Tessa Contreras is from Lincoln, Nebraska. She grew up in St. Joseph Parish and is now a parishioner at St. Teresa’s. She graduated from Pius X High School in 2010. She holds a bachelor degree in Psychology and also studied Philosophy and Child, Youth, and Family Studies at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln. Tessa is excited to take on the role of Data and Services Coordinator and is grateful to be joining the Foundation Team at Pius. Tessa enjoys living a simple life, finding joy in the little things each day and seeing the Abundant Life we are all called to whether that is in playing with her new puppy, Shepherd, being outside, or spending time in prayer. Tessa loves to learn and integrate the Faith and is deeply moved by human encounter and experience. She is looking forward to sharing life and mission with the Pius family.
Sophia Werning is a native of Washington, D.C., but has proudly called Lincoln home for the past 16 years. She has worked in fundraising/advancement and communication for educational and healthcare nonprofit organizations for more than 25 years, including having served the Pius X Foundation from 2010-2014. She and her husband Joe have four children, a daughter-in-law and a son-in-law, five of whom are Pius X alumni. They are also blessed with two darling grandsons and a pup named Jazzie. Sophia is of Greek descent so she enjoys all things Greek, including traveling to her homeland and sharing her love for Greek cooking with all. She is excited to be returning “home” to Pius X and once again serving families and students while advancing the mission of Pius X. Sophia will serve as the Advancement Coordinator for the Foundation team.
Janet Brammier (pronounced Brey-meyer) is a new paraprofessional at Pius X. Janet grew up in Lincoln, NE and attended St. Patrick’s school, where her children now go. She graduated from Pius in 2007 and went on to SCC and studied in the Human Service Program and Early Childhood Program. She owned her own childcare center for several years and also worked as a Paraeducator at St. Patrick’s and LPS. She enjoys going on adventures with her family the most and is so excited to be a part of the Pius team!
Morgan Schumacher grew up in Lincoln, Nebraska. She graduated from Lincoln Southeast then attended the University of Nebraska. She has several years of experience working in accounting and restaurant fields. She is most proud of being a mom of four active children and running the family household. She has worked the past year and a half in the kitchen at Pius X and truly enjoyed getting to know the staff and students. She is grateful for the opportunity to start her role in working in the Pius finance department.
Michael Grindey is originally from Arizona where he graduated from Brophy College Preparatory, a Jesuit Catholic High School, in 2018. He has been living in Seward, Nebraska since 2021 and is playing his final year of football at Concordia University where he will complete his Bachelor’s Degree in December. Michael will be a full-time substitute teacher taking over for Fr. Bernardo’s Theology III classes. He has grown up around Catholic Secondary Education having two parents that work for the Catholic Diocese of Phoenix. Having a background in both football and strength training, Michael is excited to bring both his coaching experience and passion for the faith to the classroom. He was recently married to his wife Morgan this summer at North American Martyrs in Lincoln. Michael is very grateful to be working at Pius X, and excited to walk with students as they grow in their relationship with Christ.
Mark Solokhin (Solo-kin) will be joining the maintenance staff as our day porter. Mark attended a private Christian school from 1st through 8th grade. He is currently taking OCIA classes to become Catholic. Mark loves to study the Lord’s word by reading to gain understanding. Prayer and daily mass are his favorites. Mark enjoys being around students and in an education setting because there is always something to learn. Mark has a lot of maintenance and construction experience and is excited to join the team.
