About Our School
Meet Our Team
Kate Harkless, Head of School
Ms. Kate Harkless has worked in education for nine years. She worked as an educational technologist and math teacher in brick-and-mortar schools before transitioning to K12 and online education. Ms. Harkless worked at Insight School of Ohio as a math teacher, Response to Intervention Coordinator, and Principal. For the past two years, she has been a Regional Academic Director. Moving into the Head of School role at Ohio Digital Learning School (ODLS), she is most excited about working with opportunity youth to find their path to academic and career success.
Ms. Harkless earned her bachelor’s degree in anthropology from The Ohio State University and her master’s degree in math and science education from Mount Vernon Nazarene University. She is currently pursuing her doctoral degree in educational technology and leadership from American College of Education.
When she’s not working, Ms. Harkless spends time with her husband and their three children.
Mahailey Albain, Ed.D.
Mahailey Albain, Ed.D. comes to ODLS with a wealth of experience teaching both secondary students as well as adults. She has taught adult education courses for four years and was an instructional coach working with teachers with K12 after teaching virtual high school students at Insight School of Ohio. Prior to that, she taught college courses in English, film, and critical thinking. Dr. Albain spends her time outside of school reading, taking classes to learn new things, and spending time with her family at sporting events.
Mr. Cody Chrisman
Mr. Cody Chrisman has worked in the education and developmental disability field for 14 years. As the operations manager at ODLS, he brings a variety of experience from working in a classroom setting to a long-standing role as an administrator at County Board of Developmental Disabilities. Mr. Chrisman obtained a bachelor’s degree from Bowling Green State University, a master’s degree from Capella University, as well as a Certificate of Completion as a Certified Benefits Counselor in social security from Virginia Common Wealth. When Mr. Chrisman is not working, he enjoys being outdoors hunting and watching his children play sports, along with his wife.
Ms. Laura Houghton
Ms. Laura Houghton chose to work with ODLS and K12 due to the mission of students first. Prior to coming to ODLS, Ms. Houghton worked for Insight School of Michigan as an advisor. Following her passion of supporting students to be successful, Ms. Houghton took the role of student support administrator at ODLS. She's excited to be working with a team of passionate people who understand the need to assist students in engaging daily in their schoolwork to help them complete their high school academic journey and earn a diploma.
Ms. Houghton has her certification in practical nursing and massage therapy but has found that working with students is where she truly belongs. She's excited to be at ODLS and looks forward to providing support and encouragement to help ODLS students meet their academic goals. When not working with students, spending time with her husband and four children also brings her great joy.
Ms. Kristal Lockwood
Ms. Kristal Lockwood is very excited to be joining the ODLS team this year. She has 10 years’ experience as an intervention specialist and five years serving as a special education administrator. She grew up in northwest Ohio and attended Bowling Green State University where she earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees. She obtained her principal license from the University of Findlay. She lives in the Bowling Green area with her husband and children.
