Gail's career began in the classroom as a Head Start and Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) teacher, driving her lifelong mission to strengthen the early learning system. Today, as the Bezos Family Distinguished Professor in Early Learning at the University of Washington (UW), her professional calling is defined by translational research and systems leadership. Her diverse roles equip her with the insight necessary to elevate childcare quality, advance teacher preparation, and promote children's social-emotional development.

Gail serves as the Founding Executive Director of Cultivate Learning at the UW and is the Founding Director of the EarlyEdU Alliance. She has led major national efforts as the Principal Investigator of the Head Start Center for Inclusion and Co-PI of the National Center for Quality Teaching and Learning. She is a co-creator of digital professional learning resources, including Teacher Time, Circle Time Magazine, and Meaningful Makeovers. Her work focuses on translating science into practice, holding up and strengthening our collective commitment to the early childhood workforce.