated from Martin Luther College in the same year. They first taught at Christ the King in Palm Coast, FL. Andrew taught 5th grade for one year and then transitioned to 8th grade and middle school science for the next two years. During those two years, he was also Assistant Principal and Activities Director. In 2024, he was called to Christ Lutheran to be the Assistant Principal and 7th & 8th grade teacher. The Mantzes enjoy taking their dogs to the dog park as well as going to St. Paul Saints games. They also enjoy spending time with family and friends.
Office Administrator Tracy McKee
She helps coordinate ministry between the two campuses and serves as a vital communication link.
Tracy attended Christ Lutheran School in NSP and later graduated from St. Croix Lutheran in West St. Paul. She received her degree from Mankato State and joined the Christ Lutheran Staff in 2007.
