Meet Your Teachers & Staff

statham@wcu.edu

Ms. Button was born and raised in the heart of the Adirondack Park in upstate New York. She lives with her significant other, Daniel, whom is an avid fly-fisherman and guide, their sweet baby boy, Otto and their energetic chocolate lab, Chaco.  They spend a significant amount of time outdoors enjoying hobbies such as hiking, rafting, swimming, fishing, and camping.  She has a love for travel and attending concerts. She is also a huge Syracuse Orange basketball fan!

Ms. Button received her Bachelor of Arts from Worcester State College in Worcester, MA, a Master of Arts in Education from the State University of New York at Potsdam College and also a post Master’s degree from Gardner-Webb University in School Administration. She has worked in education for 15 years and in Special Education in different capacities serving students in K-8. She is looking forward to another wonderful year at The Catamount School!

abroyhill@wcu.edu

Mrs. Broyhill teaches Social Studies at the Catamount School, driven by her lifelong passion for history. She believes Social Studies offers a powerful space to learn from one another, explore the world, and understand the past to shape our collective futures. Originally from Tampa, Florida, and Franklin, North Carolina, Mrs. Broyhill earned her bachelor's degree in Middle Grades Education from Western Carolina University in 2010, followed by a master's degree in Middle Grades Literacy in 2022. In her free time, she enjoys swimming, crafting, laughing, and traveling with her husband, children, and their puppy, Rosie. She is excited to spend this year learning alongside your student!

kkassel@wcu.edu

Mrs. Kassel grew up in Haywood County but currently lives in Asheville with her spouse and their three dogs. She previously taught for Haywood County Schools and then Buncombe County Schools. She is an alumnus of WCU where she completed both her undergraduate and graduate degrees in Middle Grades Education with a concentration in literacy. Whenever she is not in the classroom, Mrs. Kassel loves spending time with her family and three pups, Hazel, Ella, and Juno. She also enjoys paddle boarding, hiking, reading, and exploring all that life has to offer! Mrs. Kassel is looking forward to sharing her love of poetry, short stories, and books with all of our TCS Catamounts.

mrector@wcu.edu

Mrs. Rector enjoys teaching Mathematics at TCS! Her love for WNC started in college and led her to teach middle school mathematics in Buncombe County for 7 years. After completing a master's at Vanderbilt University, she and her husband became homeowners in WNC. As an avid outdoorsman, WNC is a perfect melting pot for all her favorite activities such as skiing, mountain biking, canoeing, and rafting. She's excited to share her love for mathematics, education, and our amazing community with your family this year.

hhpinter@wcu.edu

Dr. Pinter is a professor of middle grades and mathematics education at Western Carolina University and has proudly spent 20 years in education. She gets genuinely excited about all things math and is passionate about helping students make sense of mathematics, as well as preparing future teachers to inspire a love for math in their own classrooms. When she's not solving equations, you'll find Dr. Pinter teaching fitness classes, chasing sunsets, and exploring waterfalls.

jheckert@wcu.edu

Mrs. Heckert is passionate about connecting youth to the wider community and facilitating opportunities for experiential learning. She received her undergraduate degree from UNC Chapel Hill and her Masters from Duke University. When Mrs. Heckert isn't at school, she enjoys reading, cooking and baking, and adventuring in our beautiful mountains. Her family, including husband Paul, son Elias, and doggo Posy are her whole world! Mrs. Heckert is excited for a fun filled year at TCS!

akarup@wcu.edu

I'm so excited to be at The Catamount School.  I have worked with children for many years. However, I am excited to be working with middle school students.  A few things I like to do outside of school are reading and "glamping" (I need a shower and air conditioning).  I love my dogs Tucker and Bella.  I have two boys, Hunter and Dawson and a daughter in love, Madison! Spending time with them is one of my favorite things also. Please stop by and see me when you can! 

tlbarron@wcu.edu

Dr. Barron has had the pleasure of working with the lab school from the beginning. It is often the highlight of her day! She serves as Exceptional Children Director for The Catamount School. She is a native of North Carolina but new to the mountains. She taught at the elementary, middle school, and high school levels in general education and special education in North Carolina for 12 years. She graduated from UNC Greensboro with a Ph.D. in specialized educational services and began her career at WCU in 2015 as a professor on the inclusive education program. She serves as Exceptional Children Director for The Catamount School.