Dr. Mike Ross, a developer and engineer, began his journey with a simple goal: to be understood. Over time, this pursuit evolved into a broader mission of developing practical, evidence-based tools to help students and families navigate educational systems. That commitment now drives his work through Future Forward Education.
His passion for inclusive education is shaped by personal experience. As a child with autism who was partially nonverbal, Ross discovered that creativity and technology offered powerful ways to connect with others.
Growing up in rural New England, he attended small schools where educators paid close attention to individual needs, fostering a sense of belonging and support. In high school, hands-on, project-based learning introduced him to design and programming, tools that became his preferred mode of expression and remain central to his work today. "I discovered that I could communicate effectively through creative work before I could do so verbally. Over time, I gained confidence, began speaking more, and found my voice," he says.
Later, when Ross moved across the country to study art and engage with diverse creative communities, he was struck by the stark disparities in educational resources. In economically challenged neighborhoods, these differences became especially apparent, deepening his awareness and fueling his commitment to develop practical, inclusive solutions.
Through volunteering with after-school programs and supporting youth experiencing homelessness, Ross gained firsthand insight into how support systems can either empower or neglect individuals at pivotal moments. His work with a local community organization further broadened his understanding of the structural challenges many families face.
"Despite being deeply involved and even donating my own resources, I found that my ideas and solutions were dismissed," Ross says. "The nonprofit's structure limited opportunities for innovation and progress." Recognizing potential for a more adaptive approach, he founded Future Forward Education as a platform for testing and refining ideas in real-world settings.
Future Forward Education reflects Ross's belief in listening before acting. The organization begins by observing classrooms, speaking with educators and administrators, and understanding family priorities. Research then guides design, and those designs are tested with attention to how learning evolves.
Rather than chasing quick fixes, Ross focuses on uncovering the deeper patterns that shape student outcomes, such as routines and relationships that influence daily school life. "Abstraction can be a powerful tool," he says. "Stepping back and reimagining the problem can lead to meaningful innovation."
This approach emphasizes building relationships. Ross spends time in schools and communities to better understand what's happening on the ground, believing that trust can lead to more open conversations and clearer insights. Instead of trying to convince others through promises, he leans toward showing what's already working and letting that speak for itself. This mindset reflects Future Forward Education's focus on tracking outcomes and sharing learning in ways that feel relevant to educators, families, and school leaders.
While technology and creativity remain part of Ross's toolkit, he treats them as supportive elements rather than focal points. He pays close attention to how tools influence student attention and mental space. For Ross, technology is most valuable when it enhances clarity and supports teaching, rather than becoming a distraction or an end in itself. This perspective is informed by both data and lived experience, gathered through years of fieldwork and reflection.
Ross's vision for growth is intentional and measured. "I believe it's important to build a strong foundation before expanding," Ross states. "We're working toward creating spaces where educators can test new approaches, see what's effective, and use those insights to keep improving the design." This iterative process reflects his blend of narrative and systems thinking, viewing education as a network of relationships and practices that benefit from thoughtful evolution.
Throughout his work, the theme of voice remains central. Ross's early journey of expressing himself beyond speech continues to shape how he listens and communicates today. "When things get tough and uncertainty creeps in, I remind myself to keep moving. Progress comes from continuing, even when it's hard," Ross remarks. This mindset drives his commitment to showing up where students and families are and building practical, empathetic solutions. Future Forward Education reflects this philosophy, a human-centered approach grounded in lived experience and the belief that every learner deserves to be understood.
