Real Estate School Instructors | Colibri Real Estate School

Diana Peterson

Diana Peterson

Licensed to teach in: Illinois

Diana M. Peterson, CEO of AW Properties Global — a real estate consultancy in investment sales, brokerages, and auctions — has 25-plus years of experience in real estate brokerage, auctions, and law. Prior to founding AW, Diana co-founded AuctionWorks, the robust online real estate auction marketplace that is now a division of AW. In her career, Diana has sold every asset class of both commercial and residential real estate; she has also represented tenants in their search for office space and lease negotiations across the country. Diana earned a law degree from the University of… More
Diana M. Peterson, CEO of AW Properties Global — a real estate consultancy in investment sales, brokerages, and auctions — has 25-plus years of experience in real estate brokerage, auctions, and law. Prior to founding AW, Diana co-founded AuctionWorks, the robust online real estate auction marketplace that is now a division of AW. In her career, Diana has sold every asset class of both commercial and residential real estate; she has also represented tenants in their search for office space and lease negotiations across the country. Diana earned a law degree from the University of Minnesota Law School, where she served as an editor of the Minnesota Law Review. She also holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Chicago. She is licensed in Illinois as a real estate instructor, attorney, real estate managing broker, and auctioneer.
Diane Fujikami

Diane Fujikami

Licensed to teach in: Hawaii

A native of Honolulu, Diane has served as both a real estate salesperson and a real estate broker over the last 35 years. She holds a bachelor’s and a master’s in speech pathology and audiology from Ohio University and University of Hawaii-Manoa. In her tenure, Diane taught real estate pre-licensing and broker candidate classes for All Islands Real Estate School, Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties, Colibri Real Estate, and Real Estate School Hawaii. She also managed real estate agents for Century 21 All Islands and Keller Williams Realty.
Dorothy Ables

Dorothy Ables

Dorothy Ables has been a licensed real estate salesperson since 1984, then obtained her broker’s license 1991. She’s worked in residential real estate sales, specializing in working with the senior population. She holds the following designations: GRI, SRES, E-PRO. Previously, she taught real estate pre-licensing classes at Coastline Community College and Long Beach City College from 2002 through 2008. In June 2022, she began teaching real estate principles, real estate practice, and legal aspects of real estate at Colibri Real Estate. She holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in social work from California State University-Long Beach; she also holds a certificate in Small Business Management from Coastline Community College.
Dorothy Nicklus

Dorothy Nicklus

As a graduate of the Real Estate Institute, Dorothy “”Dot”” Nicklus earned the Graduate REALTOR® Institute designation (GRI). Currently, she’s a real estate broker in New Jersey and holds a master’s degree in management science. As a past member of the New Jersey Board of Realtors commercial and investment division, REALTOR® trainer, and lecturer, Dot brings over 25 years of practical experience into the classroom.
Doug Drake

Doug Drake

A resident of Hendersonville, Tennessee, Doug has worked in real estate for eight years. He is also active in non-profit work, specifically as it pertains to veterans in his community.
Earl Martin

Earl Martin

Licensed to teach in: Georgia

Earl is a licensed broker and instructor in three Southern states. His career includes serving as an investment consultant, property manager, and a real estate school owner. With over 14 years of experience in real estate education, Earl has taught courses in pre-licensure, post-licensure, and continuing education. Earl is also a former adjunct instructor at Hondros College, Auburn University, and Alabama State University. He helped design the Alabama 60-hour Broker’s Exam pre-license course and served as a subject matter expert and consultant for state license exam providers and administrators.
Gary Farris

Gary Farris

Licensed to teach in: Arizona, California

Gary obtained his California broker’s license in 2007 and, in 2016, he earned his Arizona real estate broker’s license. He also began instructing part-time at the Arizona School of Real Estate and Business (ASREB) in July 2016. With Colibri Group’s acquisition of ASREB, Gary’s real estate instructor responsibilities expanded to Colibri Real Estate and its largest California brand, Allied Schools. In 2019, Gary was named the Arizona Journal of Real Estate’s educator of the year. In 2022, he earned a Distinguished Real Estate Instructor (DREI) certification, as well as a Certified Distance Education Instructor (CDEI).
George Williams

George Williams

Licensed to teach in: Missouri

As a Missouri native, George has lived primarily in the Kansas City area. He holds a bachelor’s degree in history and political science, as as well as a law degree and advanced collegiate legal training. He’s a retired practicing attorney and a licensed real estate agent. George has been a college instructor for over a decade, and he enjoys the challenges and changes that real estate law and practice involve. His career centers around real estate, both professionally and personally, and he looks forward to meeting and developing a dynamic interaction with Colibri Real Estate students.
Giovanna Mancuso

Giovanna Mancuso

Licensed to teach in: Florida, New York

Giovanna is a retired New York public school teacher and, for the last six years, a licensed New York real estate salesperson specializing in new construction. She began her career in real estate seven years ago as a licensed Florida real estate sales associate; now, she’s also a Florida real estate broker associate. Giovanna, practicing in both New York and Florida, combines her years of teaching experience with her tenure in real estate to deliver superior education as an instructor with Colibri Real Estate.
Harry Mehlman

Harry Mehlman

Licensed to teach in: New Jersey

Harry earned his New Jersey real estate license in 1978. In his tenure, he’s sold re-sale and new construction homes, as well as commercial real estate. He also produced and hosted an industry-related local TV program, “”Getting Real Estate.”” The show taught viewers about buying and selling real estate. After producing 200 shows, Harry entered radio and began hosting a live real estate program called “”Spotlight on Real Estate””; it aired for over four years on local radio. As chairman of the public relations committee for the Atlantic City and County Board of REALTORS (ACCBOR),… More
Harry earned his New Jersey real estate license in 1978. In his tenure, he’s sold re-sale and new construction homes, as well as commercial real estate. He also produced and hosted an industry-related local TV program, “”Getting Real Estate.”” The show taught viewers about buying and selling real estate. After producing 200 shows, Harry entered radio and began hosting a live real estate program called “”Spotlight on Real Estate””; it aired for over four years on local radio. As chairman of the public relations committee for the Atlantic City and County Board of REALTORS (ACCBOR), Harry also conducted many first-time homebuyer seminars. Awarded “Realtor of the Year,”” he held several leadership positions with ACCBOR and was eventually elected as president for 2000-2001. During that time, he was also a real estate columnist for a local weekly newspaper. Currently, Harry is actively licensed in New Jersey as a real estate broker and is certified to teach both pre-licensing and continuing education courses.
Heidi Brush

Heidi Brush

Licensed to teach in: Pennsylvania

Heidi M. Brush is a licensed realtor in Pennsylvania (real estate sales). She earned her Ph.D. in communications from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. She has extensive teaching and communications experience, which she draws upon heavily in her real estate business. Heidi taught at several universities, including University of New Hampshire, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and Penn State University. Heidi is also a Certified Distance Education Instructor (CDEI). She currently teaches online real estate classes for Colibri Real Estate.
Holly Ewert

Holly Ewert

Licensed to teach in: Georgia

Originally from the Midwest, Holly has lived in Atlanta since 1995, working in the city’s real estate market for more than 25 years. Her appreciation for real estate stems from her family’s involvement in residential and commercial property development over many generations in the U.S., France, and Switzerland. Holly has been instrumental in multi-million dollar turnkey developments, as well as mergers and acquisitions. Holly has experience as a general contractor, residential and commercial property manager, salesperson, associate broker, broker/owner and instructor. She is a licensed Georgia broker, a Gold Standard Instructor, and an active member… More
Originally from the Midwest, Holly has lived in Atlanta since 1995, working in the city’s real estate market for more than 25 years. Her appreciation for real estate stems from her family’s involvement in residential and commercial property development over many generations in the U.S., France, and Switzerland. Holly has been instrumental in multi-million dollar turnkey developments, as well as mergers and acquisitions. Holly has experience as a general contractor, residential and commercial property manager, salesperson, associate broker, broker/owner and instructor. She is a licensed Georgia broker, a Gold Standard Instructor, and an active member of the Atlanta REALTORS® Association, GREEA (Georgia Real Estate Educators Association), and REEA (Real Estate Educators Association). She is also a certified mortgage specialist and an ASHI-certified home inspector.
Isabelle Perkins

Isabelle Perkins

Licensed to teach in: Massachusetts

Isabelle Perkins’ real estate career started after yet another family move and a desire to understand the workings of the business. Originally, she came from a corporate background, working as part of site acquisition/ development. Over the past 25 years, Isabelle started selling residential real estate, then co-owned an independent brokerage and became licensed as an instructor in 2003. Currently, she works as a full-time instructor, online and offline, which includes teaching and writing course material. She is constantly looking for opportunities to stay current with the real estate industry and share her knowledge. Licensed… More
Isabelle Perkins’ real estate career started after yet another family move and a desire to understand the workings of the business. Originally, she came from a corporate background, working as part of site acquisition/ development. Over the past 25 years, Isabelle started selling residential real estate, then co-owned an independent brokerage and became licensed as an instructor in 2003. Currently, she works as a full-time instructor, online and offline, which includes teaching and writing course material. She is constantly looking for opportunities to stay current with the real estate industry and share her knowledge. Licensed as a Broker in Massachusetts and a broker-salesperson in New Jersey, she holds the following designations and certifications: MCNE, GRI, ABR, SRS, SRES, GREEN, EcoBroker, SFR, BPOR, AHWD, MRP, RENE, ePRO. She is also a member of REEA and a graduate of the ITI Institute. Additionally, Isabelle is CDEI-certified.
Ivy Beloff

Ivy Beloff

Licensed to teach in: New York

Ivy has over 30 years of real estate experience in commercial real estate investing, property sales, and real estate education. She has been a licensed real estate instructor for over 17 years, following 20 years as a teacher and guidance counselor in the New York Public School system. Additionally, Ivy is president and founder of Ivy Real Estate Education, Inc. and is the president of SLC Conference Centers. With her extensive background in education and counseling, Ivy is a valuable asset to all of her students inside and outside of the classroom. Her key to… More
Ivy has over 30 years of real estate experience in commercial real estate investing, property sales, and real estate education. She has been a licensed real estate instructor for over 17 years, following 20 years as a teacher and guidance counselor in the New York Public School system. Additionally, Ivy is president and founder of Ivy Real Estate Education, Inc. and is the president of SLC Conference Centers. With her extensive background in education and counseling, Ivy is a valuable asset to all of her students inside and outside of the classroom. Her key to success, which she shares with her students, is to constantly strive to achieve your goals and, once they are accomplished, to reach even higher.
Jack Bennett

Jack Bennett

Jack has been a Florida real estate instructor since 1985. He also holds a Distinguished Real Estate Instructor (DREI) designation from the Real Estate Educators Association and Certified Distance Education Instructor (CDEI) from Association of Real Estate License Law Officials. He has been involved with technical reviews and content suggestions for many real estate textbooks for two publishers.
Jackie Kuder

Jackie Kuder

Licensed to teach in: California

Jackie Kuder has more than 20 years of experience as a residential real estate professional. She also has 5-plus years of experience teaching pre-licensing classes, including: Principles, Practice, and Legal Aspects, as well as teaching a two-day exam prep class to help students pass the state exam. She holds a bachelor’s in business administration and marketing/management from California State University-Fullerton. Jackie also has a Juris Doctor degree from Western State University College of Law.
Jacqueline Talpa

Jacqueline Talpa

Licensed to teach in: Maryland

Jacqueline has been in real estate for over 20 years. She’s licensed as an agent in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and D.C. In her career, Jacqueline regularly works with investors, whether they are buying investment properties, primary residences, or second homes.
James Vargo

James Vargo

Licensed to teach in: Pennsylvania

James Vargo currently teaches real estate courses for both Colibri Real Estate and its sister school in Ohio, Hondros College. He teaches pre-licensing courses for Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Washington; he also teaches continuing education and post-licensing courses. James has been connected to Hondros for over 30 years, teaching real estate at the school since 1990. Additionally, he’s been a practicing attorney in Ohio since 1983, involved primarily in estate planning and real estate. He obtained his Certified Distance Education Instructor (CDEI) in 2021; James is also a member of the REEA and earned the Distinguished Faculty title by Hondros College.
Janice Price

Janice Price

Licensed to teach in: Indiana

Licensed in two Midwest states, Janice started in the real estate sales side of the business over 30 years ago and continues today as a top producer. In her tenure, she also managed real estate offices, earned numerous designations, and worked to get her mortgage loan originators license. She was also Multiple Listing Service president. To balance her love of real estate, Janice established the Price School of Real Estate Education in 1996 and became a master instructor in Indiana and Illinois. She developed and taught pre-licensing courses, training programs, and continuing education courses. After… More
Licensed in two Midwest states, Janice started in the real estate sales side of the business over 30 years ago and continues today as a top producer. In her tenure, she also managed real estate offices, earned numerous designations, and worked to get her mortgage loan originators license. She was also Multiple Listing Service president. To balance her love of real estate, Janice established the Price School of Real Estate Education in 1996 and became a master instructor in Indiana and Illinois. She developed and taught pre-licensing courses, training programs, and continuing education courses. After earning a CCDS (Certified Career Development Specialist) designation, Janice became a national trainer for Prudential Real Estate.
Janine Brady

Janine Brady

Janine is a New Jersey licensed title producer. She is also a real estate instructor, a licensed Florida broker-sales associate, a licensed New York broker-sales associate, a New Jersey notary public, a member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR), and a member on the Grievance, Education, and Bylaws Committee (2020 to present).