Director 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.
Assistant Director Crystal Laurin-Johnson
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 Christ Lutheran School in North St. Paul, 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.
Administrative Assistant Mary Johnson
It is such a blessing to be a part of the teaching team here at Cornerstone. I have been here since February of 2021 and recently stepped into the role of administrative assistant. I love working in early childhood because this age lives with so much joy and such a zest for learning and life. I feel incredibly honored that God has called me to play a role in helping children hold on to that joy and zest for as long as possible. I have a Preschool Child Development Associate Credential and have many years of experience working in early childhood and also have training in PreK & K-3rd grade literacy tutoring. So in addition to facilitating opportunities for kids to learn about Jesus, encouraging children to develop a love of reading is another passion of mine!
A little bit of info about me…my family and I live in the Chisago Lakes area, just 5 short miles from the beautiful St. Croix river. We are within a 20 minute drive of 3 state parks! I enjoy drawing, painting, journaling, reading, hiking and keeping our young dog occupied 🙂
Infant Lead 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.
Transition Lead Teacher Lexi Cleary
My name is Lexi Cleary and I am the Lead teacher in the transition room. I graduated from High School in 2021 and have been at Cornerstone since August of 2021. I am the oldest of 8 siblings so I have a lot of experience with children of all ages. I am currently going to school to get my degree in early childhood education at Concordia St. Paul. I love working with all children but my favorite age group is the one year olds. I love being able to teach them and watch them grow as they get older! I look forward to being able to get to know each and every one of your kiddos!
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 Abby Rehr
I am Ms. Abby, the lead teacher in preschool 4. Growing up, my answer to “what do you want to be when you grow up?” was always a teacher. Working with children has always been something that I love to do. I babysat, worked in my church’s Sunday school, and was a teacher’s assistant at my dance studio throughout middle and high school. Since I started at Cornerstone in the summer of 2021, I have loved every day of it. The relationships built and time spent with each student throughout the day is priceless! I’m so excited to get to know each new preschooler and their families:)
In my free time, I love spending time with my family, especially my nieces and nephew! I also enjoy baking, hiking, thrifting, and spending time with friends. I look forward to seeing each child at Cornerstone flourish and continuing to foster a safe and loving environment for them to grow!
Lead Preschool 5 Teacher MaKenna Adsit
My name is Ms. MaKenna and I am the lead teacher in Preschool 5. I have a developmental psychology degree with a family social science minor from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities as well as years of experience working with children of all ages. I am passionate about teaching young developing children in a nurturing and Christ centered environment. I live in White Bear Township with only a five minute commute to and from Cornerstone. I am an animal lover and outdoors enthusiast. I am excited about incorporating my knowledge of nature based learning practices into the classroom. My goal is to create a calming, comfortable, and compassionate environment for the children as well as their wonderful families.
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 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.
