Alumni Spotlight: Eleri Hofstetter, Riverstone Alumni, Class of 2006.

Before Eleri Hofstetter was the quiet force behind Riverstone’s upper-school activities as our Student Life & Support Coordinator, she was a Riverstone student.

Eleri started at Riverstone in 1997 as a Grade 4 student. It was the first year the school was in operation and it was called Hidden Springs Community School. She made Riverstone her home for 9 years before graduating in 2006. When reflecting on her time at Riverstone, Eleri said the international diversity and outdoor education were two of the most important aspects that continue to shape her life. Eleri said she feels Riverstone prepared her very well for college. “The nurturing environment at Riverstone helped me be ready for high expectations and strict deadlines at college,” she said. “Being able to make some mistakes in a place where you’re corrected, but it isn’t the end of the world, got me ready not to make those mistakes when it would matter more.”

After graduation, Eleri attended Wellesley College where she studied Studio Art and French. During her time there, Eleri had a semester abroad in Aix-en-Provence, a one-month internship at the Arts Council of Wales in Cardiff, and a summer internship at the Davis Museum at Wellesley College. Eleri went on to receive her Master’s in Counseling from Boise State University before joining the Riverstone team. Her favorite part of working at Riverstone is getting to know the students. “I am constantly impressed by each student’s passions, hobbies, and dreams. It is so fun working with adolescents as they figure out who they are,” Eleri said.

Eleri is not only an alumnus and staff member; she’s also a Riverstone parent. Eleri married Ryan Hofstetter and they now have two children. Talia is in Pre-K Riverstone and Griff will join her next year in Preschool. “We are now all a part of the Riverstone community that I hold so dear,” Eleri said. “I love that their teachers get to know them so well and that my kids will get to know students from around the world and gain a better understanding of different cultures.”Eleri and her family also enjoy the outdoors together and had their first backpacking trip with their whole family this summer. “I love that my kids will also learn important outdoor skills through exciting and empowering outdoor experiences [at Riverstone]. I know that they will develop the same appreciation for nature and our world that was instilled in me,” she said.

She said that Riverstone’s outdoor program has influenced where she has chosen to live and how to spend her time, and she is excited that her children will have the same positive experiences that she had as a student.

We are so happy to have Eleri as a continued part of our Riverstone community, and we thank her for the positive impact she has on students.