Dr. Chris Royael has been in educational leadership and pastoral ministry for 31 years. He has served as a Dean in student life and development for 12 years at Oral Roberts University, as an upper school principal and superintendent for 16 years, and in an executive pastoral role for 14 years in South Texas. From 2020-2022, he served as the Director of Church Ministries and Support at Cornerstone Church.
Dr. Chris is a former ICAA Accreditation Commissioner, Accreditation External Review chairperson, and was named the ORUef 2015 Christian School Administrator of the Year. An ordained minister, Dr. Chris speaks regularly and conducts workshops on leadership, ministry, and school culture. As an adjunct professor in the Grad school of Education at ORU, he trains future principals and educational leaders.
Dr. Chris & his wife, Amy, have three beautiful girls—one in college and the youngest is a sophomore at CCS.
Dr. Royael earned his B.A. in Biblical Literature New Testament, his M. Div., and his Ed.D. in Educational Leadership.
Peter Barnes has served students and families in Christian schools for over 30 years. He holds Bachelor’s and Master's degrees from Louisiana State University in Music & Fine Arts with advanced graduate studies in Foreign Language and Educational Leadership.
Mr. Barnes taught high school French, Bible, Speech & Theater and Music for sixteen years at Christian Life Academy in Baton Rouge. He transitioned into school leadership in 2002 and has since served in numerous capacities including Assistant Principal, High School Principal and Headmaster. He has served as an officer in numerous professional organizations including the Southeast Louisiana Rally Association, the Baton Rouge Area Officials’ Association, and as President of the Louisiana Association of Independent Schools. During his 8 years at CCS, he has served as Elementary Principal, Fine Arts Director and Assistant Superintendent.
Mr. Barnes loves serving students, faculty, and families at CCS. He believes in using the tools of education to help others build an eternal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Darrell Pankratz has over 15 years in education and leadership. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies and a Master’s degree in Educational Administration.
Mr. Pankratz believes that education is a calling and a mission. He has served in a variety of teaching and administrative positions both in Texas and Virginia. During his time as a teacher, he taught advanced science courses and sponsored multiple student organizations. After eight years in the classroom, he transitioned to district and school leadership and has served in numerous roles including District Science Specialist, Assistant Principal, and Associate Principal. He has also served as a committee member on various organizations which include College Board and Virginia Science and Engineering Fairs.
Mr. Pankratz is excited to be a part of CCS and looks forward to serving all our Warrior families.
Jason has 14 years of experience in education and ministry. He has served 11 years in education in various roles as a teacher, varsity baseball coach, athletic director, and dean of students while serving three years as a youth pastor and young adult internship director. He received his bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Texas A&M University and his master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from The University of Texas at Arlington. He holds teaching certificates with the Texas Education Agency and Association of Christian Schools International. Additionally, he has received a Certificate of Ordination as a Minister and was awarded a certificate in School Management and Leadership from Harvard Business School.
Jason is honored and excited to serve the students, faculty, and parents at Cornerstone Christian Schools. Go Warriors!
Dr. V has been in education for 29 years as a high school mathematics teacher and recently as a secondary administrator. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics, a master’s degree in educational technology, and a doctorate degree in educational leadership. His certifications include Secondary Mathematics and Master Technology Teacher. Dr. V received his Pastoral License through the Missionary Church Organization in Fort Wayne, Indiana and was involved in ministry for 16 years as a youth pastor and associate pastor.
Dr. V is excited to be a servant leader at Cornerstone Christian Schools dedicated to the preparation of Cornerstone Warriors whose lives will impact the world through the application of God’s Word and sharing the Gospel to all.
Erika Pruneda has 23 years of experience in the education profession. She is a native San Antonian and received both her bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Texas at San Antonio. Ms. Pruneda holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies and has served as a Pre-K, 1st, 4th, and 5th grade classroom teacher. During her time as a teacher, Ms. Pruneda pursued a Master of Arts Degree in Educational Leadership and transitioned into school leadership in 2007. She has served in various school leadership roles including Administrative Intern, Vice Principal and Principal.
As an educator, Ms. Pruneda’s commitment to all students, parents and staff is to provide a biblically based, safe, fun, highly engaging learning environment that allows all students to learn at high levels. Additionally, she is committed to enriching students' school experiences with extracurricular activities that allow all students to become overall well-rounded citizens. It is her hope that our precious elementary Warriors will make long-lasting memories, during their time here, that they will cherish for a lifetime.
Mrs. Jones embodies servant leadership with a heart for students to grow, explore, create and take their learning to a higher level. She is a graduate of Longwood College in Farmville, Virginia with a BS in Psychology, and a MS in Special Education. She has been an educator in both the public and private sector and has 26 years of educational experience. She believes in differentiated instruction, providing each student with exactly what is needed to excel.
Mrs. Freeman has been in education for 15 years. She graduated from Hardin Simmons University with a bachelor's degree in Education and is in pursuit of a master's degree in Educational Leadership. In Mrs. Freeman's educational experience, she has taught various grades and subjects in elementary and secondary classrooms. She has also served in leadership roles of grade level chair, team lead, and athletic coordinator.
Mrs. Freeman is passionate about educating and fostering the whole child while also guiding them to exude a Christ-like character. She steps into this role with the excitement of being charged to help disciple the spiritual growth of children through Godly behaviors and interactions. Mrs. Freeman feels that CCS provides the ultimate learning and life experiences for each individual student and their families.
After his career in professional football, Coach Hemphill has spent the past 35 years serving the community of San Antonio as a teacher, head coach, athletic director, and campus administrator. He is well-respected in both educational and athletic circles, and has vast experience in program development, athletic facilities management, and creating and sustaining a winning culture. After the tragedy at Robb Elementary in Uvalde, Coach Hemphill drew upon his leadership and pastoral heart to step in as a Principal and bring healing to Uvalde CISD. He is dynamic, caring, and passionate about helping young people win on and off the field.
Coach Steve Angell, his wife, Traci, and their children, Hannah, Sarah, Leah, and Joshua moved to San Antonio in 2019 to join the Cornerstone Christian Schools team. Currently, Coach Angell is working with athletes in high school football, middle school football, and high school basketball.
Coach Angell has been coaching youth and high school sports for over 25 years at all age levels and in multiple sports. His teams have demonstrated continual success on the field and on the court, winning championships while preparing athletes for their next steps in life. “Being a positive influence on kids and making an impact in their lives is what coaching is all about.”
In addition to coaching, Coach Angell has been in full-time pastoral ministry for over 25 years. His life verse is Joshua 1:9, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” The Lord has provided numerous opportunities for Coach Angell to share the saving grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Cynthia Hughes, with two decades of experience in marketing, community relations, public affairs, and communications, is excited to serve as Director of Admissions. Her knowledge and passion for CCS is felt by everyone she encounters. She believes in the importance of breaking down the admissions process into manageable steps and is excited to provide expert guidance and structure throughout the process.
Cynthia is a native of El Paso, Texas and speaks fluent Spanish as a second language. Along with her uncompromising commitment to God, Cynthia enjoys spending quality time with her family, being active in the community and serving through opportunities in the church family.
Lupe Valdez has been an integral part of Cornerstone Christian Schools for the past 7 years. A passionate advocate for children's welfare, Lupe finds great fulfillment in serving her community and contributing to God's ministry.
Lupe's academic journey led her to the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts and Science degree in Biology. Her educational background has provided her with a solid foundation and a unique perspective that she brings to her work at CCS.
As a mother of three, Lupe cherishes the blessings of her family. Two of her children are enrolled at CCS, where they receive excellent care and education. Lupe's unwavering commitment is especially evident in her dedication to her special needs child, ensuring they receive the utmost care and support.
Deeply rooted in her faith, Lupe sees her work at CCS as an opportunity to live out her love for God and His ministry. She believes that by serving others and utilizing the plans He has for her and her family, she can make a positive impact on the lives of children and their families.
Over the past 26 years, Amy has served in a variety of roles and responsibilities at 6 different Christian schools in both Texas and Oklahoma. She has worked as a teacher, curriculum director, accreditation officer, academic principal, principal, and the last 10 years as an academic counselor. Amy provided instructional and administrative guidance as a team member on ICAA and Cognia Accreditation review visits for over 16 years, reviewing a variety of schools all over the nation. With a heart for continuous improvement and excellence, Amy successfully led the Self-Assessment process for four re-evaluation ICAA and Cognia accreditation visits within a 14-year time period at her respective schools. Her desire is that each student will realize their worth in God’s eyes, discover their unique God-given gifts and talents, and follow Him in their chosen path after CCS all for the glory of God.
Amy earned her B.S. in Education and M.A. in School Administration at Oral Roberts University while serving in student leadership and summer missions. Her husband and three precious girls are the joy of her life.
Leesa has 20 years experience in marketing and 14 years in education. She received a Bachelor’s in Marketing and a Bachelor’s in Business Management from Franklin University.
Leesa started at CCS in admissions and has worked the past 5 years in secondary. She planned the last 5 Senior class graduations and was instrumental in organizing and creating many of the secondary events. Leesa is excited to work with the high school students to build the culture of the school with fun, student-driven, Christ-centered events.
Leesa has 2 children both graduates of Cornerstone Christian School.
Kendal Hagee has been a Registered Nurse for 23 years and has served in a multitude of places in the medical field and in ministry. As the Director of GEI Health Services, she leads a team of qualified Healthcare Professionals across all of our campuses including CCS.
Kendal is a graduate of The University of the Incarnate Word where she earned a BSN in nursing with honors. She is a mother of 4—3 CCS students and 1 CCS grad—and the wife of Matt Hagee, Lead Pastor of Cornerstone Church.
Clayton Guillory is a native of Houston, Texas. He attended college at Angelo State University where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Marketing.
Clayton worked for twenty years in business sales and ten years in pharmaceutical sales. He has coached football for over ten years.
Clayton is passionate about helping young people prepare for their lives beyond high school.
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