Hello! My name is Cristina Figueroa and I have been teaching at Kennedy for 23 years now. Before I became a teacher, I was an athletic trainer. I have a B.S. in Athletic Training from Ithaca College and a M.S. from Temple University in Sports Medicine.  I worked as an athletic trainer for 12 years prior to getting my teacher degree. As a single mom, I needed and wanted a career that gave me more time with my son.  I chose teaching because I love working with young people and making a difference in their lives. In 2002, I received my M.Ed. in Education and the rest is history.

I have taught many classes while here at Kennedy including: Environmental Science, Integrated Science, Biology, Forensic Science, and Anatomy & Physiology, which is my favorite class to teach. I went to Syracuse University and attended the SUPA Advance Program for Forensic Science in 2022. My certification is in Biological Sciences.  I love science and one of my goals is always to get my students to enjoy my classes and thus like science (which most of them say they hate before they have me).  I enjoy the interpersonal connections I have with my students and try to foster a classroom that is a safe haven for them where respect and communication are key.

I am an avid sports fan!! I love basketball, football, and soccer.  My favorite teams are the Boston Celtics, Chicago Bears and Philadelphia Eagles, and Manchester City. I am the proud mother of a 26 year old son and an 11 year old furry baby.  The two of them give me so much joy!