Leadership

Head of School, Eric Nicholie

Appointed as Head of School in 2017, Mr. Eric Nicholie brings 29 years of educational leadership and is the fourth Head of School at Cornerstone Christian Academy. He has led the CCA community in advancing curriculum, integrating 21st-century instructional technology, fostering collaborative teaching, and building a positive, interactive school culture. Under his leadership, the school’s cash reserves have doubled, academic and athletic programs have expanded, and fundraising has exceeded $3.5 million over eight years.

Guided by CCA’s commitment to Kingdom Education and its three pillars—World Class Academics, Financial Stewardship, and Student Emotional and Physical Well-being—Mr. Nicholie has overseen major initiatives such as one-to-one student technology, a new STEM curriculum, the completion of the Mandel Sports Complex, and the expansion of Fine Arts with strings and worship arts. He prioritizes staff retention, maintaining an impressive 97% retention rate, and has led the school to its first dual accreditation, enhanced campus safety with full-time armed security, and implemented comprehensive emergency and wellness plans. Through it all, he remains dedicated to CCA’s mission of Skills for Life and Faith for Eternity.

Before joining CCA, Mr. Nicholie served as Principal at George Junior High School in Lamar CISD, where he was named Principal of the Year. He has also held roles as an elementary principal, assistant principal, and teacher, and has successfully opened new campuses. He is actively involved with the National Christian School Association, Texas Private School Association, and Cognia Accreditation Team, and has completed the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Leadership Forum.

An outdoor enthusiast, Eric enjoys spending time with his family, running, hiking, water-skiing, and riding motorcycles and dirt bikes. Known for his collaborative, servant-hearted leadership, he firmly believes every child has a God-given purpose to impact the world for Christ.

 

Campus Minister, Corey Waters

Following the call of God, Corey Waters moved to Texas in the summer of 2011 to join the staff at Cornerstone Christian Academy. He has assumed several roles in his tenure at CCA—Bible Teacher, Dean of Students, Middle School Principal, and most recently, Campus Minister. Corey studied culinary arts at Baltimore International Culinary College. From there, he had a fantastic career as a chef, reaching the pinnacle of his career by becoming the executive chef of a French cuisine restaurant. Corey loved his work and followed his dreams until July 30, 1995. On that day, Corey Waters ran into the loving arms of Jesus, and God began to redirect his life. God began to call him into full-time ministry. In January 1998, Corey and his wife, Kasie, moved to Jacksonville, Florida, to pursue God’s call at Trinity Baptist College. 

Corey has served in several areas of ministry, including outreach pastor, church planter, 5th—and 6th-grade teacher, middle school and high school Bible teacher, assistant principal, and principal. He and Kasie have five children: Noah, Nick, Faith, Cameron, and Hope. He loves the Lord, desires to honor Him in everything he does, and seeks to do what is best for the children God has placed in his care.

Elementary School Principal, Gracie Stelly

Gracie Stelly’s educational journey spans over three incredible decades. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Master's in Curriculum and Instruction from Texas A&M in Kingsville, Texas. She began her career as a primary classroom teacher. Over the years, she transitioned from child development instruction to the intermediate and middle school grades. Her attention to detail, organization, leadership, and connecting with students earned her four Teacher of the Year campus awards. She taught at Houston Community College as an adjunct professor in teacher education. She taught education and child development coursework in person and online. Her administrative career was launched after earning her Principal Certification from the University of Houston. Her passion for working alongside teachers to create a positive, engaging environment earned her opportunities to work in varied school communities. Mrs. Stelly strongly believes that God led her to Cornerstone Christian Academy, where she served ten years as the Elementary Principal and former Preschool Director. During her years, she worked with teachers to align the curriculum, provide yearly professional training, and build relationships with her families to create great partnerships. Family is an essential part of her life. She is a proud grandmother to two grandsons, Justin and Ben, mother of two sons, Daniel and Phillip, and wife of Michael Stelly. Mrs. Stelly enjoys spending time with her grandchildren and running in her spare time. She has completed eight full marathons and 15 half marathons.  

Mrs. Jessup is a well-known and beloved member of the CCA family, having served 13 years as a lead PreK-4 teacher for CCA. Her kind and joyful spirit has empowered her to lead as a role model and spiritual guide for her students, and she is an excellent asset to our administration team as the Preschool Director. As a lover of Jesus Christ, Mrs. Jessup is committed to ensuring all students learn about Jesus and His teachings. She believes that through collaboration with teachers, staff, students, and families and a strong focus on a Christ-centered education, our preschoolers will develop the necessary foundation to grow with Skills for Life and Faith for Eternity. Mrs. Jessup is a Sugar Land Baptist Church member and lives in Sugar Land with her husband of 30 years, Jason. She has one daughter, Jacquelyn, who currently plays softball for Houston Baptist University. Mrs. Jessup loves running and has participated in over 50 marathons, including the Boston Marathon!