Office of Teaching and Learning

Emily Jablonka currently serves as the Chief Academic Officer for Hamilton Local Schools. In this role, she oversees the instructional support team, all teaching and learning efforts and implementation, and professional development for district staff. Emily collaborates very closely with all district and building leadership to identify and provide instructional support needed for the academic and non-academic success of all teachers and students, based on multiple data sources. Emily has previously served in the capacity of a teacher, building principal, director of teaching and learning, educational consultant, and director of professional development and leadership. Emily earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Capital University, Master’s Degree from the University of Dayton, Principal and Superintendent licensures, and Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Ashland University. Outside of school, Emily enjoys exercising, traveling, scuba diving, reading and researching, spending time with her husband and family, friends, and her dogs.

Kristen Kettlehake currently serves as Director of Whole Child Supports in Hamilton Local School District. Kristen's work focuses on fostering inclusive environments where every child, regardless of background, can thrive. Before joining HLSD, Kristen served as an intervention specialist, coordinator of curriculum, director of teaching and learning, and equity strategist. With a passion for addressing the needs of all students, she has spent her career advocating for holistic, systemic approaches to student academic development and well-being. Kristen oversees District programming for multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS), Leader in Me, mental health partnerships, intervention services, and Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS). She collaborates closely with building-level teams to ensure every student receives the support they need to succeed.

Jamie brings over a decade of leadership in special education and student services, currently serving as Director of Student Services at Hamilton Local Schools. This role  oversees special education, IDEA, Section 504, and related supports. Jamie combines a passion for advocacy, inclusion, and collaboration with the ability to lead cross-functional teams and juggle complex systems (with a sense of humor). Jamie holds a Bachelor of Science from Kent State University and a Master’s in Educational Administration from Franciscan University of Steubenville. She earned an Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree from the University of Toledo, with a focus on Interprofessional Teaming in Early Childhood. Jamie is licensed as a Principal, Superintendent, K–12 Intervention Specialist, and Reading Endorsed educator. She is a TEACCH-trained former Autism Intervention Specialist who helped launch specialized classrooms and life skills programs. Jamie is known for building inclusive systems, cultivating family partnerships, and mentoring staff, committed to creating equitable, empowering environments for all learners. Outside of work, Jamie embraces an active lifestyle: weightlifting, snowboarding, wakeboarding, cycling, and hiking. She enjoys reading, personal growth, college football, game nights, quality time with loved ones, and is a proud dog mom to Lucy, the real MVP of the house.

Kate Mayhew is a highly experienced educator with over two decades of service to children and families, including 13 years of specialized expertise in special education. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology, a master’s degree in educational leadership, and is a licensed intervention specialist. Kate has a strong background supporting students with emotional disabilities, having spent five years in targeted roles serving this population. She currently supports school-level implementation of special education services, ensuring compliance, effective instruction, and strong family partnerships. Her current focus is on expanding meaningful inclusion opportunities for students with disabilities by working collaboratively with instructional teams to develop compliant, student-centered IEPs and 504 plans that promote growth and independence. Kate also assists in designing differentiated, accessible instruction to ensure all students can engage and succeed. Her work reflects a deep commitment to the transformative power of inclusive practices and the belief that every student deserves a high-quality education

Ally White is the Coordinator of Gifted and Alternative Programs where she supports our Gifted/Advanced Learner program as well as students across the district who need credit recovery or who are in special situations. Ally began her career at Hamilton Local Schools as a 4th grade teacher in 1996 and has also served as an assistant principal and, for ten years, as the Director of Hamilton Alternative Academy. Allyson is certified as a teacher, principal, and gifted educator as well as in curriculum and instruction. She uses this knowledge and experience, combined with her love of supporting students' success, in her commitment to making sure all students can graduate from high school and have a plan for success in life.

Jeff Endres begins his 22nd year in the district and first as the Credit Recovery/Student Services Compliance Administrator. The previous 21 years were spent in the district as either the HS principal, or the MS principal, where he has been for the last 16 years. Jeff holds a Bachelor's degree in Biology  and a Masters in Education from the University of Toledo, his Administrative License from Ashland University, and has completed his coursework from Miami University for the Superintendency. In  his new role, he will be working with students and families to help with the credit recovery process, as well as supporting the HS staff in working with those students. In addition, he will be working with the TESOL department, supporting them on the administrative side. He is looking forward to this change and is excited about his new role!

Katie Forrest is entering her twentieth year at Hamilton Local School District, the place where she began her teaching journey and proudly calls home. With 15 years of classroom experience—spanning kindergarten, first grade, and 11 years in third—Katie now serves in her fifth year as the PK-5 ELA Instructional Coach. In this role, she supports both students and teachers through research-based instructional strategies, coaching cycles, professional development, and curriculum implementation. Katie brings a strong focus on student engagement and is passionate about helping teachers and students alike find meaningful ways to connect and build a supportive learning community. A graduate of The Ohio State University with a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Development and a master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from Ashland University, Katie is dedicated to literacy and student-centered growth. She believes not only that all children can learn, but that we are all lifelong learners. Outside of school, Katie enjoys spending time with her husband, two children, and their family dog—most often at a sporting event, especially cheering on the Buckeyes. She is proud to serve and grow alongside the Ranger family—Every Ranger, Every Reason, Every Day.

Kristy McGuffey, is honored to serve as a member of the Instructional Support Team. She brings 12 years of teaching experience in elementary education, and has always loved helping students grow their confidence and skills in math.  As Hamilton’s PreK – 5 Math Instructional Coach, Kristy will be working alongside teachers and staff to support high-quality math instruction, analyze student data, and help collaborate to meet the diverse needs of our students. Kristy looks forward to learning and growing in this position while promoting a love for math, encouraging best practices, supporting professional growth, and fostering a positive, engaging learning environment for all Rangers.

Hailey Johnson obtained her undergraduate degree in Middle Childhood to Early Adolescence Education and her Masters of Science in Education from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. She began her teaching career in Wisconsin and spent 5 years teaching 7th grade English Language Arts. Her family then moved to Columbus, Ohio where she has found Hamilton Township to be home and where she continued to teach 7th Grade Language Arts at Hamilton Middle School. Currently, Hailey is the 6-12 ELA Instructional Coach. In this role, she supports teachers in implementing curriculum, using data to inform instruction, and exploring new teaching strategies to best fit a wide-array of student needs. Her student-focused approach and emphasis on inclusion practices are essential in creating a learning environment at Hamilton Township where students are valued, affirmed and empowered to succeed. Outside of school, Hailey enjoys long-distance running with the Columbus Westside Running Club, hiking with her husband and their energetic pup, Maple, and reading a good book at a local coffee shop. 

Originally from Marion, Ohio, Ashleigh offers a strong commitment to educational equity and excellence. With a background in both elementary and middle school teaching, she has dedicated her career to serving diverse and high- poverty school communities. Currently, Ashleigh serves as an Instructional Coach, supporting teachers in grades 6-12 with the implementation of best practices in mathematics instruction. Her  role focuses on strengthening classroom instruction and fostering student success through ongoing collaboration with both educators and staff.