GROSS CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Media Specialist, Technology Teacher
Mrs. Joy Clark is our Media Specialist. She also teaches a technology course entitled, "Introduction to Technology."
Dr. Curry comes to us from Hudson, Ohio where he most recently served as the president of Archbishop Hoban High School. Past positions also include head of school for Bishop Ireton High School in Alexandria, Virginia and multiple teaching roles throughout his career.
His education consists of a Bachelor or Arts in Religion from La Salle University in Philadelphia, PA, a Master of Arts in Theology and a Doctor of Philosophy in Theology, from Boston College in Chestnut Hill, MA, and a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from the School of Business Administration from Marymount University in Arlington, VA.
Ms. Amy Taber is the School Counselor working with Freshman and Sophomores. Mrs. D'Angelo moved to Omaha from the Houston/Galveston area in Texas due to her husband's job promotion. She attended college at Sam Houston State University for her undergraduate degree and Lamar University for her Masters of Education in School Counseling. This is her 12th year in education with over 8 years of experience teaching middle school and 2 1/2 years in school counseling. When she is not working, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, going to Orangetheory Fitness, traveling to new places and playing with their two dogs, Lulu and Tux.
Debbie Rice is our administrative assistant. She is an '86 graduate of Gross Catholic. Deb is married to Bill, also an '86 grad. They have 9 children (additionally, she has 400+ adopted Gross Catholic children). Debbie received a bachelors degree in Elementary and Special Education from UNL. After staying home for 19 years to raise her children, she began working at Gross Catholic in 2015. Once a Cougar always a Cougar!
Job Titles:
- Theology Teacher, Speech Teacher, Competitive Speech, Site Director Athletic Events
Mr. Brian Fuchser, at Gross Catholic since 2005, has both a bachelor's degree in journalism and a master's degree in secondary education from Creighton University. Fuchser has many duties at Gross, including theology, speech, and serving as a site manager and public address announcer for various sports. Mr. Fuchser grew up in O'Neill, Nebraska and has lived in the Omaha area since 1998, except for a two-year stint teaching theology and coaching at Scotus Central Catholic in Columbus, Nebraska. Mr. Fuchser also spent a year working as a reporter, photographer, and advertising specialist for the Catholic Voice before coming to Gross Catholic.
Coach Hampton has got the wrestling team fired up and ready to go. He can be contacted via email at paver-designs@cox.net.
Job Titles:
- Head Varsity Baseball Coach
Coach Hempel has been with the boys baseball program for many years and takes over for Mike Filipowicz, a legendary Gross Catholic Cougar Coach.
Job Titles:
- Lunch Room and Vending Manager
Mrs. Tricia (Riha) Hughes has been a member of the Gross Catholic faculty since 1996. After her graduation from Gross Catholic in 1992, she earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and her master's degree from Peru State College. Currently, Mrs. Hughes teaches mathematics and is the Math Department Chair. In addition, Mrs. Hughes was the Cheerleading coach and the Girls Golf Coach. Tricia Riha-Hughes is married to a Gross Catholic grad ('83) and the mother of three children who attend a local Catholic grade school.
Job Titles:
- Head Varsity Softball Coach
Everyone calls Coach Jacobson, "Jake!" He is an experienced and knowledgeable coach who gets the best out of his players. Jake took the reins of the very successful Gross Catholic Softball Program in 2020 after after the head coach (his wife, Michala) retired. His full time job is Regional Operations Manager for Landscapes Unlimited. A former Certified PGA Professional, Mr. Jacobson has over 25 years of experience in all facets of golf operations including daily-fee, semi-private, and private facilities. Before transitioning to Landscapes Management Company in 2011, he was the General Manager for The Players Club at Deer Creek; an Arnold Palmer-designed 27-hole private club located in Omaha, NE. He and his wife Michala have four children.
Joe Kmiecik graduated from Creighton University with a degree in English in 2007, and from Emerson College (Boston) in 2009 with a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing. He has taught composition, rhetoric, creative writing, and other communications classes at Emerson College, Newbury College, and Southern New Hampshire University. He has also spent several years working as a copywriter and editor for an Atlanta-based home repair magazine. Joe is a proud graduate of St. Bernadette and South Omaha Boy. He and his wife have three children.
Chris Johanek Boro has been at Gross Catholic since 1980, but she likes to tell her students she was here "when the earth was cooling." A proud graduate of Gross Catholic class of '76, she earned her bachelor's degree from UNL with majors in English and reading, and her master's degree from UNO, with a graduate endorsement in Teaching the Gifted and Talented. She has taught all levels of English, most recently sophomores and seniors, as well as creative writing. During the 2007 - 2008 school year, she was a member of the Nebraska Department of Education Reading and Writing Standards Revision Committee. Prior to that, she served the Archdiocese of Omaha in a similar capacity, writing and revising Language Arts Standards and Assessments for grades K - 12. Ms. Johanek Boro has lived in Omaha her entire life, and has been married to Craig Boro since 1998. They are parishioners of Sts. Peter & Paul Parish, where both she and Craig are choir members, lectors, and volunteers for parish activities. They are also active in Global Catholic Outreach, an exchange student program that sponsors students from former Communist countries.
Job Titles:
- Art Teacher, Art Club Moderator
Mrs. CaSandra Johnson has been at Gross Catholic since August of 2000. She is visual arts teacher, as well as moderator of the Art Club and Knitting Club. Previously, Mrs. Johnson has taught art for The Boys and Girls Clubs of Omaha, Girls Inc., El Museo Latino, and currently at the Joslyn Art Museum. She is graduate of the University of Nebraska at Omaha with a B.S. in K-12 art education, and is an alumnus of The Art Institute of Chicago's TICA program. She and her husband Doug are members of St. Bernadette Parish. They have 2 sons.
Mr. Ryan Larson comes to us from more than a decade of recruitment experience at the college level. Most recently, he was Assistant Registrar for the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha. He has served in admissions leadership roles at Buena Vista University, Iowa Western Community College, and the University of South Dakota - where he recruited primarily from the Omaha metro area.
Mr. Larson and wife Samantha reside in Council Bluffs with their dog Molly. In his free time, he enjoys woodworking, watching sports, traveling, photography and spending time with family.
Linda Walker is our girls varsity basketball coach. Coach Walker previously coached girls basketball at Wahoo High School and guided the Warriors to 373 wins over 24 seasons as head coach.
Mrs. Lizzie Mason attended Mercy High school and then Wayne State College where she graduated in 2019 with a degree in Social Studies Education.
Mrs. Mason spends her free time listening to podcasts, crafting, and traveling with her husband. She is also an avid board gamer player and collector.
Job Titles:
- Theology Teacher, Social Studies Teacher, LIFE Moderator, Assistant Varsity Girls Soccer Coach
Mrs. Kim Matzen is a 1994 a graduate of Gross Catholic, and has been teaching at Gross Catholic since 2000. She has a bachelor's and a master's degree from the College of Saint Mary. Matzen teaches Theology and Social Studies, is a LIFE Moderator, the co-chair of the MIT team, and is an assistant coach for girls soccer. Mrs. Matzen and her husband have two children.
Job Titles:
- Guidance Counselor, College Planning, and Student Council Moderator
Mr. Groski is the building manager and is also in charge of the grounds. He is one of the reasons why our campus and facilities are in tip-top shape.
Job Titles:
- Head
- Head Varsity Swimming Coach
Mr. Hartfield is the head swimming coach. The swim team co-ops with Ralston. Practices and home meets are at the Ralston High School pool.
Mr. Jim Homan, at Gross Catholic since 1987, has both a bachelor's and a master's degree from Creighton University. He is in charge of the school's Bring Your Own Device program, coordinates PowerSchool, GCGmail, and social media. Mr. Homan has lived in Omaha most of his life. He has 2 daughters.
Mr. Mike Dempsey is currently the Athletic & Activities Director and the Assistant Principal. He is a 1975 Gross graduate. He received a bachelor's degree from UNO in 1980 and a master's degree in 1983. Mr. Dempsey began his career at Gross in 1980, teaching math as well as assisting coaching football and basketball. In 1986, he left Gross for five years to teach and coach at another Catholic high school in Omaha. Dempsey returned to Gross Catholic in 1992 to become the head basketball coach, teach math, work in the counseling department and assist coaching football. Mr. Dempsey finished another master's degree in administration in the fall of 2008. Mr. and Mrs. Dempsey have four children that have graduated from Gross Catholic.
Mr. Mike Nolte is the boys soccer coach. He holds a USSF National D License, BFUT Inststituo Braileiro (Brazilian) De Futebol "C" License, Coerver Coaching Youth Diploma, and United Soccer Coaches Goal Keeping level 1 & 2 Diploma. He also currently coaches with Sporting Omaha Football Club.
Faculty member Mr. Tim Powers has been teaching at Gross since 2000, where he has enjoyed working in a family atmosphere. He currently teaches various Social Studies classes. Mr. Powers also coaches boys basketball, and boys golf. Mr. Powers is an alumnus of Gross and went to Appalachian State University. In his spare time, Mr. Powers likes to golf, travel, and spend time with his wife and kids.
Mr. Wilson is the current girls golf head coach and has had great success. When he is not on the golf course, Coach Wilson owns and manages the Runza in Papillion.
Mrs. Cathie Pajnigar is the school nurse at Gross Catholic. She is a 1995 Gross gradaute. She received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Creighton University in 1999. After getting married, Cathie and her husband moved to Cedar Falls, Iowa where she was a school nurse for five years. They chose to move back to Omaha in 2007 to be closer to family. She is also currently a registered nurse with CHI Health Bergan Mercy in the Hematology/Oncology Clinic. Dr. and Mrs. Pajnigar have four children who all attend Catholic school.
Mrs. Emily Dorcey was born and raised in Tampa, FL and moved to Omaha in 2019, where her husband is originally from. She and her husband have a daughter. Mrs. Dorcey has previously taught high school Theology and middle school religion.
Mrs. Tricia (Riha) Hughes has been a member of the Gross Catholic faculty since 1996. After her graduation from Gross Catholic in 1992, she earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and her master's degree from Peru State College. Currently, Mrs. Hughes teaches mathematics and is the Math Department Chair. In addition, Mrs. Hughes was the Cheerleading coach and the Girls Golf Coach. Tricia Riha-Hughes is married to a Gross Catholic grad ('83) and the mother of three children who attend a local Catholic grade school.
Ms. Amy Taber is the School Counselor working with Freshman and Sophomores. Mrs. D'Angelo moved to Omaha from the Houston/Galveston area in Texas due to her husband's job promotion. She attended college at Sam Houston State University for her undergraduate degree and Lamar University for her Masters of Education in School Counseling. This is her 12th year in education with over 8 years of experience teaching middle school and 2 1/2 years in school counseling. When she is not working, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, going to Orangetheory Fitness, traveling to new places and playing with their two dogs, Lulu and Tux.
Job Titles:
- Science Teacher, Cross Country, Track Coach
Ms. Schwartz is a science teacher and cross country/track and field coach. She came to Omaha as a part of the Magis Catholic Teacher Corps program at Creighton University, where she is currently pursuing her masters in education. Ms. Schwartz grew up in Wisconsin and graduated from the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse with a degree in Biology in December of 2020. Outside of school, she enjoys running, biking, and hiking the National Parks with her family.
Job Titles:
- Vice President of Advancement
Job Titles:
- Physical Education Teacher, Sports Medicine, Athletic Training
Mrs. Suzanne Nano has been at Gross Catholic since 1990. She has a bachelor's degree from Iowa State University and a master's degreee and teaching endorsement from UNO. She grew up in Rockford, Illinois. She teachs PE classes and is also the Cerified Athletic Trainer at Gross Catholic.
Nick Romero began his teaching career at Gross Catholic in 2010. He then went to teach at La Vista Middle School in 2016. Mr. Romero performs often around the metro area and especially enjoys playing in the pit orchestra at the Omaha Community Playhouse. He and his wife Carrie have 4 kids, Nora, Elise, Ben and Joseph. Mr. Romero is so excited to return to the Gross Catholic family!
Job Titles:
- Alumni and Communications Director
Molly (McGill) Nolte was born and raised in Omaha and is a 1999 graduate of Gross Catholic High School. She attended the University of Nebraska at Lincoln and earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree. Molly has been working at Gross Catholic since 2018 and enjoys meeting alumni and working on communications such as Dux Esto Magazine, Cougar Connections E-Newsletter and our Parent Paws E-Newsletter.
Molly's teenage sons both attend Gross Catholic. She is also a fitness instructor and enjoys running and weight lifting. Molly also spends a lot of her time on the soccer field, cheering on both of her boys.
After graduating from Indiana University in 2008 with her bachelor's degree in Spanish and English, Ms. Novotny moved to Omaha to obtain her master's in Education from Creighton. Since moving, she has worked in the elementary, middle and high school levels teaching Spanish and Art. She currently teaches Spanish II and Spanish III. Ms. (McGuan) Novotny grew up in the Northwest Indiana and Chicago area and still travels back often to visit. Ms. Novotny joined the Cougar family in August of 2011 and is married to Nate Novotny, who is a Gross Catholic graduate and also taught at Gross for a number of years.
Mrs. Cathie Pajnigar is the school nurse at Gross Catholic. She is a 1995 Gross gradaute. She received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Creighton University in 1999. After getting married, Cathie and her husband moved to Cedar Falls, Iowa where she was a school nurse for five years. They chose to move back to Omaha in 2007 to be closer to family. She is also currently a registered nurse with CHI Health Bergan Mercy in the Hematology/Oncology Clinic. Dr. and Mrs. Pajnigar have four children who all attend Catholic school.
Pam Maxwell has a bachelor's degree in Business Administration and a master's degree in Deaf Education. She holds teaching certificates in Deaf Education and Spanish. After leaving a business career, Pam taught deaf and hard-of-hearing students in Minnesota. She volunteered in Guatemala for 2 years and was acting principal and development director for Our Lady of Guadalupe-Ines Mission School in South Omaha. She has taught high school Spanish for 9 years and college Spanish for 1 year. She has traveled through Central America, Spain, France, England, Puerto Rico, and Jamaica and has volunteered as a teacher of English to Spanish-speaking inmates at the county jail. Pam was raised in Omaha and is a member of St. Bernadette Parish. She and her husband, Chip, have seven adopted children from Guatemala.
Paulette Neuhalfen has served as principal since July of 2018 school year. Neuhalfen has a wide range of experience in Catholic education and school administration. She served as a teacher at Norfolk Catholic, the Associate Athletic Director at Iowa Western Community College, the Director of Admissions and Recruitment for Roncalli Catholic, and was also the Development Director and Assistant Principal for St. James Seton School. Most recently, Neuhalfen served as the Assistant Principal at Sacred Heart School in Omaha. A Hartington, Nebraska native, Neuhalfen graduated from Hartington Cedar Catholic High School and received her Bachelor's degree in Education from Briar Cliff University. She later received her Master's degree in School Leadership from Creighton University.
Mr. Matt Placek has been at Gross Catholic since 2019. He has two bachelor's degrees - one from Peru State College and the other from Western Governors University. While Matt has been involved in education for a long time, this is his first full-time teaching assignment! He had been a substitute teacher for many public schools in the Omaha metropolitan area. He also managed Sylvan Learning Center in Papillion. Matt lives in Council Bluffs, IA with his wife Courtney. They have two children - a boy and a girl.
Job Titles:
- Social Studies Teacher, Dean of Curriculum and Faculty Support, Social Studies Department Head
Faculty member Mr. Tim Powers has been teaching at Gross since 2000, where he has enjoyed working in a family atmosphere. He currently teaches various Social Studies classes. Mr. Powers also coaches boys basketball, and boys golf. Mr. Powers is an alumnus of Gross and went to Appalachian State University. In his spare time, Mr. Powers likes to golf, travel, and spend time with his wife and kids.
Rick Sloup is a 1989 graduate of Daniel J. Gross Catholic High school and has taught mathematics at his alma mater since 1997.
Job Titles:
- Music Teacher and Band Director
Job Titles:
- Building Maintenance Specialist
Sandy Antoniak is the school receptionist in the main office. She has been at Gross Catholic since 1996. She has 2 adult sons and three grandchildren.
Job Titles:
- Science Teacher, Assistant Coach Varsity Football
Mr. Randy Schmitz joined Gross Catholic in 2008, but has been teaching science in Catholic high schools for many years. He has a bachelor's degree in chemistry from South Dakota State University, and a master's degree in secondary education from Peru State College. He is a member of the varsity football coaching staff. He and his wife, Trixy, have lived in Bellevue for 10 years, and are members of St. Mary's Parish in Bellevue. They have 6 children.
Job Titles:
- Building Maintenance Specialist
Mr. Andrew Siewert recently finished thirty years of teaching English, mostly to seniors, at Chaminade College Preparatory School in St. Louis, MO. In addition to teaching at Chaminade, he was also the student leadership advisor for their house system and student council.
Mr. Siewert moved to Omaha in order to be close to family who live here. He is familiar with Omaha, as he attended Creighton University for college and graduate school. While in school there, he taught one semester at Gross Catholic. He states "It feels a bit like a return of sorts, though if anyone had told me then that I'd be back one day, I wouldn't have believed it!" Mr. Siewert is a passionate supporter of the United States' men's and women's soccer teams. He likes to cook, read, play guitar, and listen to music.
Job Titles:
- Special Events and Marketing Director
Dawn is our Director of Special Events and Marketing.
Job Titles:
- Math Teacher, ACT Prep, CAD
Job Titles:
- Student Success Coordinator, PE Teacher, Head Football Coach
Mr. Tom Van Haute is our Study Skills Teacher, PE Teacher as well as our Head Football Coach. He graduated from Hastings College in 2015 with a Master's in Special Education. His undergraduate degree is in Physical Education.