Directory

Andrea Edmands serves the Rivers community as the lead nurse. She brings a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to student well-being through her background in both educational and hospital nursing. Before coming to Rivers, Andrea served in various nursing roles at St. Bernadette School, Northborough/Southborough public schools, and Worcester Academy. She holds a B.S.N. from Endicott College. Andrea began her clinical background in the medical ICU at Massachusetts General Hospital, and then at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, where she honed her expertise for 16 years in their burn and trauma ICU. Beyond direct patient care, Andrea is an American Heart Association instructor and a former clinical instructor for MCPHS of Worcester. Her broad contributions to nursing extend from publications to the development of significant programs such as the nursing preceptor program at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Andrea is also a Daisy Award recipient, an award recognizing exceptional clinical care. Outside of her time at Rivers, Andrea and her husband can be found at their “second home”: cheering on their two daughters while they light up the hockey rink.

Derek Epstein attended the University of Wyoming and graduated with a BFA in theater and dance with an emphasis on scenic design. He taught technical theater and carpentry at Emerson College and worked as the project manager for a Boston-area entertainment production company that partnered with theaters, event venues, and dance companies throughout the New England region. His collaborations include The Lyric Stage Company of Boston, Boston Lyric, Speakeasy Stage Company, Jose Mateo Ballet Theatre, and Trapology. Derek is a proud member of the United States Institute of Theater Technology (USITT), where he is a co-chair of the membership committee. In his free time, Derek enjoys playing board games with friends, attending local theater events, and hanging out with his wife, Linda, and cat, Lego.