Ross began his teaching career in the Mt Druitt area, where his fascination with teaching the most difficult of students began, often electing to take the most difficult classes within the school.
Aware of his peculiar talents, the Education Department selected Ross to be the “set up” teacher at a specialised unit for conduct disordered adolescents, the North Harbour Unit. During his 5 years there he developed an interest in wilderness programs as a means of addressing the needs of challenging students. Consequently he was deployed to establish The Backpack Project on the Central Coast, for secondary students with high level behavioural issues, followed by a posting as Head Teacher to the newly established Umina High School unit for emotionally disturbed students.

Outside of education Ross lives a fairly conservative life that revolves around his wife Deb, his children Lissy and Mitch – oh and motorcycles, rugby and fast food too.

Ross shares his wisdom, compassion and understanding of young people with us, as he helps us accept the challenge adolescents can throw at us.

Ross holds the position of Principal at Highlands School, a Department of Education and Training facility that caters exclusively to students who are unable to access mainstream education as a result of severe behavioural issues.

Ross was a presenter at the 2007 ORIC Conference speaking on "Bullying and behavioural issues – How to deal with the Inappropriate." He shared the benefit of his understanding as to what drives adolescents and how best to respond to them in the field.