From a scalpel in her hand to a pen, former medical professional Cari Roycroft joins the PDS community as a Biology and Anatomy & Physiology teacher. Mrs. Roycroft has quickly adjusted to PDS, as highlighted by her enthusiasm for joining the school. She shares, “I needed a change from being at the other school and I just wanted a new experience.” Her excitement is reflected by her many contributions to the community already, despite only being a month into the school year. Apart from teaching a slew of classes: Freshman Biology, AP Biology, and Anatomy & Physiology, she partakes in several other activities. As an advisor, Mrs. Roycroft excitedly interacts with her advisees daily, always ready to hear about their respective days. As a volleyball coach for the junior varsity team, she is consistently prepared to lead her players to victory.
The school setting, though, was not always her workplace. Previously, Mrs. Roycroft worked in a hospital for several years in cardiac surgery. However, she chose to pursue teaching because of her own experience with biology in high school, adding that “I had an inspirational biology teacher in high school. It fascinated me. It was challenging but interesting, so I kept with it.” Furthermore, she loves teaching life sciences as a whole, expressing that “I love AP biology as it keeps me on my toes,” and “I have a degree in cardiopulmonary physiology, so I love talking about anatomy and physiology.”
Next, her love for both subjects aids in shaping her goals for teaching in general. Specifically, Mrs. Roycroft affirms, “I want to work on pushing students so they can push me to keep learning as well,” which showcases her compassion and dedication to enhancing the learning experience for all of her students. She also wishes to “continue to learn the newest technology in medicine and biology,” and advises her students to “enjoy yourself while here [PDS].”
Outside of PDS, Mrs. Roycrofts plays the role of dog mom, cooking enthusiast, furniture refurbisher, and gardener. As a dog mom, she embraces the warmth and fun of her two Goldendoodles, Hamilton and Henry. In terms of her other hobbies, though skilled and excited by furniture refurbishing and gardening, she jokingly shares, “I like cooking only when I don’t have to cook!”
So, while you might not know her yet, you likely will soon, as Mrs. Roycroft continues to make her mark in the PDS community!
