Learn about our new teachers and staff members joining us for the 2026-27 school year.
Tommy Bender
English Teacher / Speech Coach
What’s your favorite part of working with students?
My favorite part of working with students is seeing them succeed—when they have that light-bulb moment when they realize they can do something today that they couldn’t see themselves doing previously. That moment can be big or small; they’re all important. I also just enjoy being around students, and I’m looking forward to getting to know the students at Pius!
What’s something you’re really proud of—professionally or personally?
I’ve been blessed with a lot of wonderful opportunities, both in my career and in my personal life. I think the relationships I’ve built along the way have been something that keeps me going. I enjoy hearing from former students to see what they’re up to and how they’re doing. It makes me realize what a privilege it is to teach and play a small part in their education.
Who has had the biggest influence on you as a person or educator?
I’ve been influenced by so many people along the way, whether that be high school teachers like Ms. Georgi (my first speech coach!), mentors like Walt Barry and Dan Johnson, so many, many colleagues who have supported and been on the same journey, or my wife and family, who have been so supportive—they’ve all played a part in me becoming who I am. And then there is the realization that God put these people in my life for a reason, which becomes overwhelming and a lesson to Who is actually in charge!
Fr. Peter Foley
Theology Teacher
What’s your favorite part of working with students?
My favorite part of working with students is seeing them genuinely desire to learn and seek the truth.
What’s something you’re really proud of—professionally or personally?
I am really proud to be a priest of Jesus Christ. I am grateful to God for calling me to this vocation and have been amazed to see how He has already worked through me to bring others closer to God.
Who has had the biggest influence on you as a person or educator?
I would say that my parents, Mike and Susan, have been the biggest influence on me as a person. They have formed me into the man I am today and have taught me how to know and love God.
Abby Fox
Head Volleyball Coach
What’s your favorite part of working with students?
My favorite part is seeing an athlete have that breakthrough moment after putting in the hard work. Watching their confidence grow as a skill finally clicks is incredibly rewarding, and being a small part of that journey is why I love coaching.
What’s something you’re really proud of—professionally or personally?
I’m proud of being able to balance multiple meaningful roles in my life. I work full time, I’m a mom to two amazing girls, and I’ve had the opportunity to coach and mentor so many young athletes over the years. Helping others grow while continuing to grow myself is something I’m truly grateful for.
Who has had the biggest influence on you as a person or educator?
I’ve been fortunate to have several people shape who I am today. My grandma, Sally Burt, and my former coach, Jake Moore, were instrumental in helping me become the person and coach I am. Today, my biggest daily influence is my husband, Mike, whose encouragement and support inspire me to be my best
Michael Grindey
Theology Teacher / Head Football Coach
What’s your favorite part of working with students?
My favorite part of working with students is being able to see how the Holy Spirit actively works in their lives throughout the course of a school year. It is a real blessing to walk alongside them as they discover who they are in the eyes of a loving God.
What’s something you’re really proud of—professionally or personally?
One of the biggest blessings in my life has been my marriage to my wife, Morgan. She has been with me every step of the way on this journey and continues to show me the love of Christ.
Who has had the biggest influence on you as a person or educator?
The biggest influence in my life as an educator has been my father. Being a young boy and watching my dad teach religion and coach football had a large impact on me. His teaching style and the way in which he deeply loved his students are what still inspire me today!
Sr. Kathryn Maney
Assistant in Human Resources
What’s your favorite part of working with students?
I find it inspiring to see students grow and mature—in all ways—spiritually, intellectually and socially.
What’s something you’re really proud of—professionally or personally?
I am proud to be a Marian Sister.
Who has had the biggest influence on you as a person or educator?
That is really hard to limit to one person 😊. The main influences include my parents, my maternal grandmother, my teachers at Cathedral and Pius, my Sisters in religious life—especially my formators, my co-workers in various apostolates . . . .each have played a different role and influenced different aspects of my life.
Amy McClure
ABLE Teacher
What’s your favorite part of working with students?
My favorite part of working with students is getting to know them as whole people. It’s so fun to see them make connections and apply what we are learning in the classroom to their lives outside of school. Those lightbulb moments are my favorite!
What’s something you’re really proud of—professionally or personally?
I’m really proud of my 5 kids. It’s been so fun to watch them grow into funny, kind, and creative individuals, and I just love that I get a front-row seat to that. On a professional note, I am really proud to be an alumna of Notre Dame (Go Irish!). The ACE program was foundational for my professional and spiritual growth.
Who has had the biggest influence on you as a person or educator?
I have been blessed with strong mentors throughout my life, but my college spiritual director, Colleen Kuhl, has remained a close friend. She is one of those people who just radiates joy and reminds me that God is always there, even when life feels heavy.
Nikolas Miroshnichenko
English Teacher / Head Baseball Coach
What’s your favorite part of working with students?
My favorite part of working with students is helping them work through unfamiliar or challenging tasks until they reach that “a-ha” moment when everything clicks. Watching students build confidence as they problem-solve and realize they’re capable of figuring something out is one of the most rewarding parts of teaching.
What’s something you’re really proud of—professionally or personally?
One of the things I’m most proud of is moving halfway across the country to start a new adventure. It pushed me outside of my comfort zone, helped me grow both personally and professionally, and gave me the opportunity to meet new people and take on exciting challenges.
Who has had the biggest influence on you as a person or educator?
My high school chemistry teacher, Mrs. Gaines, has had the biggest influence on me. She took the time to get to know her students and used those relationships to keep us engaged and motivated in her class. She genuinely wanted every student to succeed and found ways to bring out the best in each of us.
Fr. Bradley Moss
Theology teacher
What’s your favorite part of working with students?
My favorite part of working with students is continuing Christ’s mission as a teacher. I enjoy forming relationships with students and helping them to grow in their most important relationship, their relationship with Christ.
What’s something you’re really proud of—professionally or personally?
I am proud of both my Ordination to the Priesthood and completion of my Theology Master’s Thesis paper.
Who has had the biggest influence on you as a person or educator?
Mother Celica Ann had a profound impact on me as an educator. She taught me the importance of showing joy and compassion in the classroom. As a priest, Father Lyle Johnson had the biggest impact on me as my childhood pastor. He showed me how to be a spiritual father both in the parish and in the school.
Nate Pohlen
Director of Advancement Operations, Foundation
What’s your favorite part of working with students?
My favorite part of working with students is seeing their growth over time, whether that be academically, spiritually, athletically, or in other activities. Everyone starts out at something as a beginner, and it’s rewarding to see students’ progress toward a deeper understanding of themselves and their abilities, realizing they’re capable of more than when they started. I am honored to be at Pius X Catholic High School, where I can help make an impact on the lives of current and future Pius X students.
What’s something you’re really proud of—professionally or personally?
My wife, Toni, and I have five beautiful children. We are very proud of the unique ways in which they serve the Lord through their variety of talents. In particular, it brings me great joy to see my older children especially recognize the importance of both the sacraments and time spent with Jesus in adoration.
Who has had the biggest influence on you as a person or educator?
My parents have had the biggest influence on me both as a person and educator. My mom herself has been a Catholic school teacher for more than 40 years and has lovingly instilled the value of a Catholic education in me. My dad is someone I’ve always admired for both his work ethic and his genuine love for his family. As a parent now, I better recognize the sacrifices they have made throughout their lives for me and my siblings.
Katie Rodaway
Art Teacher
What’s your favorite part of working with students?
My favorite part of working with students is seeing their confidence grow as they develop new skills. I love watching the moment when something finally clicks and they realize they are capable of more than they initially thought. That sense of accomplishment is incredibly rewarding to witness.
What’s something you’re really proud of—professionally or personally?
I am proud of how capable and resourceful I have become, both professionally and personally. I am comfortable working in a workshop, using a wide variety of tools, solving problems, and learning new skills when something needs to be built or repaired. I take pride in being independent and willing to tackle challenges that may initially feel intimidating.
Who has had the biggest influence on you as a person or educator?
The educators in my family have had the greatest influence on me, especially my mother and my uncle. They have both been teachers for many years and have always been sources of advice, encouragement, and support when I have needed it most. Their dedication to their students and their profession has shaped the way I approach education. It also helps that when our family gathers for holidays, the educators usually have some very entertaining stories to share.
Claire Rohrs
Social Studies Teacher
What’s your favorite part of working with students?
I enjoy seeing a topic or skill click for them and when they teach me something new.
What’s something you’re really proud of—professionally or personally?
I am proud to be coaching the Pius Flagline. The team is so talented and gets me excited for the competition season to start.
Who has had the biggest influence on you as a person or educator?
Fr. Eckrich, Mrs. Sievert, and Mr. Hain had huge impacts on me while I attended Pius. They modeled how to treat the student as a whole person, and they encouraged our curiosity.
Terri Schilmoeller
Fine Arts Teacher
What’s your favorite part of working with students?
Time spent with students is almost always filled with joy, humor, and a focus on things that matter. I will have the unique opportunity this year to teach kids from age five through eighteen (most of my day will be spent teaching music at St. Teresa School, and three times a week I’ll be co-teaching the new senior humanities course at Pius X). Nothing beats spending the workday making music, challenging kids, and talking about Jesus.
What’s something you’re really proud of—professionally or personally?
One of my greatest achievements has been potty-training five children. Now we’re in the midst of overseeing science fair projects and learner’s permits, so further opportunities for patience and forbearance abound.
Who has had the biggest influence on you as a person or educator?
My mom, Mary Morin. She died when I was 18, and she did so gracefully and without fear. She has had a profound impact on my own motherhood, and her death is a constant reminder to me that we are not made for this world.
Jeff Schinstock
Theology Teacher
What’s your favorite part of working with students?
I have always cherished the moments when I see young people have it all click. Not just as information, but as something applicable to them and their long-term happiness. For me, seeing a young person fall in love with Jesus and His Church as their own is the greatest thing there is.
What’s something you’re really proud of—professionally or personally?
I’m most proud of hearing the Lord when it mattered most. He led me to my wife, Sarah, and the two of us to our blessed little family.
Who has had the biggest influence on you as a person or educator?
My dad was my English teacher in high school. I was able to see how much he cared about helping students in the classroom, and I was given a glimpse of how much he cared every day at home. He is a great storyteller, and he loved the adventures he went on in his school community.
Teresa Schmidt
Choir Accompanist
What’s your favorite part of working with students?
Encouraging and inspiring students.
What’s something you’re really proud of—professionally or personally?
Made an album of my piano compositions.
Who has had the biggest influence on you as a person or educator?
My 8th-grade through 11th-grade piano teacher.
Angela Schoenauer
Nutrition Services
What’s your favorite part of working with students?
I have six children, and it always amazes me to see the ideas they come up with and the pride they have when they unlock a new achievement in their lives. I am also excited to be a part of my son’s and nieces’ school life.
What’s something you’re really proud of—professionally or personally?
I am most proud of my six kids. They are my reason for everything that I do in life. I hope to always be someone that they look up to and that I make them proud!
Who has had the biggest influence on you as a person or educator?
My biggest influence in my life has been my mother. She has always led her life with the foremost thought of how she can serve others. She would literally give the shirt off her back for someone in need. She has always been one of my biggest supporters and there at the drop of a hat if needed. I strive to live my life in the faithful and loving way that she always has lived.
Tyler Vaught
Campus Security
What’s your favorite part of working with students?
My favorite part about working with students is building relationships and watching them grow into who God created them to be. Whether it’s through everyday conversations in the hallways, helping at retreats, or simply being someone they know they can come to, I love seeing students gain confidence, overcome challenges, discover their strengths, and realize their worth. Being able to be part of that growth and remind students that they have people who genuinely care about them is one of the most rewarding parts.
What’s something you’re really proud of—professionally or personally?
Something I’m really proud of is running my first half marathon and finishing in under two hours. At the time, I was actually focused on gaining weight and building muscle, and I had just gained about 15 pounds. I hadn’t done much running or training because I was lifting almost every day. I also had always told myself I would never run farther than seven miles, so being able to push past that mindset and run 13.1 miles was a big accomplishment for me.
Who has had the biggest influence on you as a person or educator?
My mom has had the biggest influence on my life. She taught me how to be kind, strong, and to always chase my goals. She showed me what it means to persevere and not let challenges define you. She overcame cancer and later battled Alzheimer’s for the last seven years of her life before passing away last November. Watching her face those challenges with strength and grace shaped who I am today.
