Staff

Mrs. Acosta

Teacher

I started working at Cornerstone in 2024 as an Art teacher. I taught both Art and English Language Arts at Arizona title one public schools since August 2014. I earned my bachelor’s in Secondary Education with an emphasis in English and went back to school to earn my Art endorsement. I believe Art is rich in education, healing in all aspects, and a powerful vessel for expression; Therefore, it is my job to awaken it in our students.

Mrs. Brion

Teacher

I have been working at Cornerstone Charter School since 2024. I was born and raised in Horsetown USA. I moved to Glendale in 2018 to attend Grand Canyon University. I graduated with degrees in Government and Justice Studies. Following graduation, I have worked with multiple non-profit organizations across the valley advocating and empowering vulnerable populations. I strive to support and encourage students to work toward their goals and gain confidence in their abilities.

Mrs. Devereaux

Exceptional Student Services

I am the special education teacher and also serve as the Special Education Director. I have been working at Cornerstone since 2011 and feel blessed to call it my home away from home. Before moving to Arizona in 1994, I lived in a small town in Michigan where I graduated from St. Johns High School. I earned my bachelor’s degree at Arizona State and my Master’s degree in Education from University of Phoenix. Effective education is about making connections and building relationships with students and I am able to do that everyday at Cornerstone.

Mrs. Dorsett

Support Staff

I have been working at Cornerstone since August 2022.  I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration in May 2020.  I love getting to know the students at Cornerstone and helping them reach their goals.

Ms. Greenlee

Teacher

I have been working at Cornerstone Charter School since 2024 and I have loved every second of it. I recently graduated from Arizona Christian University with my bachelor’s in Interdisciplinary Studies, and I am a certified TESOL teacher. When I am not teaching at Cornerstone, I volunteer as an English teacher with a local refugee agency and serve in an internship program that assists refugees in assimilating into America. In all of my non-profit and professional experiences, I have witnessed that knowing, speaking, and writing English well is a key gateway to countless professional and personal opportunities. Hence, it is a passion and privilege of mine to teach English and watch your students to achieve their fullest potential! 

Ms. Hickey

School Counselor

I was born and raised in Arizona, and I’m so happy to be a part of the Cornerstone community as a Guidance Counselor. I started working at Cornerstone in the fall of 2024. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Counseling from Arizona State University and a Master’s in Mental Health and Wellness from Grand Canyon University. It’s a privilege to work with students, helping them navigate both academic and personal growth. I’m passionate about supporting students and creating a positive environment where they can thrive.

Mrs. Mitchell

Teacher

I have been a member of the Cornerstone Charter School team since 2024. Originally from Valley Center, California, near San Diego, I moved to Phoenix to attend Grand Canyon University, where I earned my bachelor’s degree. I later continued my education at Phoenix Seminary, earning my master’s degree.

Since graduating, I have had the opportunity to work with teenagers and foster youth in a variety of settings. The most rewarding part of my work is helping young people recognize that their past does not define their future. I enjoy encouraging students to see that their future is shaped by the choices they make, the goals they pursue, and the effort they invest in creating the life they want.

Ms. Montes

Support Staff

I started working at Cornerstone Charter School in August 2023. I have lived all my life in Arizona and graduated from North Canyon High School. I am excited to work here with both the staff and students.

Ms. Parsons

Registrar

I have been working at Cornerstone Charter School since July 2012. I was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona. I am also a former Cornerstone High School Graduate. My experience as a student here was life changing and I am grateful for the opportunity to support our students and staff through their journey here at Cornerstone.

Mr. G. Smith

Director

I grew up in Texas and graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington in 1983. I was married in 1983 and moved to Arizona in 1984. Using all of my credit cards, Cornerstone Charter School was opened on September 25, 2000. I have been at this school the past 20 years and in education for 30 years. Opening this school has been one of the biggest blessings of my life!

Mr. Souders

Vice Principal / NSLP Coordinator

I have been working at Cornerstone Charter School since August 2012.  I was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona.  I also lived in Houston, Texas and Minneapolis, Minnesota, so I’ve lived in dry heat, wet heat, and no heat environments.  I received my undergraduate degree from Baker College.  I am qualified to teach English and Social Studies.  My primary responsibilities at Cornerstone are the National School Lunch Program and Admissions.  But I also get to spend time working with students who are searching for jobs.  I really enjoy getting to interact with students in their job search.  I spend time helping students write resumes, learn how to apply for jobs, how to dress and communicate in an interview, and working to develop skills that an employer is looking for in an employee.  It is rewarding to see how excited a student is when they tell me they were hired.

Mrs. Suarez

Teacher

I have been working at Cornerstone Charter School since November 2023. I was born in Phoenix but grew up in Prescott, Arizona. I moved back to Phoenix in high school and graduated from Deer Valley High School. I went on to pursue my degree in Social Work from Arizona State University. Then a couple years later I returned to Arizona State University to obtain my degree in Education. I have been working in education for seven years and love working with students and finding out what they enjoy learning. I have been married for 16 years and we have three boys.

Mr. Wait

Teacher

I teach science and math, and have been working at Cornerstone Charter School since 2009. I attended the University of Nevada, Reno, where I earned a bachelor’s degree in 2005 and a master’s degree in 2006. In 2012 I earned a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Grand Canyon University. I was born and raised in California, attended college in Nevada, and moved to Arizona in 2006 after completion of my first master’s degree. I enjoy teaching math and science because I enjoy watching students be successful in subjects that they find difficult, and watching this success boost their confidence.

Mr. Weiss

Principal

I have been working at Cornerstone Charter School since August 2003. I was born and raised in New Jersey and have lived in Arizona since 1998. I received my bachelor’s degree from Grand Canyon University and my Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University. One of my favorite things about working here is when former students stop by to visit or a friend/relative of theirs enrolls in our school. These moments are priceless as it is confirmation to me that our school staff had left a positive and lasting impression in their life.