One might look for a cape and mask when talking with Dr. Gail Gross, a nationally recognized expert on child education and development issues. For years, this local superhero has been an outspoken and highly visible advocate for Houston's children.

In 1996, she, along with her husband, Jenard (who recently was honored by the Houston Independent School District with the dedication of the Jenard M. Gross Elementary School), founded the Cuney Home School at Texas Southern University. the school is designed to educate parents and children from the Cuney Housing Project. It is the first and only school of its kind.

In 1998, Gross and Richard Gere threw a fund-raiser/symposium for the Dalai Lama. In honor of her work, Gross was the first recipient of the Dalai Lama's Medal of Freedom, and the next year was given the honor of presenting the medal to Goldie Hawn.

Gross also works at the local level to make a difference to Houston Families. As the host of a local radio show, Let's Talk, Gross helps parents and children solve a variety of problems.

"I think we're really helping people who are dealing with many of the difficult issues that come up during childhood and adolescence, and that's what I hoped to do with Let's Talk," Gross says. "It's a very gratifying feeling to know that I'm able to use my years of experience and education to help listeners, as well as people around the world joining Let's Talk via our Web site." She also leads a regular chat on the Internet at www.parenthoodplace.com.

Gross currently hosts her own weekly segment called Weekday airing on KUHT-TV, Houston's PBS station, that focuses on issues affecting shildren and education. Gross' speaking engagements range from the National Conference for Gifted and Talented Children to the National PTA Convention. Recently, Secretary of Education Rod Paige invited Gross to attend a conference in Washington, D.C., with First Lady Laura Bush to announce the President's new legislation on education reform. Paige also has asked Gross to assist in forming a national educational program to develop the cognitive capabilities of toddlers before they begin school.

Originally from New Jersey, Gross has made Houston her home for the past 30 years. A former teacher in the Houston I.S.D., Gross received a bachelor of science in education and psychology, a master's degree in secondary education with a focus in psychology from the Uiversity of St. Thomas in Houston, and a doctorate in education, curriculum and instruction from the University of Houston.

She is working on her second book, titled Conscious Parenting. She hopes it will help parents in turn help their children develop their full potential.

Let's Talk with Gross airs on KCOH (1430 AM) from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Saturdays.