Sonya Cook

Sonya teaches Grades 3-5 and is the veteran teacher in Thorne Bay School. She's active, intelligent, and caring. Sonya is pursuing a Master's degree as a Reading Specialist. leading the way in early literacy for Thorne Bay students. She loves hiking with her family, including her husband, Chris, and sons Christopher and Cameron, Annette, Jared, and Christopher.

Philip Lusted

Mr. Lusted is Thorne Bay's Secondary Math and Science teacher. He is married to Anne Lusted and has seven kids; William, Andrew, Olivia, Penelope, Elizabeth, Benjamin and Irene.  Philip and his family run McFarlands Lodge in the summer and enjoy fishing, hunting and exploring Prince of Wales all year round.

Steve Cunningham

Mr. Cunningham has traveled and taught widely across Alaska since 2007 -- from as far north as Utqiagvik (Barrow) on the Arctic Coast to Kenai, Copper River, and now Prince of Wales Island. He is our SPED teacher serving Thorne Bay and Kasaan. Mr. Cunningham spends his summers in the Philippines with his wife and son, Christy and David.

On another note, it is widely known to people that elephants are kind, patient and gentle sentient beings. This is true of Mr. Cunningham as well.

Vivian Merkley

Ms. Merkley has a Bachelor of Science in History/Political Science and a Master’s in Political Science/Government Development. She has seven dogs -- five Border Collies and two Beagles. Three of her dogs, Stella, Walter and Chico are trained for Search and Rescue. Mr. Pitt, who's namesake comes from the TV show, Seinfield. General Winfield Scott, born almost 140 years after the famous Civil War leader. Doyle, sadly, is blind, however he continues his educational path in the Search & Rescue program. Sewell is a constant companion. Ms. Merkley confides, "My dear Windfield is utterly worthless and lovingly endearing."

Carrie Mercier

We are so fortunate to have Ms. Mercie as a long term substitute teacher. Her presence helps us get off to a great start this school year. We are grateful she can be with us into December while we continue our search for a permanent K-2 teacher.

Ms. Mercier was born and raised in Panama, Central America, and is fluent in Spanish. After college she taught 4th-5th grades in a Spanish Immersion School in Anchorage. While there, she developed a passion for snow sports, and later moved to Valdez, the “snow capital of Alaska.” Ms. Mercier loves to travel, rock climb, fish -- and most especially, snow camping with her husband, Rory.