Behind the Mission: Strengthening Schools, Empowering Students

Nicki Eichhold might not be a teacher, education however, has always been at the forefront of her life and career.  Her college degree from Xavier University was in business, but she has always been drawn to the challenges that are ongoing in the world of education.  

As OptimALL's Director of Operations and Coaching, Nicki is one of the people making sure the work being done in the classroom is supported at the highest level. In addition to her education, Nicki has chaired, organized, led, and fundraised for a host of organizations.  Her planning skills, attention to detail, and drive have made her the perfect person not only for the organization, but for the children that OptimALL serves.

Nicki joined OptimALL in September 2018, at a turning point for the nonprofit. The organization was about to become a scholarship provider and, for the first time, a direct provider of services to students. That first year, the team worked hard to get ready for these changes.  Nicki was an important part of the executive team that led the organization through these changes, and the growth has continued because of her dedication to the mission of OptimALL.

What Nicki loves most about her role is that every day is different.  Each school that OptimALL serves has unique needs.  The challenge is to meet each school and each student exactly where they are. This requires creativity and patience.  Staffing, government regulations, and school requests are constantly changing.  OptimALL is fortunate to have Nicki working behind the scenes to make sure the best educational opportunities are being delivered to our students and critical support is being provided to our teachers.

A few years ago, Nicki's title grew from operations to include coaching. She took the lead on ACT Together, now in its third year. This innovative program came out of a desire to coach in an even more customized way. By helping schools maximize resources and giving them back the time lost navigating state and federal rules and systems, our partner schools can help each student reach their full potential.  Paperwork can overwhelm schools, especially those with a small staff.  ACT Together takes the weight off the shoulders of the school and creates a perfect partnership with OptimALL.  It has also been an opportunity to help high schools. 

Learning differences do not end in 8th grade for many, so supporting high schools has been key to making sure students continue to receive much needed services.  Nicki’s hard work and her ability to tailor the program to each school's needs, has become another opportunity for OptimALL to grow and help more students.

Lucky for OptimALL, Nicki has a heart and mind that can’t say no.  She will do everything she can to make a Catholic education obtainable.

Nicki said it best, "OptimALL is the answer to helping students who learn differently, helping them to stay in their neighborhood Catholic schools or faith-based schools, helping them to stay with their siblings and with their cousins and with their neighbors, and getting the services at the school of their choice,” she says. 

Outside of work, Nicki enjoys spending time with her family and especially her most adorable grandson.  She is proud to have hiked different routes of the Camino de Santiago in Spain, France, and Portugal. Nicki also enjoys running.  She has finished 17 marathons and is registered for her first ultramarathon this November.

Anyone who has watched her tackle a tough problem at OptimALL won't be surprised Nicki is chasing one more finish line.

Nicki Eichhold is Director of Operations and Coaching at OptimALL Services, where she has worked since 2018.