One-on-one coaching.
North Fork teachers have majored in or had successful professional careers and commercial experience in the subjects they teach. Certified as "Highly Qualified" by the Idaho Department of Education in their academic subjects, core program teachers coach every child individually in small classes of mixed-grade students.
An intimate knowledge of students' academic strengths and weaknesses allows North Fork teachers to evaluate students with exact, detailed narrative reports each quarter. While the North Fork School provides colleges with a cumulative transcript, semester grades and standardized test scores also appear on students' public, private, or online school transcripts.
Marie Furnary
Academic Credentials:
Dartmouth College, B.A.: major in English and coursework to complete an additional major in Environmental Studies.
2021-2025: College Board AP Exam Rater: AP Language & Composition
2007-2009: Grader for College Board SAT essays.
Certified College Board syllabi in:
AP Language & Composition
AP Literature & Composition
September, 2005: Idaho teacher certification in Secondary English
May, 2005: certified with Distinction in English by the American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence
October, 2003: Presenter at the annual meeting of the Idaho Council of Teachers of English
Sally Elliott
Academic Credentials:
May 1971: BA in French; U of I
1991-1993: Graduate Studies in French Literature: U of WA
Summers, 1982, 1984, 1985: U of Northern Iowa French institute in Angers, France
Summer 1983: Middlebury College, VT -- French School
Professional Experience:
Stein Elementary School, Edmonds, WA (1992 - 1993) French Instructor K – 4
Lake Washington High School, Kirkland, WA (1981 - 1990) Instructor, French I – IV, and AP
Student Teacher Supervisor (1983, 1986, 1988, 1989); Mentor Teacher (1988-1989)
Participated in organization of and taught in regional annual French Camp (1982-1990)
Advisor, Multicultural Club (1981-1990); Supervised student travel to France (1985, 1986); Participated in Student-Faculty Play (1987-1974)
McCall-Donnelly High School, (1971 – 1974) Instructor, French and English
Continuing Education Classes and Workshops:
Seattle Pacific University Beginning ITIP (1981); ITIP (1982); Advanced ITIP (1983); Classroom Management (1983): Co-operative Learning (1986)
Dartmouth College John Rassias Foreign Language Teaching Workshop (1982)
Advanced Placement (1998) Classes/Teacher’s Workshop
Tracey Kindall
Academic Credentials:
2023-2024: College Board AP Exam Reader, AP World History Modern
2023: Idaho Teacher Certification, History 6-12
2023: College Board Certification, Teacher AP World History Modern
2022: College Board Certification, Teacher AP United States History
2018-present: Mythology Instructor, Osher Institute for Lifelong Learning, BSU
November 2019: Alternate Authorization/Content Specialist in History (6-12). Idaho State Board of Education.
May 1997: MS in Folklore Studies:
University of Oregon
May 1993: BS: Biology
Grand Valley State University, MI
2008-2018: Executive Director, MAHC
McCall Arts & Humanities Council, ID
1998-1999: Program Developer, AmeriCorps VISTA. Greater Columbia Literary Council, SC
1997-1998: Teacher & Work Project Coordinator, Environmental Sciences
Eugene, OR
Janet Murphy
Academic Credentials:
BS in Graphic Information Technology, Arizona State University, Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, 2017
Cum Laude, Dean’s list 2014-2017
AA in Advertising Art & Graphic Design, Seattle Central College, 1990
AA in Commercial Art, North Idaho College, 1982
Certificates & Awards:
Paul Imell Award of Excellence Full Tuition Scholarship, Seattle Central College 1989 – 1990
Art Exhibitions:
Idaho, Oregon and Washington art fairs, watercolor and mural artist, 2004 – 2009.
McCall, Idaho, and beyond: professional offices and private collectors by commission.
Current published Illustrations, including:
‘Bird Habitat at Kelly’s Whitewater Park’, 2019.
critterstory Published children’s picture book illustration in collaboration with local author, Niki LeClair, 2018.
North Fork Art teacher 1999-2009; 2019-present
Kirsten Wiking Azoulay
Academic Credentials:
B.A. Visual Arts & Asian Studies and coursework to complete a minor in Theater, Marlboro College, Marlboro, Vermont 2014
Doshisha University, Kyoto, Japan: Study Abroad, 2012-2013
Middlebury Language School, Oakland, CA: Japanese Language Summer Program, 2012
Certificates & Awards:
130 Hour Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Certificate, 2014
Nominee, Helen W. Clark Prize for Best Senior Exhibition in the Fine Arts, 2014
Recipient, Associated Kyoto Program Student Research Grant in the Arts, 2013
Art Exhibitions:
Solo Exhibition, Drury Gallery, “Cocoons”, Marlboro, Vermont, 2014
Group Exhibition, Doshisha Imadegawa Gallery, Kyoto, Japan, 2012
Stage Designer & Set Artist for Pity for the Wild by Tennessee Williams, Serkin Theater 2011
Theater Performances:
Becky’s New Car by Stephen Deitz, played the part of Becky, Whittemore Theater, 2013
Just Passing Through by Logan Smith, played the part of Death, Whittemore Theater, 2012
Far Away by Caryl Churchill, played the part of Harper, Serkin Theater, 2012
The Clean House by Sarah Ruhl, played the part of Virginia, Whittemore Theater, 2010
Marie Furnary,
Head of School
Marie Furnary (Writing Workshop, all English Programs) founded The North Fork School in 1996, after teaching Writing Workshop techniques to 100 sixth graders at Payette Lakes Middle School in McCall during the 1995-1996 school year. Volunteering her time two days/week to teach as many as four classes of students for the school year, she and the sixth grade teachers saw phenomenal improvements, both in students' writing, and in their desire to write.
Marie was the Boise Alternative Education Examiner for Examiner.com as well as being a full member of The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators since 1984. She has been a freelance writer for National Geographic WORLD Magazine, and has sold articles to various other publications.
Reflecting her belief that students who have a privileged education have a responsibility to share what they have learned with other students, Marie's English students tutor and teach their public and home-schooled peers through after-school community classes, by offering private tutoring in the summer, and by publishing the occasional Blue Moon Review, a collection of creative writing and artwork by K-12 students in the wider community.
Having completed her US Figure Skating Gold medal test level in ice-dancing while training under Olympic Pairs & Dance coach Ron Ludington in Wilmington, DE, Marie is a Double Master-rated member of the Professional Skaters' Association. Holding a PSA Level II Ranking, Master Ratings in both Moves in the Field and Group Instruction, a Certified Rating in Ice Dance, a Registered Rating in Freestyle, and accreditation in Hockey Power Skating, she presently teaches figure skating after school at The Manchester Ice & Event Center. Marie's skaters have passed more than 500 US Figure Skating tests, including 23 of the 31 Gold/Senior US Figure Skating Test Medals achieved by MFSC skaters since the club’s inception in 2003.
Her skaters’ other achievements include competing as co-captain of the 2012 National Collegiate Champion Team; receiving the highest IJS score out of 44 Preliminary girls at the 2013 US Figure Skating NW Pacific Regionals; performing as a cast member of the 2015 Holiday on Ice European Tour of Passion as well as in the 2015-2016 US tour of Disney On Ice: 100 Years of Magic. She has also taught at The Dartmouth Figure Skating Club in New Hampshire, and at The Johnstown Figure Skating Club in Pennsylvania.
Sally Elliott,
French
After a 14-year teaching career, first in McCall and then in the Seattle area, Sally became the North Fork School French instructor in 2001. As early as junior high school, she developed an interest in foreign languages and dreamed of living in Europe. By the time she was a junior at the University of Idaho she was on her way to study in Paris at the Université de Paris. During that year abroad, Sally improved her French language skills and developed a lifelong love of and appreciation for the French people and their culture.
While traveling throughout Europe Sally was exposed to a variety of cultures and was inspired to continue exploring the world. She returned home with a better understanding of the nuances of English and a new view of her own culture: “Hey, it’s not weird or wrong, it’s just different!”
Besides teaching French language, Sally introduces her students to the variety of French-speaking countries throughout the world, expanding students' understanding of the world at large. Her enthusiasm and passion highlights the many benefits to be gained from language study, including improved English and Math skills, an ability to think critically, and expanded career opportunities.
French is the international language of fashion, theater, visual arts, dance, and cooking. More than 200 million people all over the world speak French. It is the second most widely-learned language after English; the ability to speak French and English is an advantage in the international job market. French is also the third most-used language, after English and German, on the internet. French is an excellent base for learning other languages (including English – people are often taken aback when they learn that 40 percent of English words are derived from French), especially Romance languages, such as Spanish and Italian. Research shows that taking three years of a foreign language improves students' skills in English and Math as well as raising their SAT and other test scores.
“I want to help my students connect with other cultures through history, architecture, art, geography, cuisine, musique and, of course, people. We learn about sunny Provence, the snowy Alps, the wild and rocky coast of Brittany and the City of Light, Paris. We learn how to make (and enjoy!), a tarte tatin, an éclair, a profiterole, and other culinary delights. Introductions to Marie Antoinette, Jacques Cousteau, Madame Curie, and other historical figures make class come alive as we explore medieval castles, Roman and Greek ruins, and discover Celtic megaliths. Listening to and singing traditional and current French musique makes French class fun!”
— Sally Elliott, 2014
Since that first year living in France, Sally has returned many times to continue her language studies, to travel with students, and to visit French friends she has made over the years – once a francophile, always a francophile.
Sally and her husband, Ed Elliott, own and operate Rudy’s Gym in McCall, where she is a certified personal trainer, yoga instructor, indoor cycling instructor and cross-country ski instructor.
Janet Murphy,
3rd Year Art
Janet Murphy (3rd Year Program Art) was Art Instructor at The North Fork School from 1999-2009. She rejoins us in 2019-2020, and is looking forward to meeting a new generation of art students!
Her own college instructors were working professionals in the Graphic Design Industry. This valuable training, as well as her own professional experience, allows Ms. Murphy to engage students in the dynamic and exciting experience of learning about the artistic process. Janet encourages students to develop and pursue original ideas.
“I emphasize the importance of hand skills for design in drawing, unity with shapes and values, color harmony, and combining these elements for powerful compositions.”
A professional illustrator and graphic designer at J. Murphy Designs, Janet has been an Independent Contractor since 1992. She has also worked professionally in-house for corporate creative departments from 2010-2017, collaborating with Executive Directors and Marketing Managers. See samples of her art at www.jmurphydesigns.com.
Janet’s illustration mediums include watercolor, acrylic, oil and digital illustration. She acquired many of her illustration and design techniques through travel and life experience as well as through college classes on Advertising Art in Coeur d’ Alene, ID and Seattle, WA. Janet completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Graphic Information Technology from Arizona State University. Her current illustration and graphic design projects blend creativity, visual design, and technology for digital and print publishing.
Tracey Kindall,
History
Tracey Kindall began teaching history at the North Fork School in 2019, after finishing a 12-year tenure as the Executive Director of the McCall Arts and Humanities Council. She brought with her a love of learning, teaching, and curriculum planning, as well as a deep devotion to the humanities and to the power of imagination.
Tracey’s approach to history is informed by her degrees in biology (BS) and folklore studies (MS), as well as her experience as a former AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer, a veteran home schooler, and a lifelong scholar of folklore and mythology. As part of her interdisciplinary work on her graduate degree at the University of Oregon, Tracey studied history and anthropology in depth.
She is deeply interested in what it is that makes us uniquely human; how humans are shaped by - and impact - their physical, social, economic, and political worlds in various ways; what motivates, inspires, necessitates, and blocks human action; and the continual perspective-changing that history requires as we continue to learn more and more about the human story.
Tracey loves working with students of all ages. In her teaching, she enjoys designing age-appropriate projects, using hands-on and interactive learning, piquing student curiosity, encouraging question-asking, supporting student-led avenues of inquiry, and guiding students toward excellence. She believes there is great power in creating a context in which students feel safe in taking learning risks, have a sense of belonging, and are able to take responsibility for their own educational journeys.
Tracey loves history for a variety of reasons, and enjoys sharing this interest with her students. In a recent Substack essay, she explored why history matters:
"History is first and foremost story and, as such, is alive and continually evolving. Stories always possess an author and a point of view - that’s part of what makes them interesting. As the fibers of past experiences are continually rewoven through the looms of fresh perspectives, history transforms again and again into many novel - and hopefully more complete - fabrics. As William Faulkner famously noted, “The past is never dead. It’s not even past.” History as story invites participation and empathy."
- Tracey Kindall, 2023
Read Tracey’s full Substack essay HERE.
Kirsten Wiking Azoulay,
1st Year Art & Drama
Kirsten Wiking Azoulay (WW Art & Drama; 1st Year Art & Drama) is a 2009 alumna of the North Fork School, and understands firsthand the value of integrated North Fork School programs. Kirsten attended Marlboro College -- a small, rigorous, liberal arts college in rural Vermont -- where she began as a Visual Arts student, working primarily in sculpture and video art. She was also active in Marlboro's theater program, where she acted in semester productions, and participated in student-written and directed performances.
During her Junior year at Marlboro, Kirsten became fascinated with Japanese art and culture. This interest led to a year-long study abroad at Doshisha University in Kyoto, Japan. During this year, Kirsten was awarded a grant to fund research on contemporary Japanese artists in Tokyo, and was also given the opportunity to show her own work at a gallery in Kyoto.
During her final year at Marlboro College, Kirsten completed a final thesis based on her research in Japan, as well as a senior gallery show showcasing her work in sculpture and video installation.
From 2014-2018, Kirsten taught English as a Second Language (ESL) in Hokkaido, Japan, for the Japan Exchange and Teaching Program. In Hokkaido, Kirsten was the sole ESL teacher for grades 3-6 at three different elementary schools. Developing each school’s ESL curriculum, Kirsten focused her curricula on teaching English as naturally as possible through games and role-play activities, including as art and drama projects, sharing with students her other passions in art and theater.
Following three years abroad, Kirsten has finally returned to her hometown of McCall with husband Avi, after a year working together in Vermont. She is very excited to return to the North Fork School, where her love of art and drama will guide the next generations of NFS students as they explore the world through their own integrated arts and humanities projects.