Administrative Staff

Principal/COO: John Saffold

Mr. John Saffold has served thirteen years as an administrator and teacher from the elementary to university levels. Prior to joining CCA in the summer of 2008 as its fourth administrator, he served as the Head of School at Augustine School in Jackson, Tennessee. Mr. Saffold has also served as Headmaster at First Presbyterian Church in Dillon, South Carolina. He worked as the Capital Campaign Coordinator at Erskine College in Due West, South Carolina, and in a variety of development posts at Elon University in Elon, North Carolina, including the directorship of Elon’s annual giving campaign. Additionally, he taught Middle School humanities courses and performed development consulting at Burlington Christian Academy in Burlington, North Carolina. His classroom experience also includes A.P. U.S. History and American Government at St. David’s School of Raleigh, North Carolina. He received his B.S. in Community and Economic Development from Clemson University in South Carolina, an M.A. in Theological Studies from Reformed Theological Seminary in Charlotte, North Carolina, and an M.A. in Teaching from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Mr. Saffold and his wife, Amanda Callaway Saffold, have two aspiring CCA students – Daniel and Catherine, both preschool age.  B.C. (before children), he enjoyed weight-training, tennis, hiking, and reading various genres. Currently, he relishes every moment spent with his wife and children and marvels at the blessings (and sanctification) of family life.

Curriculum Coordinator/Teacher Mentor: Heather Fiello

Mrs. Heather Fiello taught for six years at Cornerstone Christian Academy in grades K, 1st, and 3rd before becoming the Curriculum Coordinator and Teacher Mentor.  This position will allow her to spend most of her time at home raising her daughter, Gabrielle.  Mrs. Fiello is a native Tucsonan and a University of Arizona graduate.  Her experience with children is extensive and includes counseling children of divorce for The Family Counseling Agency; directing and creating curriculum for an education enrichment program for the Amphitheater School District; acting as a camp counselor for at-risk youth for Tucson Parks and Recreation; and coordinating the summer program for Catalina Foothills Community Schools.  In April of 2007 she married her long-time friend, Martin Fiello, and they welcomed Gabrielle into their family in May of 2008.  They attend Pantano Christian Church.

Director of Operations/Latin Department Chair : Jeff Jones

Mr. Jeff Jones is in his eighth year at Cornerstone Christian Academy having served as Athletic Director/Physical Education Teacher for the past six years.  He will continue his duties as the Latin Department Chair and Latin instructor for grades 4-6; however, the ‘Renaissance Man’ will be downing yet another new cap for 2009-10: Director of Operations.  Mr. Jones will assist Principal Saffold in the areas of assemblies, student decorum, lunch and overall school discipline while also managing Cornerstone’s calendar and schedules as they relate to classes, field trips, bus transportation, facilities usage, etc.  He will work closely with the PRCA Business Office (and Principal Saffold) in managing Cornerstone’s budget, purchase approvals, and overall P&L.  Other duties will include: grant writing and title funds, on-site computer tech support, and future RenWeb training.  He earned his Masters of Education degree from Northern Arizona University in 2007 with honors.  He also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech Communication Studies from East Stroudsburg University (Pa) and has studied Latin and the Classics at the U of A.  Mr. Jones and his wife, Autumn, are members of Catalina Foothills Church, P.C.A., and they enjoy spending time with their son, Mason, as well as other family and friends.  His hobbies/passions include ancient history, all things Italian, and participating and watching sports of all types (namely the Boston Red Sox and Ohio State football).

Events Coordinator and Registrar : Mary Yantis

Mrs. Mary Yantis serves as events coordinator, planning and overseeing all events at Cornerstone, oversees the maintenance of the facilities, and works her magic negotiating deals with our vendors as the primary purchasing agent, including the catering of student lunches.  As the Cornerstone Registrar, Mrs. Yantis will maintain student records.  She and her husband Stewart were one of the founding families of the school. Their oldest child, Katie, is at Pima Community College. They have a son, Scott, who attends Pusch Ridge Christian Academy, and their youngest, Lisa, is a seventh grader at PRCA.  Mrs. Yantis was born in Yankton, South Dakota and moved to Tucson when she was six years old. She is a charter member of Catalina Foothills Church, PCA.

Assistant Director of Support and Admissions: Rebecca Shepperd

Mrs. Rebecca Shepperd, master organizer, is Mr. Saffold's assistant, but in addition to duties related to that, she manages admissions, financial aid, and marketing at Cornerstone.  She was born and raised in Tucson, moving away after high school to pursue her love of horses as a 3-day Event rider on the east coast and then attending college.  She married her husband, Tyler, an Air Force pilot, in 1990 and after a few military transfers finally earned her Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from the University of Maryland, College Park in 1994.  After 10 years in the military, Tyler got out of the Air Force to fly for Southwest Airlines and the Shepperds moved back to Tucson in 2000.  They have 3 wonderful children, Paige, Christian, and Isabelle.  Paige is in high school at Pusch Ridge Christian Academy, Christian is a middle schooler, also at Pusch Ridge, and Isabelle attends Cornerstone.  Besides spending time with her family, Rebecca enjoys anything involving the outdoors including camping, hiking, cycling, swimming or just sitting on her patio reading a good book.  Rebecca and her family are active members of Catalina Foothills Church, PCA where they regularly volunteer in the children and youth ministries and Rebecca is a member of the choir.

Cornerstone Receptionist and Secretary: Michelle Herzog

Mrs. Michelle Herzog is our official "greeter", always available with her cheerful smile, while multi-tasking beyond belief.  Additionally, Mrs. Herzog is our Health and Safety Coordinator overseeing emergency plans for campus and student health and safety concerns, including immunization records.  Michelle and her husband Paul, an Engineer at Raytheon, have been Cornerstone Parents since their son Josh was in Kindergarten.  While spending most of her childhood in Wisconsin, she has also lived in the Philippines, Oregon, California, Missouri, and New Jersey.  She is thrilled to call Tucson home for the past 12 years. After receiving her degree in Fashion Merchandising & Business from the University of Wisconsin – Stout, Michelle worked in the Retail Industry before moving onto work in the Hospitality Industry.  She loves Arizona Wildcat Basketball, reading, the outdoors, and shopping.  The Herzog family attends St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church. 

Maintenance: Mr. Bob Ritt

Mr. Bob Ritt serves as Cornerstone's maintenance director. Born in Bellaire, Michigan, he served in the United States Air Force as a flight simulator repairman/operator following high school. At DeVry Technical Institute in Chicago he received an associate’s degree in industrial electronics. After working nineteen years in nuclear power electrical generating plants, he went to Parke-Davis Pharmaceutical Manufacturing plant, where worked for nine years. For the past twelve years he has been enjoying retirement with his wife Kim, who works in the office of Dove Mountain Church. The Ritt's have one son and two grandchildren, living in Michigan. Mr. Ritt also has a step-daughter who attends Biola University in California. They both attend church at Dove Mountain Church, PCA.