Gross brings 17 years of experience in education, including leadership in teacher support, professional learning, curriculum development, and school improvement. Her background includes working with elementary students, teachers, administrators, and families, with a focus on creating supportive school environments where students can learn and succeed.

Most recently, Gross served as program director and principal for Now Speak English Online, where she led teaching and learning programs across three international markets. She managed a team of 35 teachers and five mentors, helped develop and improve curriculum, provided training for teachers, evaluated teaching, and led planning efforts. During her tenure, the program grew from fewer than 90 students to more than 500 students.

Before that, Gross served as a K-5 instructional coach with Ankeny Community School District in Iowa. In that role, she worked closely with school administrators and teachers to improve classroom instruction, school climate, and support for students. She provided classroom coaching and model lessons, helped coordinate additional academic and social-emotional support for students, and led professional learning for teachers.

During her time at Ankeny, Gross also helped strengthen connections with families by organizing math and literacy events, working with families and school support staff, and collaborating with special education teachers to support individual student needs. She also served on district leadership teams focused on improving instruction and supporting teachers.

Gross began her career as a first- and second-grade teacher, where she provided instruction tailored to individual student needs and created supportive, inclusive classroom environments.

Gross also has extensive experience supporting early reading and math skills, helping teachers use effective teaching strategies, and using student information to better understand how children are learning. She has led efforts to improve curriculum, supported teachers in strengthening classroom instruction, coordinated student assessments, and helped educators use student performance information to provide additional support when needed.

She holds an Education Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from Drake University, a Master of Arts in Education with coursework in PK-12 Reading Specialist Studies from Viterbo University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from the University of Iowa. She also holds New York state certifications as a School Building Leader and in Childhood Education for Grades 1-6.

Gross said she is looking forward to joining the Riccardi community and building upon the school's existing strengths.

"Riccardi has a strong foundation of excellent instruction, meaningful community involvement, and rich traditions," Gross said. "I look forward to building upon these strengths while working together to envision and shape an exciting future for our school community."

Her leadership approach centers on collaboration, relationships, and making sure teachers have the resources and support they need to help students succeed.

"I firmly believe that every student can learn and achieve at high levels when provided with differentiated, responsive instruction," Gross said. "As principal, it is my responsibility to ensure that our teachers have the time, resources, professional learning, and support they need to make this possible on a daily basis."

As she begins her new role, Gross said her first priority will be getting to know the Riccardi community, listening to staff and families, and learning about the strengths and expertise already present in the school.