Owner-operated since 1996
Cornerstone is designed to provide a nurturing environment where children thrive, to support busy parents, to be a great place for professionals to work — and to be a resource to our community.
Meet the owners
In 2020, Lisbeth Olsen Condo was joined as owner and director by Christian Mirowski, upon the retirement of co-founder Margaret Conley Heffel. Friends for 30-plus years, they share a commitment to operating an early care and education center of the highest quality.
Lisbeth Olsen Condo
Owner & Director
Lisbeth earned her B.S. in Education (certified N–8) from Western Connecticut State University in 1988. She entered the childcare field in 1987 and has served as Kindergarten Teacher, Summer Camp Director, Program Director and ultimately Center Director and Owner.
She has served on the Board of the Connecticut AEYC, as a Validator for the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs, and as Co-chair of the Greater Bridgeport Directors’ Group Staff Development Committee — and has coordinated Cornerstone’s food and gift drives for decades.
A proud mother of two girls whose early years at Cornerstone shaped them into avid readers and strong problem solvers.
Christian Mirowski
Owner & Director
Christian earned her B.S. in Elementary and Special Education from Central Connecticut State University in 1989. For 18 years she taught Kindergarten at the Learning Community Day School in Westport.
After time at home raising her family — serving several terms as PTA president and substitute teaching in Stratford — and a career as a Marketing and Communications Coordinator, she returned to her true calling: early childhood education.
Her daughter attended Cornerstone as a toddler.
A solid foundation for life.
Cornerstone’s vision is to partner with parents to give children a solid foundation of life skills — to inspire a thirst for knowledge, instill self-confidence, help them navigate emotions, and become competent communicators, learners and problem solvers.
Our environment is an emotionally and physically safe zone where children are empowered to take risks as they build their developmental competencies. Our educators are passionate, valued and respected, and our goal is to nurture the development of the whole child.
🤝 Community
We are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where families, children, and staff feel valued and supported. We believe in fostering strong relationships and a sense of belonging within our community.
💎 Integrity
We value the respect and trust of our families, each other and the community we serve. We are consistently honest, respectful and transparent in all aspects of our interactions and operations, and maintain a culture of openness, collaboration and accountability.
⭐ Quality
Our priority is to provide high-quality care and education that meets the social-emotional, cognitive and physical development of each child. We hold high standards for our team and ourselves regarding expertise, dedication and professionalism.
🌱 Growth
We are steadfast in supporting the growth of every child, family and team member. We continuously refine our programs and service through reflection, innovative coaching and training by the best minds in the ECE field.
Opportunities for everyone we serve
For children
- Develop a valid sense of self and intellectual curiosity
- Appreciate diverse natural, cultural and social environments
- Persevere, build confidence and solve problems
- Express ideas through music, movement, drama, art, language, science and math
- Build strength, coordination and healthy habits
For parents
- Peace of mind in a premier early care and education center
- Lifelong connections with other families
- Access to our team’s knowledge of child development
- Less stress — Cornerstone provides the essentials
- Deeper understanding through regular assessments and conferences
For staff
- A culture of respect, trust, integrity and support
- Ongoing growth and training opportunities
- Camaraderie and lasting relationships
- An integral role in shaping children’s futures
For the community
- Wholesome growth and development of its children
- Valuable, rewarding employment
- A resource for local colleges and businesses
- Setting the standard for quality care for over a quarter century
The backbone of Cornerstone.
Our highly qualified team of early childhood educators is hired only after extensive interviews and thorough reference and background checks.
We take pride in staff longevity. Our educators are compensated fairly, rewarded for achievement, and regularly exceed mandated hours of continuing education. When you visit, you’ll see it: babies held and cooed to during a bottle, friends reading together, children moving to music and teachers helping a child find their words.
Join our teamFrom our families
“Thank you for nurturing our girl for the past 5 years, providing a warm and loving environment to grow in, and teaching her fundamental skills (both life and education). From potty training to the pandemic, you never wavered in your commitment to our kiddos!”— A Cornerstone family
“You have taught and encouraged our children as if they were your own, and we are forever grateful. Thank you for being kind, patient, compassionate, and FUN. For being there when we couldn’t be.”— A Cornerstone family
“Thank you so much for 5 wonderful years of compassionate caregiving and educating for our daughter. You’ve given her an amazing foundation and start to life. It truly takes a village to raise a child and we are so happy that you were our village!”— A Cornerstone parent
Come see Cornerstone in action.
We invite you to visit as often as you like. Book a tour and meet our educators, see the classrooms and explore our playgrounds.