Directory

John Adams joined the Rivers math department in 2015. Prior to his career in education, he worked in finance and sales at the CEB (now Gartner). His work in schools began at The Dublin School, where he served as the math department chair, dorm head, and head varsity lacrosse coach. In addition to teaching math at Rivers, John has served as the director of academic technology and coached varsity XC skiing and JV boys’ lacrosse. During the pandemic, John spearheaded the Rivers’ digital transformation and won the 2021 Walter Family Community Prize for his efforts. John received a B.A. in economics from Bates College, where he captained the lacrosse team. As director of technology and innovation, John oversees all aspects of technology integration, infrastructure, and strategic planning, aiming to build strong, collaborative relationships with various stakeholders to ensure technology effectively supports the school’s mission and educational goals.

Eliza Adler joined the Rivers Counseling and Wellness department as a school counselor after six years as a mental health clinician at the Manville School at Judge Baker Children’s Center, where she was also the middle school clinical coordinator. In her time at Manville, Eliza also established and facilitated the Gender/Sexuality Alliance. A licensed independent social worker (LICSW), she has a wealth of experience in both clinical and school settings. Her counseling work in schools has ranged from the early-elementary-school through graduate-student levels. Eliza graduated magna cum laude from Middlebury College and earned a master’s degree in social work from Boston University School of Social Work.

Melissa Anderson has a BA in politics from Princeton University and a Ph.D. in political science from the University of California, Berkeley. Prior to joining Rivers, Melissa spent 16 years at Greenwich Academy, where she had extensive experience in both teaching history and administrative roles. In addition to teaching Upper School history, Melissa assists with special projects that support curriculum and strategic planning. She has twin daughters in the Rivers Class of 2025.

Walker Anderson graduated from Haverford College with a BA in English and earned an MEd in middle school English education from Lesley University. Walker previously worked at the Academy of the Pacific Rim Charter School in Hyde Park, where he taught ELA and served as department chair. Prior to holding that position, he taught seventh and eighth grade English at Greens Farms Academy in Connecticut. Walker also has a wealth of experience in directing and creating theatrical productions.

Debbie Argueta P’15 has been the assistant to the head of the Upper School since 2001. Debbie also served as interim director of diversity from 2003 to 2006 and as associate director of diversity in the 2006-2007 school year.

Julia Auster-Hogan '06 joined the Rivers faculty in 2016. Previously, she taught French immersion at Robert Adams Middle School in Holliston, MA, and sixth grade French at F.A. Day Middle School in Newton, MA. Julia earned a BS in education studies and French at Skidmore College and an MEd in teaching French from Union Graduate College. She teaches middle school French and Theater Arts, serves as an advisor, and is the producer for all extracurricular drama performances on campus.

With a B.A. in Chinese from Bates College and an M.A. in Chinese from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Julie Avery has many years of experience teaching Chinese and English as a second language. Her classroom experience includes teaching in China and working at The Derryfield School, where she also served as the international student coordinator and Grade 10 advisor.