Leadership

Head of School, Eric Nicholie

Appointed Head of School in 2017, Mr. Eric Nicholie has 27 years of experience in education and is the fourth Head of School for Cornerstone Christian Academy. He has led the CCA community in collaborative and innovative projects focusing on curriculum, 21^st-century instructional technology integration, collaborative and cooperative teaching practices, and positive interactive school culture. He has fostered prudent financial stewardship of the school’s resources and assets. He has led CCA to record fundraising levels by raising more than $1,900,000 over five years. Along with its focus on Kingdom Education, CCA focuses on three pillars of excellence, World Class Academics, Financial Stewardship, and Student Emotional and Physical Well-being. Under Eric’s leadership, CCA expanded to one-to-one technology for every student, adopted a new core curriculum, funds were raised for the Mandel Sports Complex, and the Fine Arts program was enhanced. In addition, he has led the school through its first dual accreditation, added full-time armed security, and implemented a comprehensive Emergency Management Plan and Health and Wellness Plan while maintaining a balance of academics, arts, campus ministry, and athletics while carrying out the mission of Skills for Life and Faith for Eternity. 

Mr. Nicholie came to CCA after serving as Principal at George Junior High School in Lamar Consolidated School District. He has also been an elementary principal and opened schools as a principal, assistant principal, and teacher and was the principal of the Year for Lamar Consolidated Independent School District. He is actively involved in National Christian School Association and Texas Private School Association. He has participated in the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Leadership Forum and has been a member of the Cognia Accreditation Team. Eric is an outdoor enthusiast in his free time. He enjoys running, hiking, water-skiing, and riding motorcycles and dirt bikes.

Known for his collaborative, interactive servant leadership, Mr. Nicholie believes that every child has a purpose and place in our world to impact Christ positively.

Middle School Principal, 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, Campus Minister, Dean of Students, and most recently Middle School Principal. 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 becoming the executive chef of a French cuisine restaurant. Corey loved his work and was following 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 of 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. Corey and Kasie have five children: Noah, Nick, Faith, Cameron, and Hope. He loves the Lord and desires to honor Him in everything he does and to seek 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 Masters 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 has 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!