Holly Solzsmon: Championing Inclusion at Cardinal Pacelli with OptimAll Services

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, including academic interventions, speech and language goals, and occupational therapy. 

“We have kids coming in and out all day long,” Holly says. “They’re here for services, accommodations, or just extra help with their work. We love seeing them—they put a smile on our face every day.”

OptimAll’s partnership with Cardinal Pacelli has been operational for several years. Now fully integrated into the school’s fabric, OptimAll collaborates closely with teachers, supports classroom interventions, and aids in the special needs enrollment processes. This seamless relationship reflects the school’s Catholic values of inclusion and community. 

“We’re doing the work of the Lord by including kids and providing these services so they can stay in their Catholic home schools alongside their siblings,” Holly says.

For Holly, working at her alma mater is deeply personal. With 14 years of experience in public schools, she stumbled upon OptimAll through a friend and felt an immediate calling. She simply had to return to the school of her youth. 

 “This means everything to me,” she says. “I think about when I was here as a student and how many kids could have been helped. Now, I’m happy to be here, making a difference.”

OptimAll’s mission is to equip students with the skills they need to succeed independently, and the results speak for themselves. Holly beams with pride as she notes that all eighth-grade students served by OptimAll this year have been accepted into top high schools in Greater Cincinnati, including St. Xavier, St. Ursula, Roger Bacon, and McNicholas. Many have transitioned off their Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and are ready to excel in high school and beyond. Holly says that’s all thanks to the foundation built at Cardinal Pacelli. Reflecting on her own time as a student, Holly sees the value of OptimAll’s presence in fostering empathy and support to the whole school.  

“Back then, we didn’t have students with diverse learning needs in our classrooms, so I didn’t understand those challenges,” she says. “Now, kids see their peers getting extra help, and we’re there for everyone, students and teachers alike."

Holly’s work embodies OptimAll’s commitment to empowering students while honoring the Catholic mission of Cardinal Pacelli. With her leadership, OptimAll continues to transform lives, one student at a time, ensuring they leave the school with the confidence and skills to succeed in high school and beyond.