Bringing a diversity of skills and experiences to ACS-Cornerstone, this team works together
to lead the daily educational services and manage campus operations.
our Staff
Bringing a diversity of skills and experiences to ACS-Cornerstone, this team works together
to lead the daily educational services and manage campus operations.
dr. collette House, ACS Superintendent
collette.house@aurorachristian.org
B.A. Mathematics and Secondary Education - Bethel University
M.A. Educational Leadership - Aurora University (2001)
Ph.D. Organizational Leadership - Northcentral University (2016)
Dr. Collette House began teaching high school mathematics and sports medicine at her alma mater Aurora Christian Schools in the fall of 1992. Throughout her years at ACS, she also served as the certified athletic trainer for the Eagles and director of the Chapel Band (student worship team). Dr. House earned a Bachelor's degree in Mathematics and Secondary Education from Bethel University in St. Paul, Minnesota. She completed a Master's degree in Educational Leadership at Aurora University in 2001, and earned her doctorate in Organizational Leadership through Northcentral University in 2016. Dr. House has been a part of the administrative team at Aurora Christian Schools since 2000, became Middle/High School principal in 2006, and assumed her current role as Superintendent in 2010. In addition to her work at Aurora Christian, Dr. House is a member of the Board of Directors of the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). She also serves as chair of the Mid-America Regional Accreditation Commission and as a member of the global ACSI Commission on Accreditation. She regularly collaborates with other school administrators, consults for accreditation, and promotes excellence in Christian education throughout our region and abroad. Dr. House lives in Aurora and attends Highpoint Church in North Aurora, Illinois.
amanda leonhart, Cornerstone principal
amanda.leonhart@aurorachristian.org
B.A, in Elementary Education- Judson University (1992)
M.A. in Curriculum & Instruction- Concordia University River Forest (2006)
M.A. in Educational Administration- Concordia University River Forest (2017)
Miss Amanda Leonhart is the principal at ACS Cornerstone. Before coming to ACS-CS she has been at Aurora Christian Schools, Plumstead Christian School (PA), New Life Academy (MN), and Wheaton Christian Grammar School working in the areas of special education, Student Services, and Curriculum and Instruction. She is very involved with ACSI in the area of school accreditation. Ms. Leonhart recently moved to Sycamore and attends Christ Community in DeKalb. She is West Virginia, born and bred and enjoys movies/games with friends, exercising, M&Ms, blueberries, and Coke Zero!
ray crowley, custodian
ray.crowley@aurorachristian.org
tabitha Dobie, Athletic director
tabitha.dobie@aurorachristian.org
Ms. Tabitha Dobie is the Athletic Director at Cornerstone. The last six years she has worked in financial services at LSI located in Elgin, IL where she was a financial specialist of which the last 3 years she had the blessing to work from home and be available for her daughter Khiara. In addition to being a financial specialist, Ms. Dobie has been coaching club volleyball for Digtown Volleyball in Dekalb. As a club coach, Tabitha has been able to work with students ages kindergarten through high school in foundational volleyball skills and elite volleyball training. The past summer Tabitha had the opportunity to take a Digtown Volleyball team to the nationals competition in Orlando, FL where she took on the role of lead coach and Assistant Director to the club where over 10 volleyball teams participated.
Tabitha lives in DeKalb with her 12 year old daughter Khiara and attends Cathedral of Praise in DeKalb where she is an active member in Alpha Group, Rise Praise Dance Ministry, and the children's ministry. In her spare time, Ms. Dobie likes to spend her time playing board games with her daughter, playing volleyball and traveling to see all as many of her former teams play their respective sports for the school year.
Tia Ellis, principals secretary
tia.ellis@aurorachristian.org
scott etchison, District coordinator
scott.etchison@aurorachristian.org
B.S. Elementary Education, Taylor University (1985)
M..A. Christian School Administration, Grace Theological Seminary (1991)
Mr. Scott Etchison came to Aurora Christian School in 1985 after graduating from Taylor University to fulfill his lifelong dream of teaching 5th grade. After seven years of teaching, he served as the preschool and elementary principal. Mr. Etchison now teaches 3rd graders typing skills and 4th-5th graders learn the Google platform, Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Google Slides.
Mr. Etchison is married to Naomi and they have four adult children. Ruth (2011 ACS Grad) lives in Pennsylvania with her two children. Kelly (2013 ACS Grad) and her husband, Joshua (2011 ACS Grad), lives in Aurora with their son. Mary (2015 ACS Grad) and her husband, Tyler, live in Michigan with their son. And Noah (2019 ACS Grad) lives in Aurora. The Etchisons attend Village Bible Church in Sugar Grove where they lead a small group and are involved in various ways.
Stephanie Hinsch, Receptionist
stephanie.hinsch@aurorachristian.org
B.S. Science, Geology- Northern Illinois University (2009)
B.S. Science, Anthropology - Northern Illinois University (2011)
Mrs. Stephanie Hinsch has been at Cornerstone since 2021. Previously, she worked as an environmental consultant for several years before transitioning to being a stay at home mom and finding her passion in the art of home living. She and her husband, Peter, have two children that currently attend ACS Cornerstone (2nd and 3rd grade). Stephanie and her family are members at the DeKalb Church of Christ. She and her husband have led several small groups and currently lead worship. Some of her passions are making memories with her family, studying the Bible with people, hosting dinner parties, and decorating.
john matheson, finance manager
john.matheson@aurorachristian.org
B.A. Economics – Wheaton College (1974)
Mr. John Matheson worked in management in the printing business for more than 25 years before coming to Cornerstone. He has been married to his wife, Julie for 49 years and he has been at Cornerstone for 19 of those years. His children both attended ACS and now his grandchildren both attend the Cornerstone campus. His life verse is James 4:8a “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you”.
dawn paul, Admissions Representative
B.S in Nursing- Purdue University (1994)
Mrs. Dawn Paul is the Admissions Representative for the Cornerstone campus. She has been at Cornerstone since 2016 having served as a preschool assistant and also a MS science teacher. Prior to being married and having children, she served with the ministry of CRU (Campus Crusade for Christ) in Albania and Macedonia and then at Purdue University and Northern Illinois University. She and her husband, Ted have two children and a cute dog named Lexi. Mackenzie is a sophomore at ACS and Matthew is in 4th grade at the Cornerstone campus. She enjoys reading, going for walks, drinking coffee (lattes are her favorite) and spending time with her family. She attends Kishwaukee Bible Church in Sycamore, IL.
Gretel pfeifer
Lunch Coordinator
gretel.pfeifer@aurorachristian.org
B.A. English and History/Political Science - Le Tourneau University (1993)
Mrs. Gretel Pfeifer has been a Lunch Coordinator for the last five years and has expanded into teaching Elementary Spanish this year. She loves hearing her students confidently engaging her in Spanish dialogue. She especially enjoys when they speak in Spanish about how good the lunch is!
Kristina potts
Lunch Coordinator
kristina.potts@aurorachristian.org
B.A. Operations Management - Northern Ilinois University (2003)
Mrs. Kristina Potts is the lunch coordinator and has been at ACS-CS since 2015.
She worked at the Suncast Corporation before coming to ACS-CS. Prior to Suncast she enjoyed being at home with her two oldest children for two years. She has three children: a three year old, a 6th grader, and 7th grader - all at ACS-CS. She enjoys spending time with her family and attends church at Crossview in DeKalb, IL
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drew whitfield, FACILITIES Coordinator/international Students (DSo)
drew.whitfield@aurorachristian.org
B.S. Physical Education & Health – Taylor University (1979)
Mr. Drew Whitfield has been a Child of God for 45-years! He is husband to Chris for 42-years, father of 5, “Pops” to 13 grandkids and a great-granddaughter. He has been involved with Cornerstone since 1990 and has served as a School Board Member, President of the Board, Athletic Director, High School Principal, Director of International Students, and International/National Student Missions Trips/Outreach. Mr. Whitfield attends Bethany Road Bible Church in DeKalb and has served as a Church Elder/Deacon and has participated in mission trips and outreach to 19 different countries. He has served the Lord as a business owner for 22 years, been a Campus Crusade for Christ staffer, and served with Athletes in Actions USA Wrestling Team for 5-years. He even participated in the Olympic Trials in 1980 and 1984 in Freestyle Wrestling. He really enjoys serving the Lord.