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. Call us today for a free academic consultation, and a guaranteed tutor match with your child.

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.

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

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

Dr. IOAN MUNTEAN, PhD

Ioan has a PhD in the Philosophy of Physics from the University of California, San Diego as well as a PhD in Philosophy – with a specialization in Metaphysics – from the University of Bucharest in Romania. Ioan achieved a BA and MA in Theoretical Philosophy and Philosophy from the University of Bucharest, as well as a BS in applied physics from the Polytechnic Institute of Bucharest (also in Romania). Ioan currently teaches at UNC-Asheville, and has worked as an instructor and lecturer at the University of Notre Dame, Indiana University-Purdue, the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom. He was a graduate student instructor at UC-San Diego, and was an associate professor at the University of Bucharest and at the Polytechnic University of Bucharest.

He has a wealth of experience in teaching physics, logic, computational science at the college level. He worked in three countries and he is passionate about improving the STEM education of young people. He has experience with mathematics, physics, computer science, logic, and critical thinking. He’s main pedagogical tool is critical thinking and learning through questions, seeking the “Big Picture.”

Ioan (pronounced Yan) is a member of the Philosophy of Science Association, the American Philosophical Association, the European Philosophy of Science Association, the British Society for the Philosophy of Science; and the Romanian Society for Analytic Philosophy (he is a founding member). He has published or co-authored many papers throughout his career; his most recent was titled Artificial moral cognition: from functionalism to autonomous moral agents, and was published in the journal Philosophy and Computing.

Ioan says that, “Any learning process is a transformative experience, a process that makes us more virtuous and our life worth living. Mathematics is like music, physics is like dance. There is no process of learning without unearthing the inner potential in the student.”

Subjects: Algebra I – II; Integrated Math I-III; Geometry; Pre-Calculus; SAT Math; ACT Math; ACT Science; SSAT Math; SAT Math I Subject Test; SAT Math II Subject Test; College Algebra; AP Calculus; Calculus I-III; AP Physics, College Physics; AP Statistics

EVE BERNIER, MA

Eve comes from a very faraway land indeed : Bordeaux, France to be exact! She fell in love with the city of Asheville on one of her many trips through the Southeast with her American husband. During her years at the University of Bordeaux in France, Eve obtained a master’s degree in English Language, Literature, and Civilization. She also wrote a thesis on a Louisiana author named Alice Dunbar Nelson and her short stories from the end of the 19th century. She is passionate about Louisiana, its cultures and literature, and hopes that living in the Southeast will allow her to continue her studies and eventually write a new paper on the subject. After her Masters, she obtained a prestigious teaching certification called « Agregation » allowing her to teach English in secondary school and in colleges throughout France. 

As a student, Eve multiplied professional experiences and tried to see the world. She has worked for many years as a tutor of English, Spanish and French to adults, teenagers and even small children. She has experience working with students that have special needs and learning challenges, helping them focus on their homework and studies. Most recently, Eve was an English teacher Jean Verdier Middle School, near Bordeaux where she held classes and workshops daily. Nonetheless, one of her favorite experiences was her year abroad teaching French in Ireland, to middle school and high school students. This is where she got a taste for adventure, and teaching French as a foreign language. As soon as she returned from Ireland, she was already looking forward to her next experience abroad, and her new location was going to be the United States. 

Outside of classes, Eve enjoys writing plays and performing on stage and at festivals with her thespian troupe. She also spends some of her free time playing ukulele and singing. At work, she always tries to put a little bit of her artistic and creative character to help get the students more involved in learning. As a French person, Eve could speak about food for hours, and her favorite slogan is “you don’t eat to live, you live to eat.” (“Il faut vivre pour manger et non pas manger pour vivre ” , which is the opposite of Socrates’ saying).

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

MANDI BOYD, MA, NBCT

Mandi Boyd holds a Master of Arts in Education with Instruction Technology concentration from Appalachian State University, and a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Math Education from ASU. Mandi was a North Carolina Teaching Fellow.  She completed her Bachelor’s degree as the Honor Student Teacher for the western region and her Master’s degree with high honors, earning a 4.0 GPA. Since completing her Bachelor’s, she has been teaching in North Carolina high schools for seven years. In 2015 Mandi became a National Board Certified Teacher.

Before becoming a classroom teacher, Mandi worked for the Duke TIP program teaching Geometry and Algebra II. This program allowed for several years of specialized training in working with academically driven and gifted students. Mandi’s training with TIP has allowed her to teach honors level math each year of her career.

Mandi specializes in high school math, including: Math I, Math II, Math III, Pre-Cal, Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II. She is also an expert at working with students on ACT, SAT, and SSAT test prep.

In her free time, Mandi enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter.  She loves the outdoors, college football, and good books.

Subjects: Algebra I – II; Integrated Math I-III; Trigonometry; Geometry; Pre-Calculus; SAT Math; ACT Math; ACT Science; SSAT Math; SAT Math I Subject Test

KATIE DAVIS, MA

Katie earned a MA in Special Education from Vanderbilt University with a focus on behavioral disorders. While pursuing her Master’s Degree, Katie tutored for the Vanderbilt Reading Clinic as well as Nashville Metro Schools, researching and applying evidence based reading interventions. Prior to attending Vanderbilt, Katie received a BA in Psychology with a Minor in Educational Studies from Haverford College. While attending Haverford, she was a four year starter and two year captain of the school’s NCAA women’s fencing team.

In addition to tutoring, Katie is a full time special education teacher. She values tutoring because of the opportunity to focus on an individual’s strengths and weaknesses in a supportive environment. Katie particularly enjoys helping students discover what reading strategies and executive functioning skills work best for their individual learning style.

In her spare time, Katie enjoys cooking, swing dancing, and caring for her rescue dog, Gatsby.

Subjects: AP English Language and Composition; AP English Literature; SAT Reading; SAT Writing; ACT Reading; ACT English; College Essay; Biology, SSAT; GRE; Reading & Study Skills; SAT Subject Tests; Algebra; Pre-Algebra; History; Spanish; ACT Math; ACT Science

Tim graduated from Wake Forest University in 2014 with a BS in Exercise Science with a concentration in pre-medical sciences. During his tenure, he held a position as a teaching assistant and tutor for gross human anatomy dissection. He thoroughly enjoyed sharing his knowledge with other students and began privately tutoring for human sciences, chemistry, physics, and for the MCAT. He also worked as a medical assistant and scribe for an ophthalmology clinic in Boone, NC which solidified his desire to pursue medical school in the future as well as a love for living in the mountains. From 2015 to 2017 he completed an MS program in Neuroscience with a concentration in Health Disparities from Wake Forest Graduate School. During his stent in graduate school he enjoyed being able to tutor undergraduate athletes in algebra, calculus, chemistry, physics, anatomy. Tim began his medical school journey in July of 2017 at Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine in Spartanburg, SC. He was attracted to attend medical school with an osteopathic philosophy due to a more holistic view of treating the human body as well as the ability to use his hands to remedy the body instead of jumping straight to medications. Currently he is in his fourth and final year of medical school. He is currently interviewing for residency in neuroradiology and plans to pursue a fellowship in endovascular interventional neuroradiology. His research interests currently lie in the fusion of virtual reality and diagnostic imaging, hoping to one day improve the ability for physicians to diagnose and remedy pathology of the human body.

As far as hobbies, Tim began teaching himself how to play guitar in 2017 and is currently enjoying the fruits of his labor. One of his favorite things to do is take his dog on a hike on the Blue Ridge and take his guitar out to play while looking out at the beautiful mountain scenery. He is also an avid hiker, survivalist, and camper and loves to explore new hikes in the area. He has completed half of the Appalachian Trail and plans on completing this within the next few years. Recently he has began to take up bouldering which has resulting in much fun and many bruises. Traveling is also very important for Tim and he has explored Southeast Asia, Latin America, South America, Europe which are among his favorites. In college he played rugby for 2 years and walked onto the football team for a season as a kicker.

Tutoring is a passion for Tim and he aims to personalize his teaching style for every student. Knowing the correct answer is nice but he enjoys teaching students the why behind every subject and question. He also aims to coach pre-medical students on methods to improve their chances in obtaining admission to medical school with specialization in MCAT tutoring, application review, and interview strategies.

KRISTIN KELLY, MA

Subjects: AP English Language and Composition; AP English Literature; SAT Reading; SAT Writing; ACT Reading; ACT English; ACT Math; ACT Science; College Essay Writing; SSAT; Reading & Study Skills; Pre-Algebra; Algebra I; Algebra II; Geometry; Statistics; Integrated Math I; Integrated Math II; Integrated Math III; Science

GARY ANDERSON, MS

Gary received his bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from the University of Wisconsin and his master’s degree in Mathematics from Marquette University in Milwaukee. Upon graduating from Marquette, Gary spent 37 wonderful years teaching high school math in the classrooms of Germantown, Wisconsin, and retired in 2016.  In his long career, he also coached football, basketball, baseball and golf. He coached the varsity golf team for 17 years!

Subjects: ACT Math; ACT Science; SAT Math; SSAT; GRE; SAT Subject Tests; Algebra; Pre-Algebra; Geometry; Integrated Math I; Integrated Math II; Integrated Math III; Integrated Math IV; Calculus; AP Calculus AB; AP Calculus BC

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; SAT Subject Tests; College Essays

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

THOMAS KOZAK, MA

Thomas Kozak earned his MA in Secondary Education from Wake Forest Graduate School and his BA in English from Wake Forest University.  While the primary focus of his studies was English, he has also spent years honing his skills as a teacher and tutor of Mathematics (having always loved what he deems the poetry of numbers).

Thomas prefers the personal focus of tutoring to that of classroom teaching, having found greater reward in the enduring academic growth that comes from one-on-one instruction.  He is devoted to helping students develop into life-long learners, knowing that can be achieved through encouraging academic responsibility and inspiring intellectual curiosity.

A song-writer, film-maker, and poet, Thomas keeps a keen eye on the role of creativity in academic success.  He has seen, first-hand, the leaps in achievement that students can make when they realize how some of the most stubborn conceptual blocks can be loosened by creativity in perspective or approach.

Having balanced a heavy load of extracurricular activities in high school and college, Thomas knows that time is a precious commodity in any student’s life.  He is adept at creating individualized strategies that allow students to maximize success without overloading on work.  He believes that academic achievement is always possible without being at the cost of a student’s passions.

Subjects: AP English Language and Composition; AP English Literature; SAT Reading; SAT Writing; ACT Reading; ACT English; SSAT; GRE; Reading & Study Skills; SAT Subject Tests; Algebra I – II; Geometry; Trigonometry; Pre-Calculus; Integrated Math I & II; SAT Math; ACT Math; ACT Science; College Essays

 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 ACT, SAT, and AP essays.

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). He is also a member of the Town Council in Mills River, and a voting member of both the Henderson County Transportation Advisory Committee and the French Broad River Metropolitan Planning Organization.

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

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 the education system, Stacey is one of the most knowledgeable resources of curriculum, school administration, and testing programs.

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 2010, 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