Our Tutors

• Master’s Degree and/or PhD
• Teaching Experience
• Exceptional Interpersonal and Motivational Skills

QUALIFICATIONS: All of our tutors have Master’s degrees or PhD’s and extensive teaching experience. Beyond these industry-leading requirements, Biltmore Tutoring looks for individuals who have outstanding interpersonal and communication skills. Biltmore Tutoring selects only those tutors who measure up to our standard of excellence.

EXPERIENCE: Biltmore Tutoring provides our tutors with an environment in which they can continue to pursue their own pursuit of personal excellence, without many of the headaches associated with traditional teaching or those associated with in-home tutoring (travel, etc.) As a result, we are able to attract the best tutors in the area.

All of Biltmore Tutoring’s specialists possess a minimum of a Master’s Degree along with teaching experience, and are experts in their subject areas.

OUR TUTORS

Dr. MARJORIE TIMMS, PhD

Dr. Marjorie Timms brings a rich history of training, research and direct classroom experience to the creation of individualized programs in Writing, Reading, and Communication Arts.  With a broad range of teaching experiences in both remediation and enrichment of communication skill development, Dr. Timms combines thorough assessment with innovative, research-based strategies to provide a personalized approach to developmental communication. At Biltmore Tutoring, Dr. Timms serves as a mentor, guide, and tutor in helping students to develop effective creative, scholarly, or technical writing. Sessions may involve the infusion of creative and expressive arts or focus on identified communication needs.  In addition, Marjorie offers preparation for standardized tests, such as the PSAT/SAT/ACT/SSAT, college entrance essays,  study and learning skills, or skills in public speaking and group presentation. Aspects of interpersonal communication may be woven into sessions, with opportunities for practicing skills in conflict resolution, strengthening confidence in communication or refining skills in personal and social communication.

Goal-oriented sessions are based on a combination of diagnostic-prescriptive assessment and identification of learning strengths and special abilities, with a pragmatic focus on incorporating individualized learning styles and multiple forms of intelligence, along with motivational multi-modal, experiential learning and a systematic achievement of mutually-selected goals.

A graduate of Northwestern University’s renowned School of Communication, with a Bachelor’s degree in Speech and English Education, including combined studies in the Interpretation of Literature, Theatre, and Public Speaking, Marjorie has retained a focus on creative arts infusion and dynamic, interactive learning experiences. Graduate studies have included two Magna Cum Laude Masters degrees – a Master of Arts in Drama: Acting and Directing from West Virginia University’s Creative Arts Center and a Master of Science in Speech/Language Pathology and Audiology from Ithaca College in New York. In addition to completing a 5-year research grant in language and reading from the University of Pittsburgh, Dr. Timms was awarded a Doctorate in Special Education, with a focus on curriculum design and instruction. Marjorie also studied conflict resolution and mediation with Dr. Marshall Rosenberg, resulting in a nine-year project incorporating Rosenberg’s nonviolent communication model (NVC) in work with young people, family communication, and resolving interpersonal communication issues.

Dr. Timms holds the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech/Language Pathology, (CCC-Sp/L) along with Professional Teaching Certification in Language Arts, English, Speech Communication, Drama/Theatre and Special Education.  She has also been honored with Master Teacher status, Who’s Who in American Women, the Woodbury Reports ‘Excellence in Education’ award and over 250 grants for her innovative work in expressive arts and communication for both gifted students and students with learning challenges, as well as ‘twice-exceptional’ gifted learning disabled students.

Marjorie’s particular area of expertise involves her belief in discovering or rediscovering each student’s special gifts and abilities as a springboard to overcoming barriers to achievement.

*** Please note that Marjorie’s busy schedule as a lecturer allows only for remote tutoring via Zoom ***

Subjects: AP English Language and Composition; AP English Literature; College Essay Writing; SAT Reading; SAT Writing & Language; ACT English; ACT Reading; Reading and Study Skills; GRE; SSAT

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Dr. MARY MAC OGDEN, PhD

Dr. Mary Mac Ogden has over twenty years of teaching experience at the secondary and college levels. She is a published author and conducts research on southern politics, civil rights and American nationalism. Her book, The Politics of Progress in South Carolina, is currently in publication at the University of South Carolina Press.

Dr. Ogden received her B.S. in History from Presbyterian College, an M.A. in History from UNC Wilmington, an M.Ed. in Secondary Social Studies, a graduate certificate in Women’s and Gender Studies and a PhD in American History with special fields of US South and American Women from the University of South Carolina. She is a Guardian Ad Litem and a freelance writer, and holds teaching licenses in North and South Carolina. Her special interests are traveling, conducting research, renovations and resale of estate jewelry.

Subjects: AP US History

Bill Satterfield completed his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) at the University of Florida, and graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering (MSEE) from the Florida Institute of Technology with a specialization in Integrated Circuit (computer chip) Design.

After starting his engineering career in Failure Analysis, he completed a Masters degree and moved into circuit design where the majority of his career was designing circuits for space applications.  Many of his “chips” are currently flying in satellites in orbit around the Earth.  As part of this work, he has four patents covering mathematic derivations and physical circuit designs for this extremely challenging environment.

His teaching experience covers a wide range from leading college engineering courses, to performance driving instruction at over 140mph. 

As part of his community service focused on helping youth, he has volunteered with Big Brothers/Big Sisters for 8 years as well as volunteering as a certified Tire Rack teen driving school instructor to help improve the sad statistics for our teen drivers.

His hobbies are diverse: an amateur race driving career started with autocross (2009 E-Stock Florida State Champion driving a 1995 Miata), progressed into track days, and finally into road racing.  He has driven a wide range of vehicles on racetracks, ranging from a Toyota Tercel to a Lamborghini Huracan.  When not driving, he is “Flagging and Communication” certified and has worked at the 24 Hours of Daytona race for many years.  Low-speed hobbies include vegetable gardening, home remodeling and construction, and bicycling.

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CALIE BERRY, MA

Calie Berry grew up in what was, at the time, the sleepy little town of Charleston, South Carolina. She grew up at the beach. Her upbringing on the coast instilled an incredible love and appreciation for this incredible planet and all of the beauty that it nurtures. Her curious nature was piqued as she traveled to countries such as Costa Rica and St. Maarten. As she was exposed to more foreign cultures, she couldn’t help but delve into Spanish. She started learning Spanish when she was 12 years old and that process continues to this day – Calie understands what it means to be a lifelong learner!

She has been incredibly fortunate to have traveled to and lived in multiple countries, such as Peru, Spain, Argentina and Costa Rica. She possesses Bachelors’ degrees in both English and Spanish from Clemson University. She was awarded an assistantship to the Spanish Graduate Program at the University of Georgia (along with a scholarship) and was able to earn her Master’s degree in Spanish and to travel extensively overseas. Calie also taught at the Universidad Cesar Vallejo in Trujillo, Peru, and was able to expand her knowledge of the Spanish-speaking world by leaps and bounds as a result of this experience.

While Spanish (as well as English language topics including ACT and SAT preparation) are a large passion of Calie’s, she also enjoys being outdoors in her free time. She loves to cook delicious vegan meals and to create things that inspire others. She is of the firm opinion that life is short and must be lived to the fullest. Calie is inspired to help students achieve at their utmost level of ability, while appreciating the wonders and possibilities of the larger world.

Subjects: Spanish I, II, III; AP and College Level Spanish; AP English Language and Composition; AP English Literature; SAT Reading; SAT Writing; ACT Reading; ACT English; SSAT; Reading & Study Skills; College Essays

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ELLEN HARRIS, MFA

Ellen Harris is an educator and tutor whose 30-year academic career includes college freshman advising, university teaching, and tutoring program administration. An honors graduate of Rhodes College in Memphis where she earned a BA in Anthropology/Sociology, her undergraduate concentrations were World Cultures, History, and Literature.

A graduate scholarship recipient, she holds an MFA in Communications/Media from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, serving as a graduate teaching assistant to undergraduates while completing the three-year program’s coursework, media practicum requirements, and comprehensive examinations. From a young age, Ellen looked up to her teachers, but she had something extra for inspiration. Her mother and her aunt were accomplished educators. As teachers, they modeled patience, dedication, and an ability to develop trusting, productive relationships. Those same qualities have guided Ellen throughout her career.

With a lifelong passion for education and a deep commitment to the learning community, Ellen places a premium on helping students succeed. As a university instructor, she taught courses
in Composition, Social Sciences, Media Arts, and History. As a media producer, she created over half a dozen award-winning nonfiction pieces in association with PBS North Carolina. As both instructor and producer, she served as a mentor and advisor to countless students and aspiring professionals.

Her documentary filmmaking explores the backroads of North Carolina and probes the human heart, including narratives of a disabled teacher, a rural student, and a perceptive family elder. She is also a grant recipient for projects supporting gifted and talented education and diversity in education. In her travels and experience with educational programs overseas, she gained experience among students worldwide.

Locally, she is a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity and Brother Wolf Animal Rescue, and she has volunteered in research, preservation, and museum work in her hometown of New Orleans. She loves music, the performing arts, film, road-tripping, and most anything outdoors. A tutor who knows the value of engaged, active learning, Ellen is very enthusiastic about Biltmore Tutoring’s student-centered approach and results-oriented strategies.

Subjects: AP Biology; AP Environmental Science; Social Sciences; Composition; AP English; AP Literature; AP US/European/World History; Study Skills; College Counseling; Essay Writing; ACT English, ACT Science; ACT Reading; SAT Reading and Writing

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DENNIS LABARGE, MBA

Dennis LaBarge has been a teacher for the past 15 years, following a successful career in the computer industry as a product line manager and business consultant. Certified to teach Physics, Chemistry, and Math, Dennis has 14 years experience teaching High Level International Baccalaureate (IB) Physics and 6 years experience teaching Advanced Placement (AP) Physics B. His real world experience in the private sector has enabled him to bring his subjects alive in the classroom, enlightening students with tangible examples of how the Physics, Math, and Chemistry principles are applied in everyday life.

Having earned a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering degree from General Motors Institute (now Kettering University) and a Masters in Business Administration from Oakland University, Dennis was taught by professors who employed traditional lecture style instruction.  From his first days as a teacher himself, however, Dennis has employed an inquiry-based approach in the classroom as means to engage his students in critical thinking throughout the entire learning experience.  Rather than depending strongly on PowerPoint lectures for delivering the content of the course, Dennis has used hands-on demonstrations of discrepant events and numerous discovery-based practical lab activities to deliver the concepts directly into the hands of the students.  Dennis has led workshops on his teaching methods for science and math teachers at the various school districts where he has taught and at selected teachers conferences in the US, South America, the Middle East and in Europe.

Dennis has applied his inquiry-based teaching approach also with his tutoring students, successfully preparing them for improved performance in the classroom and for high achievement on their IB and AP subject tests.

Subjects: Algebra I – II; Geometry; Pre-Calculus; Trigonometry; SSAT; Integrated Math I-III; AP Chemistry; AP Physics; SAT Math; ACT Math; ACT Science

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BILL ARMSHAW, MA

William Armshaw has first-hand experience with the power of test preparation! He and his twin brother both received full scholarships into college due to strong SAT scores, as well as full graduate fellowships for their GRE scores.

After receiving his BA at New College of Florida, Bill joined the PhD program in History at New York University (NYU), where his dissertation topic is “The Capture of the American South: Slaves, States, and Pirates in the Early Republic.” A very versatile tutor, Bill teaches both language arts and mathematics, instructs students in SSAT, GRE, SAT and ACT topics, and has worked with students in most liberal arts topics (AP English, AP World History, AP European History, AP US History, Psychology, Economics, etc).

Bill has tutored students for fifteen years, and loves to help students reach higher and work harder to achieve their academic goals in high school and college.

Subjects: AP English Language and Composition; AP English Literature; SAT Reading; SAT Writing; SAT Math; ACT Reading; ACT English; ACT Math; Algebra I and II; Geometry; Math I, II, and III; College Essay; SSAT; GRE; Reading & Study Skills; SAT Subject Tests; Biology; AP Environmental Sciences; AP Psychology; AP European History; AP World History; AP World History; AP Government; Economics


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KEITH GAUGER, MFA/MPS

Keith Gauger loves learning, and wants to do it all the time. He also loves helping others develop their own love of learning and gain new abilities. In his eleven years of classroom teaching and nine years of tutoring, Keith has inspired hundreds of students to cast aside defensive strategies and bravely face their challenges head-on, and he knows how transformative that can be for them and their families. Their self-confidence builds, their grades go up, and they know they can keep the progress moving in the right direction. The secret? Every person is unique and no single strategy works for everyone. Of course there are tools and approaches that most people find beneficial, but every tool in the toolbox can and should be customized and refined. Keith is an expert in helping others understand and embrace this process in order to become independent, life-long lovers of learning.

Keith grew up in Eastern Pennsylvania, spent his junior year of high school as an exchange student in Barcelona, Spain, and graduated from The Hill School in 1995. He earned a BA in Philosophy at Bates College and served as the General Manager of the college’s radio station. In 1999, he moved to Brooklyn, NY and spent his first few years working for non-profit organizations, making music, and creating abstract paintings that he sold on the sidewalks each weekend. In 2004, he began working and studying full time at The New School in Manhattan, leading to a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing – Non-Fiction. Keith launched his education career at The Churchill School and Center in Manhattan as an Assistant Teacher of High School English, and he also began tutoring independently.

At Manhattanville College, he earned a Dual Masters of Professional Studies in English Language Arts (grades 5-12) and Students with Disabilities (grades 5-12) which led to four New York State teaching certifications. In 2012, he became a Head Teacher of Upper School English and Philosophy at The Mary McDowell Friends School in Brooklyn, NY. While there, he designed and taught an SAT test preparation course and enjoyed sponsoring student clubs such as the Ethics Bowl, the Tea and Board Games Club, and the Punk Rock Club. He became a big fan of the Quaker school tradition of meeting in silence as a community, which led him to explore mindfulness and meditation practices. Keith continued teaching in Brooklyn for six more years before his blossoming love of birds and a longing for more time in nature finally convinced him it was time to leave the big city.

Fresh to Asheville, Keith co-led a team of work-traders while living on an organic homestead. It was a humbling change of focus, and Keith learned how much he still had to learn, especially about keeping plants alive. He reminded himself daily of what he would tell his students when they were struggling with an assignment or concept: “Failure is part of learning; be kind to yourself as you dust yourself off, then try again.”

For the past two years, Keith taught at Invest Collegiate Imagine Public Charter School while settling into his new home in Leicester, NC with his wife and two cats. Keith volunteers with local organizations such as the Leicester Library Giving Garden and Building Bridges of Asheville, and he has studied Nonviolent Communication (NVC) and naturalistic education. In his free time, he can be found planting fruit trees and berry bushes in his yard, probably while wearing binoculars in case any interesting birds fly past.

Subjects: AP English Language and Composition; AP English Literature; SAT Reading; SAT Writing; ACT Reading; ACT English

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NATHAN MOORE, MFA

Nathan Moore graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a BA in English and Biology. At UNC, he worked in their Writing Center, where he developed an extensive toolkit for approaching writing assignments across disciplines and genres. Afterwards, he spent several years pursuing a career in academic publishing at Duke University Press, before returning to school to complete an MFA in creative writing at Boston University. At BU, he taught writing workshops to undergraduates at the university and high school students at Boston Arts Academy.

His goal as a tutor is to make language approachable in all forms, whether it’s grammar, reading comprehension, or writing. Language is expressive, but there are also straightforward rules and strategies that can serve as a solid foundation to build on, especially in a high pressure or time sensitive testing environment. As one of his professors put it, “If writing can’t be taught, then everyone wouldn’t make the same mistakes when they start.”

In his spare time he enjoys grueling summit hikes, sifting through thrift stores and estate sales to feed an overflowing vinyl and book collection, cooking elaborate meals with his wife, and working endlessly on a novel in the middle of the night.

Subjects: AP English Language and Composition; AP English Literature; SAT Reading; SAT Writing; ACT Reading; ACT English; College Essay; SSAT; Reading & Study Skills; College Essays; AP Biology; Biology; AP Environmental Sciences

Kristin graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and a minor in Social Work from NC State University. After graduation, Kristin accepted a recruitment scholarship offer from Kansas State University and took a job as a Graduate Teaching Assistantship there. While completing her Graduate Teaching Assistantship she was recruited for a position as the STEM outreach coordinator in a National Science Foundation grant office—the K-State Office for the Advancement of Women in Science and Engineering. In that particular role she was able to work with junior women faculty on the tenure track as well as help coordinate and provide support for STEM summer camps for young girls and women in the Manhattan, KS area. In 2014, Kristin graduated from Kansas State University in 2014 with a Master of Arts degree in Sociology by successfully defending and depositing her thesis on political sociology and social movements. After graduation, Kristin was published in a competitive peer-reviewed journal, Contemporary Justice Review.  Kristin was also accepted as an AmeriCorps volunteer here in Asheville, NC for two years, where she continued her work as a STEM Education Coordinator and Educator for two local nonprofits in the area.

Kristin is currently an instructor at Gaston College where she teaches courses in Sociology and Academic Success.  In her sociology courses, Kristin highlights the importance of the Arts in STEM by designing hands-on, engaging activities for her students that emphasize the engineering design process, science and mathematical sociology. Kristin also teaches Academic Success courses to college transfer students and shows her students study strategies that and techniques for college.

In her downtime, you can find Kristin on the French Broad River in the summer months on a paddle board or on a tube, floating down the river. Kristin also enjoys playing community softball and kickball when she is able. On occasion, she can also be found mentoring elementary and middle school children in LEGO robotics. Overall, Kristin is a well-rounded individual, gifted writer and mathematics lover who is looking forward to helping your child succeed!

*** Please note that Kristin’s teaching schedule allows only for remote tutoring via Zoom ***

BRIAN CASKEY, MA

Brian Caskey holds a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies from UNC-Wilmington, and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Stetson University in DeLand, Florida. Brian completed his Master’s program with great distinction, finishing with a 4.0 GPA. In addition, his thesis, “Autobiography, Southern Themes, and False Nostalgia in the Poetry of Cathy Smith Bowers” won an award as the best master’s thesis in the program. Brian’s work has been published in both scientific and literary journals, including Bios and Palaver Journal.

Before opening Biltmore Tutoring with his wife, Stacey, Brian worked for many years as a systems administrator and senior manager of digital projects for Barnes and Noble. Since returning to the field of education, Brian has helped many of the area’s top students with biology, literature and history topics. A versatile tutor, he specializes in AP US History, AP World History, and AP European History, but he also tutors in Biology, Environmental Science, and Literature topics. Brian takes great pleasure in showing students how to score highly on their AP essays, using what he calls ‘the murder method.’

Despite his technical background, Brian is a firm believer that narrative is the most important element that leads to understanding. Knowing the story that ties facts and details together is the only way to understand what’s happening and why.

In his spare time, Brian enjoys kayaking, fishing, golfing, and restoring old cars (his current project is a 1971 Datsun 240Z sports car).

Subjects: AP US History; AP European History; AP World History; Biology; Environmental Science; AP English Language and Composition; AP English Literature; College Essay Writing

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STACEY CASKEY, MS, NBCT

Stacey Caskey completed her undergraduate and graduate degrees at Brooklyn College and Queens College. She went on to receive additional master’s degree at New York University.  A National Board-certified educator, she taught in the NYC school system for eleven years before moving to Asheville in 2001, weeks before 9/11. Stacey taught at Claxton Elementary from 2001-2010 and is now the educational director and co-owner of Biltmore Tutoring. With 25+ years in education, Stacey is one of the most knowledgeable resources of curriculum, school administration, and testing programs. She was elected to the Henderson County School Board in 2020.

Stacey received her College Counseling Certificate from the University of California – San Diego in 2012. She makes frequent visits to colleges and universities around the US, so that she can stay abreast of admissions criteria and requirements, as well as obtain an understanding of college-specific programs and opportunities. Once gaining college admittance, Stacey works with families to obtain scholarship money to fund these dreams.

Stacey says, “College admissions are much more competitive now. In 2020, Harvard accepted only 6% of their applicants, Stanford 7%, Duke 14%, and UNC 29%. What does that mean for your student? Excellent ACT and SAT scores are needed before students will even be considered by a college admissions committee. Grades, extracurriculars, and class ranking are also important. After the application process begins, we take great pride in helping parents and students navigate the confusing application process, and to help students decide between various programs and scholarship offers.”

Subjects: College Counseling; Academic Advising; College Essay Writing