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. 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.
Miss 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!
Mr. 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 47 years and he has been at Cornerstone for 17 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”.
Mr. Whitfield, Facilities Director/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.
Ms. Linden, Receptionist/Athletic Director
monica.linden@aurorachristian.org
Mrs. Monica Linden has been with Cornerstone since 2015. She has had many different roles with Cornerstone Athletics, including Middle School Girls Volleyball Head Coach and High School Girls and High School Boys Volleyball Head Coach. Mrs. Linden is currently the Middle School Athletic Director ACS-CS and also serves as the school Receptionist. Mrs. Linden and her husband have two grown children, Jacob and Jennifer. She enjoys spending time with her family, baking, and watching Hallmark movies. The Linden's reside in Maple Park and attend Christ Community Church - DeKalb Campus.
Mr. 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 Maryland with her two children. Kelly (2013 ACS Grad) and her husband, Joshua (2011 ACS Grad), live in Central Illinois with their two children. 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.