Meet Our Instructors

 

 

Ennis Antoine has a true passion for educational excellence and takes great pride in preparing his students for success. His goal is to provide our sales professionals with the most up to date information and personalized coaching possible. No matter what segment of the industry Ennis is serving, he is always a leader and strives to be among the best of the profession. As a Broker he received the Certified Real Estate Brokerage Management (CRB) Designation; he was a very active member of the Atlanta REALTORS® ASSOCIATION and served as the 2015 President; he was also involved with the Georgia Association of REALTORS® and the National Association of REALTORS®

As a certified real estate instructor, Ennis teaches pre-license and post-license courses across the state of Georgia. He currently holds the position of Federal Political Coordinator for U.S. Congressman David Scott for the National Association of Realtors® (NAR). He has served in numerous leadership roles within the Georgia Association of REALTORS®, currently serving Atlanta REALTOR® Association: Affordable and Equitable Housing Committee, Board of Directors, Trustee for ARPAC National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). Currently serving as Vice Chair Special Recognition he also serves as the 2022 Chair for NAR Federal Legislative and Political Forum, and was recently inducted into the NAR REALTORS® Political Action Committee Hall of Fame. On May 2, 2022, Ennis was awarded the FPC Meritorious Award for excellent and outstanding service as a federal political coordinator representing the National Association of REALTORS® before the United States Congress.

A graduate of the National Association of Realtors® Leadership Academy, Ennis Antoine’s comprehensive list of achievements is extensive. It includes being named a RISMedia Newsmaker and a three-time feature in The Atlanta Business Chronicle’s Who’s Who in Real Estate list. He is a President’s Award winner, Atlanta Business League’s Man of Influence, and a 5 Star Circle Award recipient. He maintains the prestigious John Maxwell Training Certification and the Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) designation, which places him among 3,500 elite real estate professionals in over 45 countries. Professionals with the CIPS designation are considered consumers’ most trusted resource for navigating the global market. Ennis also serves as Vice Chair for Georgia Real Estate Commission Education Advisory Committee.

In 2019, Mr. Antoine was awarded the coveted E.A. Isakson Leadership Award, which recognizes an industry leader and member of the Atlanta REALTORS® Association who has – through initiative and leadership actions – brought about a significant change that resulted in a lasting benefit to the membership, the community, and the profession. A man of service, he has been a Deacon in his church for 28 years and is heavily involved with Habitat for Humanity, building houses for those in need across the United States.

 

 

Steven Armstrong came to Columbus, GA in 2008 to join Aflac Incorporated’s US Operations, serving in various roles over the next 6 years in the Fortune 100 company’s Strategic Planning and Marketing Divisions. Steven began his career as a Realtor in 2014 and would spend the next 4 years as a full-time residential sales agent. Steven received his company’s 2015 Rookie of the Year award and achieved the Columbus Board of Realtor’s Circle of Excellence award each year in his tenure as a sales agent. In 2018 Steven transitioned to a brokerage management position as the Director of Coaching and Agent Development focusing on the training, growth, and development of newly licensed sales agents in the first 12 months of their real estate careers. In 2022, Steven transitioned to the role of Vice President of Agent Development, overseeing broader training, development, and agent support initiatives for the company, as well as various other brokerage operations and strategic growth priorities.

Steven graduated from Valdosta State University in 2008 with a degree in Marketing and Business Administration, and from Columbus State University in 2013 with a Masters of Science in Organizational Leadership.

He and his wife Drew have three daughters – Ava, Camille, and Everly. Their family time is often spent at the area softball fields, pickle ball courts, bike paths, hiking trails, and rooting for the Atlanta Braves. Their family also attends Wynnbrook Baptist Church, where Steven serves as one of the worship leaders, and together with Drew, as children’s church leaders.

Steven is a licensed real estate instructor in the state of Georgia and enjoys the opportunity each day to make a contribution to enhancing the lives and careers of the agents he gets to serve, so that they are better equipped to achieve their goals, and in turn, better serve the people of our community.

 

 

Renee Bringier is a real estate broker and educator who’s devotion to assisting students and staying current in the real estate market make her a leading expert in this field.

Passionate about leadership development at all levels, her knowledge, candor, and sense of humor make Renee a well-respected and highly rated instructor. Speak to any of her former students and they will confirm, “Her classes are engaging, thought provoking and fun!”

Licensed since 1995, she brings 25 years of practical brokerage and company leadership experience to her teaching. Her experience auctioning, listing, and selling properties for her clients have led to Renee being awarded the Lifetime Million Dollar Club membership at the local board of Realtors®.

Renee is an active member of Atlanta Realtors Association, Georgia Real Estate Educators Association, a graduate of the Realtor Institute (GRI), and has acted as mentor to many licensees. As a Broker business owner, Renee has enjoyed a consistently high level of success by concentrating on a never-ending search for continuous learning.

When asked what she likes about teaching, Renee says, “Guiding students to a successful outcome.”

 

 

Gil Castro has been a resident of the North Metro Atlanta area since 1989 and a licensed REALTOR since 2001. Prior to real estate, he was in software development where he worked as an independent consultant for Fortune 500 companies. His clients included Delta Air Lines, Coca-Cola Enterprises, and Siemens Energy and Automation, among others.

His project management experience and attention to detail in meeting deadlines translated well into real estate sales, management, and professional development.

His career in real estate has spanned everything from sales, to branch/sales management, to director of training and development, to pre-license instruction. His passion for success is unsurpassed whether working with buyers, sellers, agents, or instructing students. He feels the key to a successful partnership is communication and understanding.

 

 

 

 

Suzi Chaapel has been involved with real estate sales and training since 1985. Prior to her real estate career, she was also involved in sales training and management for a national corporation.

She is a licensed broker, licensed instructor, holds the national designation of GRI, (Graduate REALTOR Institute), the Gold Star Instructor Designation from REEA (Real Estate Educators Association), and has taught for Barney Fletcher Schools since 2006 both as an in-class instructor as well as an Online Advisor.

Ms. Chaapel has been recognized repeatedly for outstanding sales, community service, and leadership by her brokerage and REALTOR® organization.

She is past President for GREEA (Georgia Real Estate Educators Association), is an active member of the Northeast Atlanta Metro Association of REALTORS®, President of the Cherokee Rose Civic Association, and an active member of the Gwinnett County Master Gardeners Association. Suzi also won the GREEA Robert R.(Bob) Jones Distinguished Career Award for 2018.

Her goal is to provide a fun and professional atmosphere for learning in which the students will be engaged and enjoy the journey to reaching their goals.

 

 

Aaron Duncan, a graduate from University of Tulsa (BS in Chemical Engineering) has been in real estate since 2009. Prior to his real estate career, he served in the US ARMY as a Military Intelligence Officer with two tours in Iraq. He has also worked for a contractor that built subdivisions and performed various other general site contracting services.

Aaron is an active real estate broker that conducts sales, property, and HOA management throughout southeast Georgia. He enjoys training his agents on all aspects of real estate and is current on all the latest marketing and technology that’s available. Through his technical degree, varied military experience, and general contracting expertise, Aaron has gained an invaluable insight in helping home buyers and sellers meet their specific needs. As a Pre-License Real Estate Instructor, he has the dedication and training to help you achieve your real estate goals.

Aaron is a member of the Hinesville Area Board of REALTORS®, Savannah Area Realtors, a certified arborist with the International Society of Arboriculture, and a PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer.

 

 

 

Elishia Dupree has been a dedicated full-time real estate agent for over 20 years and is the proud owner of her own real estate brokerage firm in Stockbridge, GA. As an accomplished Real Estate Broker and newly hired Real Estate Instructor, Elishia brings a wealth of knowledge to both her clients and students. Her deep industry expertise allows her to provide comprehensive guidance on every facet of real estate, from buying and selling to investment strategies.

Over the years, Elishia has represented numerous sellers and buyers, successfully navigating hundreds of transactions and consistently working with a large pool of “sellers and buyers – particularly buyers eager to purchase properties. Her background in marketing continues to be an invaluable asset in achieving top-dollar sales for her clients in record time.

Elishia has shared the stage with industry leaders like Doug Clark of “Big Money” and Scott Yancey of “Flipping Vegas,” traveling the world to inspire others. She is also the author of “The Road to Home-ownership,” a guide designed to help prospective buyers navigate the complexities of the home-buying process.

In her role as a Real Estate Instructor, Elishia is passionate about equipping the next generation of real estate professionals with the skills and knowledge they need to excel in the field.

 

 

 

Tori Easterling is a Georgia real estate broker and licensed real estate instructor. Tori was originally licensed as a real estate salesperson in 2006 and has worked full-time in the industry since, and even weathered through the 2008 Great Recession. Over the years, Tori has been a top sales associate, trainer, and leader. In 2011, she obtained her broker’s license and used it as leverage in her masterful negotiation and marketing techniques. During the market recession, Tori emerged as an industry leader in default management, short-sales, foreclosures, and property valuations.

In addition to real estate sales, Tori is also responsible for the professional development of hundreds of real estate agents across the United States. To better assist new agents with getting acclimated to the real estate industry, Tori authored “Day One As A Licensed Real Estate Agent” in 2017 – an eBook that helps agents navigate their first days as real estate professionals.

Prior to real estate, Tori attended Georgia State University where she studied Secondary Education and Criminal Justice. While in college, she worked as a retail sales manager for Nordstrom, Macy’s, and Bloomingdales. Raised by aspiring entrepreneurs, Tori was also a successful entrepreneur who excelled in sales and recruiting for Avon and TNI International.

In her spare time, Tori enjoys sunbathing on any Atlantic Beach, reading professional development books, and rollerskating. Tori is a loving wife to her husband, Adrian and the mother to 4 beautiful children, Thomas, Mia, Nicholas, and Christopher. It’s also important to note that Tori is an ally of the LGBTQIA+ community and is a proponent of social equity for all humans.

Tori is a member of the Cobb Association of Realtors®, the Georgia Association of Realtors®, and the National Association of Realtors®. She was featured in the 2017 Top Home Sales Edition of the Atlanta Business Chronicle, and is an award winning social media marketer. She is also a Landmark Forum graduate as well as a certified NLP practitioner.

 

 

Jan Marie Elder as been in the real estate industry for the last 11 years. Originally from Seattle, Washington she has made Atlanta her home since 1991. Her focus has been on Property Management and she was a top producing REALTOR® for her company in her first year in the industry.

She is licensed in both Georgia and Alabama and is a qualifying Broker for several companies. Jan Marie teaches Sales Prelicense classes as well as continuing education and tutors students outside of class.

She is a member of GREEA (Georgia Real Estate Educator’s Association) as well as the Atlanta REALTORS® Association and is on the Member Engagement Committee and the Training and Education Committee for that association.

Jan Marie has two children and loves dogs. She is an avid reader in her spare time.

 

 

 

Holly Ewert is a native Midwesterner, who has made Atlanta her home since 1995. Holly has been in the Real Estate industry for more than 25 years. Holly’s appreciation of real estate originates with her family being involved in residential and commercial property development for several generations in the United States, France, and Switzerland.

Holly has been instrumental in multi-million dollar turnkey developments, mergers and acquisitions. Holly has professional experience as a general contractor, residential and commercial property manager, salesperson, Associate Broker, Broker/Owner, and Instructor.

Holly thoroughly enjoys teaching professionals transitioning into real estate. Her pragmatic approach as an instructor ensures her students learn the prerequisite course material to successfully become licensed real estate agents. Holly leverages her in-depth knowledge of real estate and business to enhance the learning experience for her students.

Holly is a licensed Georgia Broker, a Gold Standard Instructor (GSI), 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.

 

 

Serena Henry is a knowledgeable, well-connected industry leader with extensive experience in teaching, career coaching, marketing and business development. Serena has practiced real estate for 14+ years and has held various leadership positions with area brokerage firms as well as locate, state and national real estate trade organizations.

She is a CRB, RENE, C-RETS, GRI, SFR, CAM, and ePRO®.

She is most proud of her work helping numerous real estate practitioners develop thriving, sustainable real estate businesses. Several agents who have follower her guidance have earned near $100,000 within their first 2 years of licensure. She has also been very instrumental in assisting seasoned agents take their business to increased production levels. Her simple, ‘roll-up-your-sleeves’ techniques support agents’ professional growth, production, and industry knowledge.

Whether you’re a seasoned high-achiever, new to the industry, an aspiring or established leader of a team, or preparing to take your state exam, Serena can provide experienced guidance and support.

 

 

 

Marquise Jetter is a native of Savannah, Georgia and has made Atlanta his home since 2013. After many years in corporate America, he decided that the Real Estate industry is where his heart is.

Mr. Jetter took on his passion and commitment to Real Estate as a salesperson in 2014 and has never turned back. He has always made Real Estate seem easy to others while conducting seminars, hosting post licensure classes, and taking countless calls from other salespersons, but he wanted to do more than just help sell a home – he wanted to teach all that he knew. At that moment, he knew his calling was greater and decided to become an instructor.

His dedication and drive has allowed him to accomplish many of his goals while facing multiple milestones in the Real Estate industry. Not allowing this to deter him, he has also created a mentoring program which has allowed him to cater to both new and seasoned agents since 2019. His range of expertise, such as negotiating deals, selling powers, and leadership skills, have created a boldness where he has taken on Real Estate as a “force to be reckoned with.”

 

 

 

Joyce McQueen relocated from the big apple state, New York to the peach state, Georgia, where she previously held a dual career as a N.Y.C. Special Operations Uniformed Law Enforcement Officer in tandem as a N.Y. Licensed Sales Agent.

Joyce has over 25 years of real estate experience, varying from managing, selling, and listing residential and commercial properties, in addition to investment and leasing transactions. Joyce believes her caring transparency and dedication to learn all she could to provide the best services to clients has been instrumental towards her success. Her goals along with her well-disposed and enthusiastic personality have created long-term relationships throughout the real estate industry across a dozen state lines.

Joyce’s impassion regarding education in the industry, mentoring Licensees along with formal real estate consultation, while providing outstanding service, led her to become a Broker in 2006. She currently holds active Broker licensure at two metro Atlanta companies, including her Brokerage as Principal/Owner. Joyce has specialized in new construction homes sales for 13 years and is an 8-time collaborative recipient of Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association Obie Awards. She has trained and guided Agents in new construction sales.

Instructor Joyce brings a special warmth, clarity, professionalism, and firsthand knowledge to each course, plus she believes a little humor is welcoming. Live, Learn and Laugh as Joyce affirms education and training is a priority in the real estate profession. She maintains an active license in good standing with the Georgia Real Estate Commission, to teach Pre-License Broker, Pre-License Real Estate Sales, Post License along with various Continuing Education classes. Joyce is an active member of the Georgia Real Estate Educators Association. Joyce is known to encourage as you start and build your goals in your exciting new business of Real Estate.

 

 

 

Merritt Pryor is a native of Columbus, Georgia and a graduate of Brookstone School and knows this region — and it’s people — well. In fact, it is her passion for serving people and building relationships with clients that drew her to real estate in the first place. Together with her husband, West, and business partner Brad Snow, Merritt enjoys walking with her clients through the joys and challenges of buying and selling their home.

Merritt is a licensed Realtor® and Agent Development Advisor in Columbus, GA, and has an additional 13 year career in the financial technical industry at TSYS. Having graduated from Auburn (War Eagle!) with a degree in Operations Management, she is detail-oriented without missing the bigger picture of her clients’ or agents’ goals.

As the mother of two girls, Helena and Cate, Merritt is never lacking for fun! She loves a good book and the great outdoors as well as her family’s three dogs. The Pryors are members of St. Paul United Methodist Church, and Merritt also gives her time volunteering at St. Anne-Pacelli and Columbus Hospice. She is committed to the flourishing of Columbus, especially Midtown, and is a board-member of Historic Columbus.

 

 

 

 

Nichole Rogers was born and raised in Loganville, GA and made the move to the Athens, GA area in 2017. She is a loving wife, and mother of 2 daughters and 2 fur-babies. After being a hairstylist for 10 years, she decided that it was time for a change and went and got her real estate license in 2014, and has not looked back since.

Nichole had a passion and found her niche in new construction in 2016. She worked for a builder for 5 years, until in 2021, she made the move to getting her brokers license and opened her own brokerage. She has always built her business through relationships, and she ran her brokerage the same way. It was once she started bringing on new agents and was doing the training for her new agents, that she realized that she would love to work with agents before getting their license and made the decision to become an instructor.

Nichole is a member of Athens Area Association of Realtors, where she serves as the Public Relations committee chair and is also on the Professional Standards board. She has a passion for helping not only fellow agents, but the community as a whole.

She is here to help new agents not only understand the real estate terms, but to understand real estate to where they feel comfortable leaving the class and going straight to work. Her passion is helping agents grow significantly in their real estate career and be there to help along the way.

 

 

Scott Roma‘s Real Estate journey started here as a student at Barney Fletcher Schools in 1998. He has worked with hundreds of buyers and sellers to achieve their dreams. He is passionate about the opportunities Real Estate has provided him over the years. He has been an owner of multiple Real Estate firms, managing broker to over 500 agents, and provided property management services.

Scott holds a Georgia and Florida broker’s license and is a lifetime learner. He has been a member of the National Association of Realtors for over 22 years. He holds an Accredited Buyer Representative and Seller Representative designation. He is a former Cobb Board of Realtors, Board of Director member. He enjoys training, coaching, and helping others succeed. His straight forward, no nonsense approach brings out the best in people to achieve greatness.

Scott is a Georgia native and you will often find him chanting GO DAWGS. He has been married to his wife Jennifer, a fellow Realtor, for over 30 years. He loves spending time with his two daughters and his labradors, Gus Gus and Stella.

Scott teaches to pay it forward and give back to the Real Estate community that has given him so much.

 

 

Shelley Thomas Sears began her career in 1978. Since then, she has become one of Atlanta’s most celebrated real estate Brokers and trainers. Prior to founding her own company, she was one of the top brokers for 20 years with one of the oldest and largest companies. Being awarded one of Atlanta/Georgia’s top 100 residential Realtors based on net closings. Consistent yearly production over $34 million for 30 years straight.

Even though she is the principal of her company, Shelley continues to sell and manage real estate full time by choice in the business she loves. Along with her relentless drive, she attributes much of her success in her field to being honest, fair and straightforward. She is now teaching new students how to master the roadways of Real Estate for the future.

Shelley learned early on that the biggest challenge most people encounter is themselves. Many life challenges have characterized her journey through the years. Bringing her to being a leader in the Atlanta/Georgia real estate market and running a successful business.

Born into an Air Force family and both parents being pilots, she was taught to set her goal sky high. Always being able to keep your mindset fresh and able to address “invisible scripts.”

Atlanta has been her home since 1970. She has one son who is also a top-notch Atlanta Realtor.

She is here to help new students move into the next stage of their lives and create a new career making purposeful life decisions as it relates to Real Estate and beyond.

Exceptional Service, Exceptional Marketing, Exceptional Result.

 

 

Dawn Southern holds the role of Qualifying Broker across the states of Georgia, Alabama, and Florida. Dawn’s journey in real estate commenced in February 2007 when she obtained her real estate license. During her initial five years in the field, she achieved exceptional success in home sales and distinguished herself in the real of New Construction Sales. This commendable performance led to her promotion to the position of Compliance Broker, where she took charge of overseeing all aspects of brokerage compliance while simultaneously managing a branch office.

In 2021, Dawn further advanced her career by assuming the role of Managing Broker and subsequently ascending to the prestigious position of Qualifying Broker in 2022. Fueled by her ambition to establish an exceptional brokerage characterized by a commitment to professionalism and robust agent support, Dawn embarked on the journey of establishing her own brokerage in 2023. Significantly, Dawn drives immense satisfaction from sharing her knowledge and expertise in her capacity as an educator.

With more than 16 years of experience in the Real Estate industry, Dawn Southern is widely recognized as a seasoned business leader with an illustrious track record. She possesses a unique skill set in strategic planning and innovative problem-solving, underpinned by an unwavering dedication to driving rapid growth and ensuring enduring sustainability. Beyond her professional pursuits, Dawn is a prominent figure in her community, renowned for her philanthropic contributions and leadership roles.

In her capacity as an Educator and licensed Instructor, Dawn meticulously maintains comprehensive records of Continuing Education (CE) classes and diligently monitors attendance, all in strict compliance with state regulations and actively imparts her wealth of knowledge to fellow real estate professionals in her role as an instructor.

As a Qualifying Broker, Dawn is entrusted with the critical task of overseeing day-to-day operations, with a keen focus on upholding compliance with real estate laws spanning multiple states. Additionally, she takes on the role of Chair of Community Outreach, spearheading and organizing monthly outreach initiatives that enrich and engage the local community.

In 2023, Dawn assumed dual roles as the Chair of the Paulding Board of Realtors Community Outreach Committee and Director, further exemplifying her commitment to community engagement.

Dawn also serves as the President of AGL Over The Rainbow Foundation, a distinguished non-profit organization. Her leadership extends to fundraising endeavors, event coordination, and the annual bestowment of scholarships to high school seniors pursuing studies in the Fine or Performing Arts. In her role, Dawn exercises prudent oversight of the foundation’s financial matters.

Dawn Southern’s illustrious career and unwavering dedication to excellence position her as an exemplary professional within the real estate industry. Her leadership and active involvement in the community continue to have a lasting and meaningful impact.

 

 

Lee E. Wiggins graduated from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga with a Bachelor of Science, Business Marketing degree.

Lee teaches pre-license sales, broker license, license cram course, post license, and several continuing education classes including environmental issues, auctioning, and home inspection. He was awarded the GREEA “Educator of the Year” award in 2011. Lee is CEO of Informed Home Decisions, Inc. His company provides home consulting including inspections and educational services. He is also active in residential and commercial real estate and as an auctioneer specializing in real property auctions.

Lee holds licenses in Georgia as an Associate Broker, Auctioneer, and Real Estate Instructor. He is also a member of the Cherokee, GA and National Association of REALTORS®, the GA and National Auctioneers Association, Georgia Real Estate Educator’s Association, and the International Code Council (ICC)(CABO).

Lee’s designations and accomplishments include: RealtyU Certified, ABR (BACA), AREP-Real Estate Professionals Society, e-PRO®, Relocation Specialist, Residential Combination Code Inspector (ICC), Compliance Inspector (HUD/FHA), Manual J and D certifications (ACCA), and Residential Conservation Service Specialist (RCS). Lee has a resolution granted in his name by the Georgia House of Representatives for his outstanding leadership and teaching abilities (House Resolution 673).

Lee enjoys music, chess, golf, and hunting and is happily married to his lovely wife, Sandy.

 

 

Johnell Woody, a native of the great state of Texas, arrived in Georgia during a blizzard in February of 1998. Thinking she had retired at that time, it soon became apparent that life and the LORD had other plans. Today, she has no plans of ever retiring!

In September of 1999, Johnell received her Georgia Real Estate Brokers License. Beginning a new episode in her already lengthy real estate career, Johnell became Director of Professional Development for a brokerage firm in Marietta, Georgia. After her beloved husband’s passing in 2004, Johnell returned to Georgia on a 60-day consulting contract for a different brokerage firm. She is often heard to remark, “I am not a very good consultant, I stayed until September 2017!”

Johnell’s real estate career began in California (should the date slip out, remember that she began in real estate at a very tender age), then a Georgia broker, and later she obtained a non-resident Texas RE Brokers License. She is also a licensed Georgia Real Estate Instructor, and is approved to teach in North Carolina, Florida, Texas, and California. She holds designations as an ARELLO Certified Distance Education Instructor, Real Estate Educators Association Gold Standard Instructor, and is a Georgia Association of Realtors Partners-In-Education instructor. Johnell is standing as a candidate for the coveted Distinguished Real Estate Instructor designation.

In addition to real estate sales activities, Johnell serves as an education and curriculum director, subject matter expert, associate broker, coach, trainer, and broker-to-broker consultant. Johnell has created a number of real estate CE courses, a post-license course, and is a published author in a national magazine and a national academic journal. A college level textbook is underway, with additional writing projects awaiting breaks in an already full schedule.

In her spare time, Johnell has devoted countless hours to political candidates in local, state, and national campaigns. She is a staunch advocate for RPAC, attesting that everything that happens under the “Gold Dome” and in Washington, D.C. has a direct impact on her beloved real estate industry and on her students practicing in our industry. Johnell stresses the importance of being involved with their peers, community, and local politics to both pre-license students and seasoned professionals.

When the market crashed in 2008, Johnell turned a veteran’s surviving spouse benefit into two degrees from Kennesaw State University: a Bachelor of Science Degree in Integrative Studies, with concentrations in Psychology, Communication, and Theatre, and a Leadership Certificate and a Master of Arts Degree in Integrated Global Communications. These courses of study were built on an Associate of Arts Degree from Cerritos College in Business Law, Real Estate Emphasis. As part of the Masters Program, Johnell submitted an original research paper to the Global Conference On Business and Finance, Hawaii, 2014. Her paper, Peddling by Pod: Mobile Marketing for Real Estate Professionals, received a conference award. Johnell considers herself a dedicated life-long learner, encouraging all she encounters to do the same, noting that, “when you are no longer green enough to grow, you begin to rot.”

Johnell currently serves on the Professional Development Committee of the Georgia Association of Realtors, on the GREEA Board of Directors, 2022-23 Chair of REEA Education Subcommittee for Gold Standard Instructors, and has served as chair or member of too many REALTOR® committees in multiple states to mention.

Johnell has two sons, a foster son, seven grandchildren, and three wonderful daughters-in-law.

Neither irony, nor the good LORD’s sense of humor are lost on Johnell. She was emphatic that, as the scientific sort, there were two careers she would NEVER, EVER pursue – sales and teaching – now she does both!