Meet the Team

Dedicated & Certified

Jacqueline Kittle
(Jacky)

Director

Hello, my name is Jacqueline Kittle. I am the Director at Cornerstone Academy NWA. My husband Colby and I have two beautiful children, Conley and Bethany Kittle. Our family enjoys being outdoors. A few of our favorite activities are kayaking, hunting, and spending time with grandparents.

It is and honor to be the Director at Cornerstone Academy. My goal is to serve our Cornerstone Families and our teachers.

I graduated from The University of New Mexico with a Bachelor of science in Early Childhood Multicultural Education. As a director I am constantly learning and looking for new opportunities to further my education in Early Childhood.

Cherokee Taylor

Lead Teacher

(Infant Room)

I was born in New Mexico in a little town called Socorro. I am 21 years old and a mother to a beautiful little girl named Cecilia. I enjoy being outside and surrounding myself with family and friends. My fiancé is my best friend and together we made the choice to move to Arkansas so we can give our daughter a beautiful life.

My passion comes from growing up with younger children. Ever since I was a little girl I’ve always felt joy in teaching and helping children. It is rewarding knowing that we as adults have the choice to help in littles education. My favorite feeling that comes with this job is watching the kids have fun with the activity I have chosen for them. God has given me the choice to make a difference and that’s what I plan on doing.

Ana Guerrero Terrero

Lead Teacher

(Transition Toddler Room)

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Cortney Rusk

Lead Teacher

(Toddler Room)

Hello, my name is Cortney. I have 4 children. My son, Koda is 11 years old and my daughter Carlee is 9 years old. My daughter June is 1, and we just welcomed our son John.

I have worked at Cornerstone Academy of NWA since 2021. I love watching all of the children grow and explore new amazing things around them. There is nothing better than watching a child discover something new for the first time. By teaching children, I have learned to come up with unique solutions to problems and I love being able to teach children how to recognize and regulate their own emotions.

Marisa Alarcon

Lead Teacher

(Preschool Room)

Hi, I'm Marisa. I am originally from Mexico but moved to the united states when I was 12. I'm a busy mom to four amazing boys, and I love being in nature, I am an art lover, soccer fan, and board game enthusiast. I'am also passionate about education, healthy living, and human and animal rights.

Teaching has always been a part of who I am- I find so much joy in knowing I'm helping build the foundation for a child's growth. My philosophy is rooted in love and connection. I believe children thrive when they feel safe, valued, and free to explore their interests. I also value a balance of structure, consistency, and play, while encouraging independence and confidence from an early age.

I try to embrace the little things in life, and I love bringing that same energy into my teaching.

Dakota Kibel

Assistant Director/

Preschool Teacher

Hello, I am Dakota. My husband Hector and I have an adventurous 5-year-old little boy named Jacoby.

I found my love of Early Childhood Education by raising my son. The most important thing in my life is setting children up for success in the beginning stages of their lives. I am so blessed to be a part of that here at Cornerstone Academy.

I have worked at Cornerstone Academy since 2020. Our school has always focused on educating our teachers and because of Cornerstone Academy I have the privilege to further my knowledge of Early Childhood Education. I will be starting school at NWACC this August, 2022.

I am so thankful for this opportunity and can't wait to share my knew knowledge with our children, families, and staff.