Directory

Betty Bloch has a BA in biochemistry and Japanese from Middlebury College and a PhD in chemistry/biochemistry from Lehigh University. Before joining Rivers, Betty taught honors chemistry and designed and taught an advanced biochemistry course at the Pomfret School. She brings a deep passion for teaching science in a student-centered manner and is an innovative teacher. Betty is part of the team teaching biology and chemistry, serves as a freshman advisor, and coaches volleyball.

Melanie Stier Burke earned a B.A. in biology from Amherst College and an M.A. in teaching and teaching leadership from Mt. Holyoke College. During her time at Amherst, she was a four-year varsity soccer player and spent a semester abroad in Turks and Caicos at the School for Field Studies, studying marine science. Mel worked at Governor’s Academy for four years, teaching biology and marine science and coaching varsity soccer and softball; she has also taught and coached at the Charlotte (North Carolina) Latin School. In her free time, she enjoys spending time at the beach, running, and traveling.