As I await the sounds of the students walking our halls and the artwork to drape the walls, I’m thinking of our faculty and staff returning today preparing for a new school year.

We are so fortunate to have such a fabulous faculty and staff and I want to take time this week to highlight a few of them in the blog but thank all of them here and throughout the nation. Many times we send a thank you to faculty and staff at the end of the year.  Let’s start the school year with a “thank you!”

Chris Gross, PT, MS

Thank you Chris Gross!  Christina (Chris) Gross is a Physical Therapist in the Elizabeth Lee Black School.   A faculty member since 2007, Chris is the consummate professional.  She utilizes her full range of experience to address the individual needs of each student.  Chris partners with students, teachers and parents to set realistic goals and provides education at each step of her treatment to assure maximum benefit is achieved.

Chris has a vision of inclusion which has led to many opportunities for our school students.  Through her initiative came the development of the adapted bicycling program and interactive iBook, Adapted Bicycling (available on iTunes).  She actively pursued grants that have enabled us to develop a fitness room, purchase gait trainers and specialized equipment and seating.  Chris also worked to create an adaptive Barber Beast obstacle course for students to be included in the Beat-the-Beast challenge.

I’m so grateful for all that Chris does for the students and look forward to her continued efforts this year.  My hope is that you have a faculty member like Chris. One who continues to surpass expectations with a positive attitude, vision & compassion.  And I hope that you too will begin the school year with thanks!

Chris earned a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy and a Master’s of Science specializing in neuro-rehabilitation from Daemen College. She is certified in Neuro-Development Treatment (NDT) for adult rehabilitation.