Our Staff

“And He gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds, and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ …” – Ephesians 4:11-12

Matt Yamada, Asst. Pastor

Matt was born in Hawaii and grew up in Okinawa, Japan.  He graduated from Pensacola Christian College with a degree in Pastoral studies. He also studied Biblical Counseling at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and is currently working on obtaining his Master of Divinity from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.  Matt and his wife, Ai, have been part of our church family for many years.  Ai works as a nurse and they recently had their first son.  Their utmost desire is to reach the Japanese people with the good news of the Gospel.

Daniel Chookaszian, Worship Pastor

Daniel grew up in our church and attended Northeastern University where he majored in business. He then attended Moody Theological Seminary and graduated with a Master in Divinity where he also met his wife, Alayna. Daniel currently works in the financial industry and he and Alyana have two daughters and they are very active in our church life. Daniel also loves leading worship and writing worship songs.

Amber Kretekos, Church Administrator / Children’s Director

Amber is a current student at Moody Bible Institute. She has always had a love for the Lord at an early age however, when she was a junior in high school, that’s when she took hold of her faith. God is constantly growing her in many new areas. Amber loves to help young students and has a huge heart for children who frequently don’t get seen. In addition to her work as a part-time Church Administrator and Children’s director at Cornerstone Church and has been leading a girl’s high school small group for the past 7 years. In Amber’s free time, you can find her making coffee.

Gia Ambrosia, Children’s Director

Gia is studying at Moody Bible Institute. She is majoring in Children and Family Ministry. Gia took hold of her own faith in 8th grade and since then she has continued to grow in it. Gia loves working with kids and helping others learn about the Lord and His goodness. Gia has also been a high school girl’s small group leader for 3 years and enjoys encouraging others to grow their relationship with the Lord. When Gia is not at Cornerstone or school she is out with friends and family. 

Abby Peterson, Children’s Nursery & Pre-School Coordinator

Abby is a student at Moody Bible Institute.  She is majoring in Children and Family Ministry.  Abby was raised in a Christian home, took ownership of her faith in high school, and continues to grow and learn how to be more Christ-like every day.  In addition to her love for Christ and the city of Chicago, Abby has a heart for children and has been serving in children’s ministry with kids of all ages for nearly a decade. When Abby is not at Cornerstone or school, she is playing games with friends and family, working in a coffee shop, or painting.

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Our Elders

“Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood” Acts 20:28

The Elders of Cornerstone Church shepherd the flock by guarding, feeding, and overseeing those who have been entrusted to them.

 Our Deacons

 “For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Timothy 3:13

The Deacons of Cornerstone serve our congregation by caring for the many physical and financial needs of our buildings and grounds.

Our Deaconesses

“I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church at Cenchreae, that you may welcome her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints, and help her in whatever she may need from you, for she has been a patron of many and of myself as well.” – Romans 16:1-2

The deaconesses of Cornerstone serve the body in a variety of ways including CARE ministry and special events. They also keep areas of our church clean and tidy, prepare the elements for the Lord’s Supper.

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Thank you for joining us in praying for our Pastors, Staff, Elders, Deacons, and Deaconesses as they serve our congregation and community!