Take a moment to meet our esteemed faculty and administration.
Superintendent, Dr. Jerry Eshleman, came to Cornerstone Christian Schools from Oral Roberts University where he was a professor in the College of Education and Coordinator of the Cooperative Learning Center.
He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Christian School Administration and Teaching from Evangel University and a Master of Arts in Educational Administration from Oral Roberts University. He completed his doctorate and earned a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from Oklahoma State University with an emphasis in neuropsychology, emotion & cognition, and decision-making.
Dr. Eshleman has worked with and consulted in public, private and Christian education contexts for over 25 years, both nationally and internationally. He and his wife, Jenny, are the proud parents of a son, Austin
Dr. Luci Higgins received her Doctorate in Education from Nova Southeastern University, her Master of Science in Emotional Disturbances/Learning Disabilities from Florida State University, a Bachelor of Science in Emotional Disturbances/Learning Disabilities, and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Florida State University.
She came to CCS from The First Academy in Orlando, FL, where, for thirteen years, she served in various roles as teacher, principal, and Director of Curriculum and Instruction in grades K-12.
Dr. Higgins’ hobbies include reading detective novels, attending Broadway musicals, and seeking to laugh heartily with family and friends. She is married to Michael and has two terrific teenage daughters, Charli and Bailey.
Fine Arts Director, Chris Belyeu, came to Cornerstone Christian Schools from Shawnee, Oklahoma where he was the school administrator at Family of Faith Christian School. Mr. Belyeu has served in education for the past twenty-two years in both K-12 and higher education. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Music Education from Family of Faith College and a Master of Arts in Christian Education Administration from Oral Roberts University. He has also served as board member and accreditation commissioner for Oral Roberts University Educational Fellowship and International Christian Accrediting Association.
Mr. Belyeu has a love and passion to inspire students to use their God-given gifts and talents to bring glory to God. He has experience as a worship leader, has participated in choral programs, directed plays and musicals, is an instrumentalist, and has been involved in a variety of ministry opportunities through the years. He is excited to begin serving CCS in this position to help bring his skill sets in leadership and administration into the Fine Arts department.
Director of College and Career, Dr. Andy Riley, has spent more than two decades in higher education. Trained as a specialist in ancient Near Eastern languages, history, cultures, and religions, with expertise in Biblical studies, he has experience in teaching at all academic levels (primary, secondary, university), academic advising, graduate student development, study abroad, and publishing.
Prior to joining CCS, Dr. Riley worked as an academic adviser (The University of Texas at San Antonio, 2016-18) and visiting professor (University of Oregon, 2013-16, and Xavier University, 2010-13). He holds degrees from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion (Ph.D., M.Phil.) and Ohio State University (M.A., B.A.).
Dr. Riley is eager to help CCS students find success and understand that God is shaping our destinies for His glory and our nurturing. Delights of his life are his wife, Ginny, and their two daughters.
Peter Barnes has served students and families in Christian schools for over thirty 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.
He is married to Gina and they have two children, Ethan and Emmalee. The Barnes family enjoys travel, biking, cooking, and reading classics.
Mr. Harrison began his teaching career in NEISD where he also taught 4thand 5thgrades for nine years. During this time he served as a vertical team leader, grade level chair, robotics sponsor, Leader in Me committee chair and assisted in the Lighthouse school certification process for two elementary schools in the district. Prior to his tenure in education, Mr. Harrison served five years in the United States Army as a Russian Linguist where he was awarded the Joint Service Achievement Medal by the Secretary of Defense.
Brent holds a Bachelor’s degree in Cross Cultural Communications and Biblical Studies from Evangel University and a Master’s degree in Educational Administration from Lamar University. Mr. Harrison holds a Principal Certification in the state of Texas and is honored to join the administrative team as Secondary Assistant Principal at Cornerstone Christian Schools.
Brent Harrison is married to Janet Harrison, who also serves the students of Cornerstone as the Secondary School Counselor. Brent enjoys music, reading, movies, traveling and spending time with his wife and their three children, Allison, Katelyn and Brayden.
As Director of Admissions, Melissa Gonzales oversees all facets of the admissions process for grades K-12. She is currently pursuing her Bachelor's Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Texas in San Antonio.
She has over 15 years of experience in the Financial Services Industry and has worked for the top retail banking centers in Texas as a Financial Specialist and Assistant Branch Manager. She began her career at CCS as the Administrative Assistant to the Admissions Coordinator, transitioned to Registrar and Data Analyst, bringing a wealth of knowledge back to the Admissions Department.
Melissa is married to Andres, and they have five children. Marcus, Caleb, Samuel, Julianna, and Sophia are their pride and joy. Being a CCS Warrior is a family tradition for Melissa, as eleven family members have attended the school. She has a passion for athletics, and you may see her at many of our sporting events as a fan or coach. She is committed to helping families become CCS Warriors, through the Admissions process, to pursue a Christ-centered education.
Jo Lynn Burke comes to CCS from positions in two Christian schools in Arkansas: First Baptist Christian School in Rogers, where she served as Principal for three years, and Shiloh Christian School in Springdale, where she taught grades 3-5 for fifteen years and also served as Curriculum Coordinator for two years.
Mrs. Burke earned her Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville and her Master of Science in Education in Educational Leadership from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro. She was recognized in Who’s Who of American Teachers and as Teacher of the Year, Shiloh Christian School (2007). She has been a presenter of teaching strategies for ACSI conventions, as well as a Master Teacher/Moderator for the Online Professional Learning Community based in Heber Springs, AR (2012-13).
She has been married to Brad for 26 years, and they have five children: Ben, Douglas, Justin, Catie Lou, and Shaun.
Janet Harrison, School Guidance Counselor for grades K-12, is delighted to serve the students and families of Cornerstone Christian Schools.
Mrs. Harrison earned a Bachelor of Behavioral Science from Hardin-Simmons University and a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy from St. Mary’s University. Mrs. Harrison possesses dual licensure through the Texas State Board as a LPC-S (Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor) and a LMFT-S (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Supervisor). She has been in private practice for the last 17 years. Prior to starting her private practice, Mrs. Harrison worked in several school districts around the San Antonio area, providing professional counseling services to students and their families.
Mrs. Harrison and her husband, Brent, who is a fifth grade teacher at CCS, have three children and love spending time together as a family.
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