Heather Richard came to OptimALL Services the way many of the best advocates do — through a friend, a conversation, and a cause that immediately felt personal. A few years ago, a close friend who sat on the OptimALL board invited Heather to an event and shared what the organization was doing. It didn't take long for the mission to land. "I was very excited to hear that there was a program and a nonprofit that supported kids in Catholic schools with learning challenges," she s

OptimALL recently connected with educator Amy Johnson to capture her insights into education, classroom realities, and what truly helps teachers reach every learner. After 28 years teaching in Cincinnati public schools, Amy isn't riding off into retirement. Instead, she's stepping into a new role as a coach. She hopes her deep experience in instructional best-practices, MTSS frameworks, and real-time classroom differentiation will now support educators across all kinds of sc

Beth Rielly stands at the helm of OptimALL Services as Board President and co-founder, driving a nonprofit dedicated to transforming education in Catholic and faith-based schools across Ohio. Through targeted strategies, specialized instruction, and teacher training, the organization helps students with learning disabilities thrive. It's all about building school cultures that embrace every learner, ensuring compliance with state regulations while maximizing impact. Rielly's

St. Lawrence School in Cincinnati has long committed to inclusive education rooted in faith. Now, with the launch of the St. John Bosco Initiative, the school takes a significant leap forward. This new program, set to begin in the 2026 -2027 school year, creates a dedicated classroom for students with higher learning needs. Principal Jen Long and Assistant Principal Danielle Goertemoeller shared their vision in recent interviews, highlighting how OptimALL's partnership drive

At OptimALL Services, our mission has been clear since day one. We strive to help all students to be included in Catholic and faith-based schools and to realize their full potential. We’re so motivated by these principles that we made them our motto! We believe every child deserves an exceptional education, exceptional service, and the opportunity for exceptional success—regardless of their unique learning needs. And now, we are thrilled to share groundbreaking news that bri

Imagine walking into a Catholic school classroom and feeling, right away, that every child truly belongs, with no exceptions. That's the quiet revolution happening at places like St. Jude School in Cincinnati, and it's exactly what drew Maria Moorman to join OptimALL Services this year. Three months into her first role as paraprofessional with OptimALL at St. Jude, Maria already calls the experience "wonderful." She works one-on-one and in small groups with students from sec

For most educators, retirement signals the end of early mornings, lesson plans, and parent-teacher conferences. Many teachers look forward to it but also feel sadness about leaving their classroom behind. But for Scott Dearth, retirement simply meant the beginning of the best chapter of his 43-year career. Scott officially retired from Oak Hills Local Schools in 2019 after decades of dedicated service in public education. He thought he’d ease into a quiet part-time role. Inst

As we reflect on 2025 with hearts full of gratitude, OptimALL Services is honored to share the profound impact we've made together in equipping students in Catholic and faith-based schools to realize their full potential . True to our mission, our dedicated educational professionals have provided learning strategies, instruction, and teacher professional development to nurture the skills necessary for lifelong learning. New Milestones, Same Mission In 2025, OptimALL Services

As the leaves begin to turn in Columbus, Ohio, our OptimALL Services executive team had the profound privilege of attending the annual SPICE Mass of Inclusion on September 28th at St. Catharine of Siena Church. This heartfelt celebration, led by Bishop Earl K. Fernandes, brought together around 350 members of our faith community to honor the inherent dignity of every person, and especially those with disabilities. For us at OptimALL, an organization dedicated to empowering s

At OptimALL Services, we believe that every child deserves an educational environment where they can thrive, regardless of their unique needs. Our mission is to foster inclusive learning in faith-based and private schools through specialized interventions, teacher support, and scholarship administration. We’re honored to share the heartfelt story of Kari Kester, a dedicated parent whose son, Ryan, has flourished with the help of OptimALL's tailored services. Kari chose Chil

On May 14, 2025, Lynn Esmail, Executive Director of OptimALL Services, took the floor at the Ohio Statehouse to rally support for House Bill 96, a proposal that could transform the lives of students with disabilities. In heartfelt testimony, Lynn laid out a clear case for why increased funding for specialized interventions is a game-changer for Ohio’s kids. Her words painted a vivid picture of what’s at stake. Lynn kicked things off by explaining the scope of her organization

At Cardinal Pacelli School, Holly Solzsmon is making a profound impact as the lead teacher and intervention specialist for Optimall Services. With a deep connection to the school—she’s a proud alumna—Holly brings passion, expertise, and a commitment to inclusive education to her role, ensuring every student has the tools to thrive. Holly oversees a bustling hub at Cardinal Pacelli, where OptimAll supports 20 students this year through a comprehensive range of services, includ

At OptimALL Services, we believe that strong relationships are the foundation of exceptional teamwork. Our mission to empower students with innovative, inclusive solutions starts with the connections we build within our team. One of our favorite ways to nurture these bonds is through our cherished fellowship lunches, where staffers come together to share meals, stories, and ideas. Considering most of our staff work in twelve schools across the region, the chance to get togeth

At Cardinal Pacelli School in Cincinnati, Ohio, OptimALL is reshaping educational experience for students who need extra educational support. In a recent interview, Principal Jennifer Martin shared how in the last few years, OptimALL has become a cornerstone of the school’s commitment to inclusive education by fostering happier students, empowered teachers, and a stronger community. OptimALL has created a structured intervention program at Cardinal Pacelli that is designed to

February 12, 2025 Jeanette Beckham, a Speech Language Pathologist, has been making a difference as staffer for OptimALL Services for four years, after having spent six years in her profession. "I'm happy to be here," Jeanette said recently of her work at Xavier Jesuit Academy in the Bond Hill neighborhood of Cincinnati. "It's a great school, a great team, and a great group of students." Jeanette appreciates the most how her job at OptimALL allows her to integrate her faith

January 2025 In recent years, the push for inclusiveness in education has increased momentum and that’s a great thing. Across the country, people are rethinking and reimagining how they teach children with exceptional needs. Innovation has come to education, and we couldn’t be more thrilled. But there’s still a lot to be done to ensure children with disabilities feel genuinely welcomed and supported in school. OptimALL Services is leading this conversation. We offer resources

February 28, 2025 In the last few years, Tony and Bobby Merrill, parents of three energetic boys—Julian (14), Ferris (11), and Gus (9)—have seen their family’s educational path transformed by OptimALL Services. “Tony and I have three boys: Julian, Ferris, and Gus,” Bobby said. The couple chose Guardian Angels school for its close-knit atmosphere and strong Catholic roots. Located in the Mount Washington neighborhood of Cincinnati and founded in 1895, Guardian Angels is con