Assistant Director Crystal Laurin-Johnson
Crystal is Cornerstone’s assistant director. She joined the Cornerstone family in January 2017. Prior to Cornerstone she was a stay-at-home mom for 3 1/2 years and was active in many many play dates, a book club, Mom’s group and a Women of Faith group. She lives in Hugo with her husband and three boys.
Administrative Assistant Shari Sveum
Shari is Cornerstone’s administrative assistant. She has worked at Cornerstone for seven years, with the first five years working in the preschool room. Her role has changed, and she now works behind the scenes to help the classrooms run smoothly. Shari lives in Centerville with her husband and german shepherd Kai. She also has two adult daughters and enjoys spending as much time with them when they are home. Shari also enjoys traveling, creating things, and watching the Cornerstone kids learn and grow!
Infant Lead Teacher Julianne Zerwas
My name is Mrs. Julianne and I’m the lead teacher in the Infant Room. I have been in child care for 20 years with most of that time being in an infant room. I have worked at Cornerstone since August of 2017 and have been the lead infant teacher since February 2019. My Favorite part about being an Infant teacher is being able to watch them grow and see each stage of their development.
I have been married to my husband for 15 years and we have two amazing boys, Wyatt (14) and Brayden (12) and one dog Murphy. Being outdoors with my family either hunting, fishing, hiking or snowmobiling is what I love to do in my spare time, or just sitting down with a good book.
Transition Lead Teacher Renee Sellner
I joined the world of child care in 2004 when I started working with a family that had three children with autism. After working as a PCA for 4 years, I started nannying, and have worked with several families. In 2013 I became an assistant teacher at a small center in River Falls, WI. Since then I have worked at two other centers here in Minnesota, as well as getting my CDA in December of 2016.
One of my favorite things about teaching is seeing a child finally learn or understand something they having been working on. I love knowing that I helped them make the connection. Children often enjoy all the silly songs I sing. I find that songs can help engage the class as well as get the sillies out.
I am looking forward to getting to know the children, and meeting all of your families!
Lead Toddler Teacher Rebecca Gervais
My name is Rebecca Gervais and I am the lead teacher in the toddler room. In 2014 I graduated from Martin Luther College with a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. I have been here at Cornerstone since we opened in September 2014.
I come from a smaller town in Wisconsin. My family consists of myself, my parents, my brother, his wife, and my nephew. In my spare time I enjoy being able to get outside, spend time with family and friends, and if possible doing some crafty things, especially making things on my Cricut.
Lead Preschool 4 Teacher Jodi Halvorson
I recently graduated from Martin Luther College in New Ulm, MN in May 2021 with my Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. I have been waiting to have my own classroom since I was a little girl. It is my passion to teach and help little ones grow socially, emotionally, intellectually, physically, and spiritually. Before my call (job offer) to Cornerstone, I worked at an Early Learning Center in my college town, as well as the daycare I grew up in from my hometown of Baraboo, WI. It is my honor and privilege to teach and watch over your children every day as they discover the world around them, surrounded by their Savior’s love.
My passions outside of teaching include spending time with my boyfriend, family and friends, finding new coffee shops, spending time outdoors boating or kayaking, singing for church, shopping, and so much more!
Cornerstone has felt like home since my very first day here. I am blessed to work with you and your children and I can not wait to get to know you and your family better.
Lead Preschool 5 Teacher Stefanie Hill
My name is Ms. Stefanie and I am the lead teacher in Preschool 5 as well as the Preschool Coordinator.
I have a teaching degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. I got my degree from Martin Luther College in New Ulm, MN. I have been teaching since 2012. I taught kindergarten in Wisconsin for 4 years. I got married and moved to Minnesota where I taught Preschool in a daycare and then became a director and preschool teacher for a Lutheran preschool in Brooklyn Park. I taught there for 3 years and received a call (job offer) to Cornerstone!
I live with my husband and daughter in Roseville. My daughter was born in 2019 and attends Cornerstone as well. We enjoy taking her on walks and seeing animals at the zoo and aquarium. I have enjoyed it very much at Cornerstone. It is a joy to be able to teach God’s Word every day to the students. Thank you for entrusting your children in my care.
Christ Lutheran Church Staff
Cornerstone is a ministry of Christ Lutheran Church
Pastor Matt Hennig
Pastor Matt is our Hugo campus pastor. Matt has always believed in the benefit of a strong Christian education. He was baptized into God’s family in June of 1980 and later attended a Lutheran Elementary School and Lutheran High School. Matt continued his studies at Martin Luther College in New Ulm, MN. There he graduated with his Bachelor of Arts. After college Matt attended Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary where he received his Masters of Divinity.
In 2006, Christ Lutheran Church called Pastor Hennig to focus on outreach efforts in Hugo, youth ministry, and shared preaching and teaching responsibilities. Matt and his wife Karen have been blessed with three boys who bring constant joy and excitement to their home! Their family enjoys running, camping, hiking, traveling, and exploring God’s beautiful creation. They are excited to be an active part of Christ Lutheran and Cornerstone’s ministry.
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 Mark Dobberstein
Mark is the principal for our K-8 school in North St. Paul. Mark grew up in the small town of Medford, WI. He comes from a long line of church workers. His grandfather was a pastor and both parents were Christian Elementary School teachers. He graduated from Martin Luther College in New Ulm, MN in 1983 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education.
Mark has taught 6-7th grades in Milwaukee, 3rd-5th grades in Pomona, CA, and for the last 21 years has taught various grade levels at Christ Lutheran. Mark is currently the 7th grade home room teacher and has been serving as principal of Christ Lutheran for the past 12 years. When the weather cooperates, Mark enjoys relaxing rides on his Harley.
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.