Meet Our Team

John Greer has had a passion for educating adults for many years.   Licensed in real estate since 1987, John began his career in professional education by tutoring students with learning disabilities who had a hard time passing the Florida real estate license exam. John then moved to classroom education where he taught tens of thousands of students. John has been the co-owner and Director of Gold Coast Schools since 1994.   During this time, he has worked with dozens of instructors to help improve their instructional techniques, student retention, and student pass rates. John has also written and developed many real estate textbooks and online courses, as well as one of the first instructor continuing education programs to be approved by the state of Florida.

John’s educational background started with a Bachelor’s degree in Business which he earned at night while enlisted in the United States Air Force. John later received a Master’s degree in Adult Education and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Management. John’s doctoral research involved improving the professional development of instructors through the creation of feedback loops and coaching.

In addition to local trade organizations and Associations of Realtors, John has been very involved with the local community. He served on the board of the local Leukemia and Lymphoma Society for six years including one year as treasurer, and two years as president. John served as Board Chair for the College of Education Advisory Board for Florida Atlantic University, and served on the FAU Foundation Advisory Board.  He has also served on numerous Florida Real Estate Commission task forces, including syllabus development for both the Sales Associate and Broker courses, on the Florida Panthers Blueprint Advisory Board, and on a local UBS Financial Services Client Advisory Board.

John resides in Delray Beach Florida with his wife Jacqueline and two college-aged daughters. While not working John plays ice hockey, coaches two hockey teams at Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School, and enjoys many outdoor activities including offshore fishing, scuba diving, and camping.

Barbara Minyard is a graduate of Florida Atlantic University with a minor in Real Estate. Ms. Minyard holds a Florida Residential Real Estate Appraisal Instructor’s License, Florida Residential Real Estate Appraisal Certification, is an AQB Certified USPAP Instructor, has a Florida Real Estate Broker’s license, and is a Certified Distance Education Instructor.  Ms. Minyard started her career in the real estate appraisal field in 1984 working for American Savings & Loan’s Appraisal Department, which was later purchased and became AppraisalFirst Inc.  In addition to working for a Senior Residential Appraiser (SRA) appraiser for a few years, she owned a residential appraisal firm specializing in Broward and Palm Beach Counties.  Ms. Minyard held the position of National Review Appraiser with Delta Funding, and was subsequently hired by the State of Florida Division of Real Estate as an Investigative Specialist II.

In 2014 Ms. Minyard joined Gold Coast Schools as their Appraisal Program Director.  She is passionate about developing and teaching courses that not only meet state approval requirements, but also contain practical and useful information that is applicable in the real world.  By pairing quality content with an engaging teaching style, students truly benefit from the Appraisal courses that Gold Coast offers as a result of Ms. Minyard’s efforts.  Where quality education comes first and foremost, Gold Coast is grateful to have Ms. Minyard maintaining the standards that the school has been known for since opening in 1970.

Jose A. Velasquez joined Gold Coast Schools in 2004 and is currently the Spanish Real Estate Program Director.  He also teaches the Sales Associate Pre-license, Post-license, CRAM, and professional development workshop courses.  Prior to working at Gold Coast, Jose lived in Peru and worked as an insurance broker.  He attended the University of Lima and achieved a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration.  Jose is passionate about helping students and making sure that Gold Coast’s Spanish real estate program is top notch.  He oversees instructors who share his passion for teaching, and goes above and beyond to help students pass their state licensing exams and start their real estate careers.  When not working, Jose enjoys reading and recently started growing vegetables and fruit trees in his home garden.

Patricia Rogers was appointed the Director of Community Association Management Education for Gold Coast Professional Schools (GCPS) in 2006, after two years as an instructor. Patricia is passionate about developing and enriching our community associations. Her vision is to enhance the standards by which CAMs and CAM firms (CABs) are measured and serve our community associations, expand educational opportunities, and improve ethical standards and behavior.

Patricia served as a Commissioner in the City of Aventura from 1996 through 2003. Patricia received her CAM license in 2002. She was appointed to the Regulatory Council of Community Association Managers (RCCAM) in August 2008, and was elected the Chair of the RCCAM in 2010. She served until Fall 2013.

Patricia graduated Duke University cum laude with a B.S., where she majored in experimental clinical psychology, and minored in English, Mathematics, and Elementary Education. She trained as a Supreme Court certified mediator. She has participated in the National League of Cities Leadership Training Institute, is a graduate of the Florida League of Cities Advanced Institute for Elected Officials and of Leadership Florida. She is also a graduate of The Pacific Institute Investment in Excellence program and the EST and Forum personal development programs. She holds certifications as a Management Productivity Analyst and a Quality Circles Facilitator.

Patricia has been together with husband Paul Libert for 35 years. They have two cats, a tortoiseshell/calico, Dynamuffin, and a blue tuxedo, Blueberry (Muffin) – who sleep with Patricia & Paul nightly. She is an avid reader – enjoying both legislation and suspense fiction – and a committed Miami Heat fan. Go Heat!

Wayne joined Gold Coast Schools in 2006 and is a highly experienced real estate professional with years spent working in the industry.   He holds a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration in addition to a real estate broker license and an instructor permit.  He spent several years teaching a wide array of real estate licensing and renewal courses at Gold Coast Schools before taking over as the Real Estate Program Director.  As director, his aim is to ensure that our dedicated instructors continue to deliver the top notch education that Gold Coast has provided since 1970.  He holds instructors to high standards because he believes in providing a superior student experience to everyone who chooses Gold Coast Schools for their education.

Abraham Valencia has been working in adult education since 1994. He started teaching Real Estate in 2004 and joined Gold Coast’s team of Spanish instructors in June of 2015.  He strives for and takes pride in the success of his students.  He is a lifelong learn who is pursuing his DBA and has an extensive training background including:

• Walden University: Pursuing DBA
• Jack Welch Management Institute: MBA
• Strayer University: BS in Criminal Justice
• Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College: AAS Management
• Dale Carnegie Course: How to Win Friends and Influence People
• Everything DISC Profile: Management Profiling
• Public Speaking

When not teaching or studying, Abraham enjoys motorcycling, mountain biking, scuba diving, exercising, and playing tennis.

Allesandro started teaching at Gold Coast in 2016 and has been a Real estate professional since 1994.  He has sold and invested in properties on 2 continents and in 3 different countries. He previously worked in the largest Real Estate Company in Italy, TECNO CASA, and then expanded the business to other countries.

Alessandro’s passion for the business brought him around the world becoming a top agent of a successful firm in Manhattan.  He then opened an investment company in South West Florida as well as in Costa Rica. His love for the business and desire to help others brought him to give back by teaching everything he learned as an investor and coach, driving him to travel all over United States and Costa Rica pursuing his passion for teaching. Now he found his home in the hottest real estate market in America where he continues to work as a foreign investor.  He is currently a successful Real Estate agent for the largest vacation ownership company, and a licensed Instructor for Gold Coast Schools.  His love of learning and his passion for new challenges tells us that he is far from being done yet….

Carmen is an excellent real estate instructor who is passionate about helping each and every student that attends her Spanish Sales Associate Pre-license and CRAM classes.  She joined Gold Coast in 2015 and has extensive experience in the real estate industry.  When not teaching, Carmen loves to travel where she has the opportunity to explore and discover new things.

Since joining the Gold Coast team of instructors in 1995, Dan Coco has helped thousands of students obtain their real estate sales associate license.  Dan typically teaches the sales associate 4-week morning class, the math review seminar, and occasionally the weekend CRAM course.  He is also the author of “Real Estate Math Made Easy!”, a popular study aid used by real estate students who want to further prepare for the math portion of the real estate licensing exam.

Dan is a member of the National Association of Realtors and holds a real estate broker’s license.  He enjoys playing tennis, watching movies, reading books, and photography.

Eduardo  joined Gold Coast in 2005 teaching real estate FREC 1, the CRAM review course, and the real estate post-license course.  He has taught more than 5000 students and enjoys participating in their development and career success.  He is a licensed real estate Broker, Instructor, and was previously a Mortgage Broker.  Eduardo also holds a BA in Business Administration and Post Graduate in Marketing and Strategy.  He is a professional businessman and entrepreneur who loves to play Monopoly.

Gabriela joined Gold Coast Schools in 2014 and is a real estate instructor who teaches the 63-hour Sales Associate Pre-license course.  She has been a real estate broker since 2014, worked as a title agent in 2013, and worked as a California Real Estate Agent since 1999.  Prior to working at Gold Coast, Gabriela was an Account Executive for Old Republic Title in California.  When not teaching, she enjoys spending time with family.

Jim has been a real estate instructor since 2011, and teaches all of the real estate courses that Gold Coast offers.  This includes both the Sales Associate and Broker pre and post license courses, as well as continuing education courses.  He truly enjoys the opportunity to give back to the real estate industry and is passionate about mentoring students based on the over 45 years of experience he acquired throughout his real estate career.  Jim joined the RV community  at the beginning of 2015 and he and his wife have taken theirs through 26 states including Washington DC and through parts of Canada.  His wish is for everyone to take the time to travel and view this great land and see the grand diversity that is lovingly called real estate.

Jose Miguel Arreaza joined Gold Coast Schools in 2012 and serves as a real estate instructor who teaches the Spanish 45-hour Post-license course.  He holds a real estate broker and instructor license, 2-15 insurance license, and previously held a mortgage broker license.  Prior to working at Gold Coast, Jose worked as a Realtor and brings real world experience into the classroom for students to benefit from.  He previously studied law and business administration in Venezuela.  When not teaching, Jose’s hobby is running.

Keith teaches the 1-week Sales Associate Pre-license course and is well known as an excellent instructor for helping students pass both the course and state exam.  He joined Gold Coast in 2004 and is dedicated to making the classroom experience enjoyable and memorable for students.  Keith is a licensed Real Estate Broker and Instructor and comes from a background in the banking industry.  When not teaching, Keith enjoys traveling and regularly drives from Miami to Toronto, Canada.

Mark Heller is a Florida Broker Sales Associate, Realtor, Florida Licensed Community Association Manager. He has a Bachelors in Business from Nova South Eastern H. Wayne Huizenga School of Business and Entrepreneurship. Mark has been a local resident since 1977 and a proud father.  His hobbies include playing tennis, jogging, traveling and spending time with family and close friends.

Melodee has been working at Gold Coast Schools since 1992 and is a real estate instructor at the Boca campus. She teaches the sales associate pre-license and post-license courses.  Melodee has a real estate instructor’s license and a real estate broker’s license. Before teaching at Gold Coast, she spent 2 years at the Philadelphia Drama Workshop and as taken many real estate training courses. She has experience working as a manager at a real estate office, real estate trainer, real estate sales associate, acting and directing teacher for children, director of a youth group at a church, motel manager, motel desk clerk, chamber maid and 2 years working with Atlantic City Modeling Guild.

Melodee is passionate about teaching and helping others obtain their goals in life. She says, “I am also passionate about living, learning and hopefully touching the lives of others.” When she is not at work she enjoys spending time with family and friends, swimming, reading, writing, walking and watching old movies.

Paolo is a Multi-Licensed professional with vast experience in the fields of Real Estate, Insurance, Mortgages, Inspections and General Contracting. He has been in the Real Estate field since 1985 working alongside his father, a successful Real Estate Investor and Developer, from whom he acquired great insight, vast knowledge and excellent skills.

Since his early years at Saint Thomas University, while he was obtaining his Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics and Physics, he developed a passion for teaching students and communicating his knowledge and understanding directly to his class. At such an early age, he had developed great skills and a deep love for teaching, becoming one of the prominent head tutors and substitute teachers of the entire Science Department.

As a young entrepreneur, Paolo was involved hands on in the building and development of several real estate commercial properties, including a 100 rooms Two Tower Hotel and conference center, with all the services offered. He became the General Manager and Director of the Hotel overseeing more than 100 Employees and 11 Managers.  Leading by example, he taught them high ethical values, valuable skills and the superior art of serving. At the age of 29, he was named Consul of Italy, a position that he held in high esteem, which gave him the skills and vocation to serve the entire Italian community.

Paolo has taken many courses at Gold Coast since 2003, knowing very well what the needs of the students are. He is persistently committed to all his students in helping them pass the class test and the State exam so that they can have the opportunity to become the next professional realtors.

Paolo resides in Miami, Florida, with his wife Aneth and their two daughters, Daniela and Paola, who are away in college finishing their medical and cinematography degrees, respectively. While not working, he enjoys spending quality time with his family, traveling, playing the piano, singing and composing songs.

Ray Clemente is a Real Estate instructor who joined Gold Coast in 2016 and brings extensive experience in many professional licensing industries including Real Estate, CAM, Appraisal and Insurance.  He currently teaches Gold Coast’s Sales Associate and Broker pre-license and post-license courses, as well as continuing education.  His list of professional licenses include:

• Florida Real Estate Broker
• Community Association Manager
• All Lines Adjuster
• Registered Trainee Appraiser
• General Lines Agent

Prior to joining Gold Coast, Ray held various roles through his career that range from business advisory to C-level financial leadership with a specialized niche in commercial real estate, asset management and a major multi-mixed land development project that consisted of a Four Seasons branded 218 key hotel, a Greg Norm Golf Course, mega yacht marina, casino and a utility plant on Great Exuma, Bahamas, as the Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Other experience includes maintaining banking and investor relationships, business start-ups & divestments, mezzanine debt capital structuring & creditor workouts, receivership and risk management.

Ray’s education includes:

• Florida International University Master of Accountancy
• Iona College Post Master Certificate in Information Decision Technology Management
• Iona College Master of Business Administration in Financial Management
• Mercy College Master of Science in Organizational Leadership
• Mercy College Bachelor of Science in Accounting
• Certified International Property Specialist
• Certified Manager of Community Association
• Accredited Claims Adjuster

When not teaching, Ray enjoys traveling and watching movies and Broadway plays.

Robert joined Gold Coast Schools in 2016 and teaches the real estate sales associate pre-license and post-license courses.  He worked for several years as a sales associate and currently runs his own brokerage firm.  Being active and experienced in the industry enables Robert to bring real world knowledge into the classroom for students to benefit from.  He holds a real estate broker, real estate instructor, and a 2-15 insurance license.  He also holds a Bachelors of Arts in Business Administration from Nova Southeastern University.  When not teaching and working, Robert loves to cook and entertain.

Terry joined Gold Coast in 2002 and is a highly experienced real estate instructors.  He teaches the following courses:

• Sales Associate Pre-Licensing
• Sales Associates Post Licensing
• Broker Pre-Licensing
• Broker Post Licensing
• Continuing Education
• State Exam Cram Review

Terry holds a Florida Real Estate Broker license and a Florida Real Estate Instructor permit.  When not working, he enjoys traveling, playing racket ball, weekend trips to the Florida Keys and the West Coast of Florida each month.

Walt has been an Instructor at Gold Coast Schools since 1998.  He teaches the real estate sales associate pre-license course and the CRAM review which prepares students to pass the state exam. Over the years, Walt has taught all of the real estate courses that Gold Coast offers.

Walt teaches at the Lantana campus and is passionate about perfecting the materials used to teach so that he can better guide students towards success in their new careers. He has a real estate instructors license, real estate broker’s license, Bachelor’s Degree (BBA U of M), J.D. New York Law School. Before Gold Coast, he was an officer in the US Navy for 5 years and toured in Vietnam and England. He has 30 years of experience in data processing, 20 years in business law and approximately 15 years in real estate. When he is not teaching real estate classes, Walt enjoys spending time with family, playing golf and reading.

Alaine Laguerre started teaching insurance courses at Gold Coast in 2016 and currently teaches many of the general lines for prospective agents and customer service reps. She holds a 2-15 Life, Health & Variable Contracts license, 2-20 General Lines license, and a 6-20 All Lines Insurance Adjuster. She is high energy and is passionate about delivering quality courses that are informational and carry real world practicality.

Prior to teaching at Gold Coast, Alaine acquired 12 years of insurance industry experience working with major companies like Progressive Insurance, AIG, and State Farm. When she is not working in the field and teaching in the classroom, Alaine enjoys dancing, spending time with her family and is a volunteer teacher at her church.

Bill Murphy joined Gold Coast Schools in 2002 and currently teaches both the 2-15 Life, Health, and Variable Contracts course as well as the 2-20 General Lines insurance course.  He draws upon more than 30 years of work experience in the insurance industry and is a well liked by all of his students.  Having lived in Latin America for 18 years, he is fluent in both English and Spanish.

Bill is passionate about helping students learn the course material and seeing them use the information he provides to start successful new careers.  He loves the moment when students fully grasp new concepts, and enjoys hearing from previous students after they have passed their state exams.  When not working, Bill enjoys relaxing and spending time with his family.

Bob Lederman joined Gold Coast in 2017 with 20 years of experience in the insurance industry, including six years teaching pre-licensing and continuing education courses. He continues in that role at the Lantana facility where he derives his greatest satisfaction when he sees that his students get what insurance is all about.

Bob holds a 220 General Lines and a 215 Life, Health and Variable Annuity license. He has also held series 6 and 63 licenses and is a former CPA. He owned and operated his own Allstate agency in Deerfield Beach.

When he is not teaching, Bob enjoys reading ‘Spy-Fi’ novels, swimming and being with his wife and family.

Debora Willis joined the Gold Coast team in 2015 as a Property and Casualty Insurance Instructor at the Doral Campus. She is a Certified Insurance Counselor and a Certified Risk Manager. She has over 25 years of insurance experience working in small agencies and large top 10 brokers. She has handled everything from homeowner policies to hospitals, and taught P&C licensing for Dade County Schools and the Florida Insurance School.

Debora truly enjoys teaching insurance and is passionate about seeing her students do well in her class and then becoming passionate about insurance just like she is. She says, “Insurance is a diverse, ever changing field with limitless opportunity.” She wants her students to succeed in the course and their new profession. When not reading new policy forms, she likes to travel with her husband, hunt for antiques and spend time with her cats.

Howard Kanter started with Gold Coast Schools in 1991 teaching real estate appraisal and insurance classes. He has over 50 years’ experience in real estate and insurance and has been teaching technical classes since 1974.

Howard is a licensed real estate broker and one of less than 500 nationally certified instructors for the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice.

He enjoys teaching, fishing, woodworking and spending time with his grandchildren.

Jessy teaches insurance licensing courses and is passionate about helping students obtain the license they need to start new careers.  When not working, Jessy enjoys spending time with grandchildren and family.

Margaret joined Gold Coast Schools in 2016 and teaches the 2-20 Property & Casualty insurance course.  She is a NYS Broker and a CPCU who has worked as a Marketing Manager and evening teacher at St. John’s University.  Margaret attended Hunter College and achieved a Master of Science and Bachelor of Arts degree.

Merle Silver started teaching insurance courses at Gold Coast in 2016 after teaching similar classes at a local college for more than 10 years. Merle teaches insurance agent pre-licensing courses at the Doral Campus. He holds a 2-15 Life, Health & Variable Contracts license, 2-20 General Lines license, is an Independent Insurance Adjuster, and previously held a Series 6 license. He holds designations as an Accredited Claims Adjuster and a Certified Senior Advisor. As a practicing insurance agent and agency owner, educating the next generation of insurance agents is of critical importance to Mr. Silver.

Mr. Silver is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania where he attended the Wharton School of Finance and Commerce.

When he is not working on behalf of his many clients or teaching in the classroom, he enjoys sports, family time and adjusting to the reality that he is now a grandfather on Medicare.

Pat Billera joined Gold Coast Schools in 1999 and is a well known and liked insurance instructor.  He teaches the Life and Health Pre-license course and is known for combining real world experience with the course information so that students finish the course fully prepared to start a successful career in the insurance industry.  His use of humor, examples, and words of wisdom leave students with knowledge that will last a lifetime.

Prior to joining Gold Coast, Pat was an insurance agent, middle manager and general manager for more than 25 years, and worked as an insurance specialist in the banking industry for a few years before retiring.  When not teaching, Pat truly enjoys traveling and spending time with his grandchildren.

Shawna holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Business Economics from Florida A & M University.  She started her career in finance with Miami-Dade County government where she held several administrative positions during her 9 years there.  In 2003, Shawna obtained her 215 insurance license and began a career as an agent with AIG.  In 2007 she became an Associate Manager with AIG, a position she held for 7 years.  Shawna was ranked the #1 Associate Manager with AIG in 2013, earning her the industry’s Brian Early Award.  A boardmember for two years, Shawna has been a member of the National Association for Insurance and Financial Advisors for the last 14 years. She also obtained her Life Underwriter Training Council Fellow designation in 2013.

Shawna is a third generation insurance professional.  Her grandfather was an insurance agent in Albany, GA.  Her mother, Cheryl Josey, was an agent and manager with AIG for 20 years before retiring in 2011.

Shawna is currently an Associate Director with the South Florida office of Transamerica Agency Network.  She holds an insurance license in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, and Michigan.  Married for 20 years, she is also mother to a 16 year old daughter, and a 12 year old son.  Shawna loves to read and travel.

Augusto joined Gold Coast Schools in 2009 as a CAM instructor teaching the CAM Pre-license course, CRAM course, and Continuing Education courses.  He holds a CAM license and brings industry experience into the classroom for students to benefit from.  Augusto hold various degrees and certifications including:

• ROOSEVELT UNIVERSITY, M.B.A.
  1982 Chicago, IL. Master in Business Administration.
  Concentration in Organizational and Human Resources Development
• UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS, B.A. 1974
  Chicago, IL. Bachelor Degree in Latin American Studies
• THE CORPORATE SYSTEMS DESIGN, INC. 1996
  Organizational consulting with concentration in organizational structure reinvention and redesign, work process alignment, strategic performance optimization, alignment corporate systems, leadership, change agent and team development, reward and employee development.
• AMERICAN MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION, 1998
  International School of Management, Certified Consultant and Facilitator

When not teaching, Augusto volunteers at his community association, Lions Club, and is politically involved with Ecuadorian issues.

Paul joined Gold Coast Schools in 2015 and is the Assistant to Director of CAM Education.  He teaches and writes CAM continuing education and pre-license courses and brings extensive experience into the classroom.  He has held many licenses including CAM, Life & Health insurance, Series 6, Series 7, and Series 3, was a Certified Financial Planner, and held a Mortgage license.

Prior to joining Gold Coast, Paul was employed as a CAM for approximately 13 years, primarily for troubled high-rises. He wrote courses and trained and supervised instructors to teach community associations directors, officers & residents, through a 501(c)(3). The courses were offered throughout the State of Florida in 2000-2001. He was President of the Northeast Dade Coalition, a community association education & advocacy group representing over 120 associations in Miami-Dade County, for about 10 years.  Paul also served as President of an association board for a short period of time. Through his corporate entity (co-owned with Patricia Rogers), he had contracts with Barry University and Broward Community College, to offer education to community association residents. As a health care professional, he served in high level administrative and/or planning positions in comprehensive health planning councils in LA and Boise and county health departments in Erie County (NY), and Miami-Dade County. Paul successfully wrote grants for these entities. In Miami-Dade County, he successfully negotiated funding from the federal government to help handle the influx of Haitian refugees in the 1980s. Paul’s corporation also wrote and successfully obtained grants for local municipalities in Miami-Dade County.

He holds various degrees and certifications including:

• State University of NY at Buffalo – B.A. Anthropology
• University of California, Berkeley – School of Public Health – Master of Public Health (Administration & Planning)
• College for Financial Planning – Denver, CO – Certified Financial Planner
• Gold Coast Professional Schools – Insurance, Mortgage & CAM licenses
• Miami-Dade County – Management Productivity Analyst

Paul has two cats, Dynamuffin and Blueberry Muffin. He has a great sense of humor which he uses to great effect both in business and in personal relationships. With a cousin in NJ, Paul did extensive research tracing his family tree back to the 1700s. He shared his findings with the Montreal branch at a family reunion, including slides of birth, marriage and death certificates, and photographs of some of his ancestors.

Alejandro teaches the General Contractors Exam Prep Class at Gold Coast Schools where he teaches students the means and methods of construction and assists them in passing the general contractor’s exam in the State of Florida.

Alejandro has worked in commercial construction and facilities engineering for over ten years. During this period, he has completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Construction Management from the National Labor College and his Master Degree in Construction Management from Arizona State University.

Coming up through the commercial building engineering field, Alejandro gained vast experience in several building trades and construction project management. He has been involved in various construction and renovations projects in active facilities within the following sectors: retail, hospitality and professional sports facilities.

David joined Gold Coast in 2005 and has a passion for teaching contractors how to prepare for the Air Conditioning and Mechanical trade licensing exams.  Prior to joining Gold Coast, David worked for Ford Motor Company for 23 years where he handled various service related issues, and gained extensive experience in HVAC.  He holds an MBA from Florida Atlantic University, and is an ASE Master Automotive and Truck Technician.  In his free time, David enjoys fixing and restoring cars.

Dominick is a General Contractor, Developer, and Architect who has been teaching contractor exam prep and continuing education courses since 1999.  He is passionate about teaching contractors how to operate and run a successful contractor business that is both profitable and ethical.

Frank Ortiz teaches Construction Pre-Licensing, Continuing Education, Plan Reading and Bidding Estimating since 2006. He was born in New York but raised in Dominican Republic. In the summer of 1986, after obtaining his degree in Civil Engineering at the Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Francisco decided to move to Miami.

Frank is currently a Florida licensed:

• General Contractor
• A/C – A Contractor
• Roofing
• Plumbing
• Home Inspector
• Mold Remediator
• Mold Assessor

While not working for Gold Coast Schools Frank is the President, Owner and founder of Octagon Construction Corp.

Jorge Urrutia has been an instructor at Gold Coast Schools since 1995. He is an instructor for Home Inspection, Wind Mitigation and Continuing Education. He started his career as a Building Inspector and has since become a Project Manager. He holds a Bachelor Degree in Architecture from the University of Florida and Professional Certifications in General Contracting, Plans Examination, Building Inspection, Home Inspection, Mold Remediation, Mold Assessment and Roofing. He authored our current Wind Mitigation and Home Inspection CE courses.

Mr. Wallace Lawson holds State Certified Licenses as a General Contractor, Roofing Contractor and Residential Home Inspector. Mr. Lawson has qualified and owned his construction services companies since 2007 and has successfully completed various commercial renovation projects in Miami Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties. Mr. Lawson is currently developing a new construction services company located in Marion County in the city of Ocala, Florida which will involve ground up construction of residential units as well as commercial projects. Mr. Lawson holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Technology from the University of New Haven as well as an MBA from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy New York.

Mr. Lawson is originally from Boston, Massachusetts and currently resides in Sunrise, Florida with his wife Elayna Lawson. As an avid sports fan, Mr. Lawson has competed in Amateur Bodybuilding, Judo,
Whitewater Canoe Racing and Cycling.

Alba is the Campus Director of Gold Coast School’s Doral location and is dedicated to maintaining all aspects of the facility.  She joined Gold Coast Schools in 2002 and is extremely knowledgeable in all of the programs that Gold Coast offers.  When not working, Alba enjoys going on missionary trips to help people in need, and especially enjoys working with kids.

April is an assistant career counselor who assists students by helping them with the application and approval process to achieve their licenses. She is in charge of managing the testing and paperwork for the Lantana campus. April has an Associates Degree in Arts and Science from Palm Beach State College and before Gold Coast she worked for an Information Technology company and for a dog daycare center.

She has experience in the process of applying for and obtaining various professional licenses in addition to day-to-day customer service experience. She is passionate about the students here at Gold Coast and helping them achieve their present and future endeavors.  Outside of work you can find April going to music concerts and spending time with her dog named Shady.

Damani joined Gold Coast in 2013 and has a passion for helping students start new careers.  She is extremely knowledgeable in all of the courses that Gold Coast offers.  When not working, Damani loves watching sports and is a huge Florida Gators fan.  Go Gators!

Ivanhoe Maria has served as an Assistant Career Counselor at out Tamarac location since March 2017. His position includes calling students to ensure they are meeting their continuing education requirements before it’s too late. Ivan enjoys the feeling of knowing that he is helping individuals further their careers and making better lives for themselves and others.

Ivan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Long Island University – C.W. Post

Before joining Gold Coast Schools, Ivan worked as a Financial Accountant and Human Resources Representative.

When not working, Ivan enjoys spending time with family, spending time at the beach and enjoying New York Yankees Baseball.

Jette Correa is a Career Counselor and has worked at Gold Coast since 2016.  She is dedicated to maintaining student records and helping students to succeed in their courses. Jette is committed to providing outstanding customer service, and is well liked by both the office staff and students at our N Miami location. Prior to working at Gold Coast, Jette worked at AC International, Inc. She enjoys country music, spending time with her kids, and loves dogs.

Maggy started working at Gold Coast Schools in 2001 and is a Career Counselor who is dedicated to helping students select and register for classes. Before moving to Florida, Maggy worked at a car dealership and has extensive experience with customer service. She extremely knowledgeable in our pre-licensing programs and is able to answer any questions that students have about their course. She enjoys helping customers and watching them succeed in their careers. Outside of work she enjoys spending time with her family and volunteering for the National Latino Officers Association.

Rachel started working at Gold Coast Schools in 2013 and is a Career Counselor at the Doral location. She helps students select and register for classes and answers any questions that they have about their classes. She enjoys providing excellent customer service and a great experience for our students from beginning to end.

Before Gold Coast, Rachel worked as an Admissions Counselor at St. Thomas University School of Law for 6 years, and worked at Florida Career College for 1 year.  Outside of work she enjoys spending time with her family, swimming, outdoor activities such as camping, bike riding trails, roller skating and kayaking.

Stephanie began working at Gold Coast Schools in 2014 and travels between several of our Gold Coast locations.  She is dedicated to helping students from the beginning to end and is passionate about providing excellent customer service. She is very familiar with the Real Estate process as she herself took the one week course from Gold Coast in our North Miami Campus. Before Gold Coast, Stephanie worked as a cake decorator in Publix and then jumped into Sales with a 24-hour gym. Stephanie is proud to share the fun fact that she drives a stick-shift car and when not working, she loves spending her free time with her beautiful daughter.

Ysi started working at Gold Coast Schools in 2013 as a Career Counselor. She helps students select and register for classes and answers any questions that students have about their course. She has a Bachelors in Business and a minor in Pre Law from FIU. Ysi is also a licensed Property and Casualty agent and received her license from Gold Coast.

Before Gold Coast she worked at a university as a military advisor helping soldiers and their families use their earned benefits to advance in their chosen career. She has obtained a few licenses at Gold Coast saying that she, “knows that the Gold Coast method of teaching works.” She loves sharing her great experience here at Gold Coast with other students. When she is not at work she is watching Discovery ID and spending quality time with her family, or reading a motivational book.

Anabel joined Gold Coast in 2016 as an assistant Career Counselor at the Lantana location.  She is dedicated to helping maintain student records and completing the many administrative tasks involved in operating the school.  Prior to working at Gold Coast, Anabel was a stay at home mom focused on raising her children. When not working, she enjoys baking, road trips, seeing new things and jogging.

Chris started working for Gold Coast Schools in 2015 as an Online Course Developer. As an Online Course Developer his responsibilities primarily revolve around transforming the Gold Coast textbooks to an online environment in an interactive and creative fashion. He says, “Designing content that works with a variety of technology such as laptops, tablets, and other mobile devices is important, and a passion that all the developers at Gold Coast have.”
Chris has a B. A. in Digital Arts from Stetson University and has a M.Ed. in Education from AIU with a specialization in Instructional Technology & Curriculum Design. Before coming to Gold Coast, Chris worked for 14 years in the K-12 private school arena. While starting as a teacher, he was an Administrator for 9 of the 14 years holding positions such as Technology Director, Academic Dean, and Assistant Principal.
For the last several years he focused exclusively on Professional Development, Technology Integration, and Adult Education. Chris says, “My move to Gold Coast was great and I have loved every moment here. It is phenomenal to be working alongside such professionals. Ultimately, if a student succeeds in the courses we develop, we are confident that they will have a long and prosperous career.” When Chris is not at Gold Coast, he enjoys spending time with his wife and three kids, camping, playing tennis and serving at his church.

Debby Hancock started with Gold Coast in 2011 and serves as the Online Course Program Director. Her primary role is to develop and support our online courses for distance learners. She is passionate about providing online courses that provide high quality, engaging education that prepare learners for their licensing exams and provide continuous learning to support their ongoing career needs. To do this, she is constantly working to develop new courses using the latest technology that delivers a consistent desktop and mobile experience for enrolled students.

Debby has a B.S. in Statistics & Computer Science from the University of Delaware, a M.S. in Computer Engineering from FAU, and a Florida Teaching Certification in Computer Science (grades K-9) and in Middle Grades Integrated Curriculum (grades 5-9).

Before Gold Coast, Debby worked in Robotics programming (General Electric Corp), Software development and management (Burroughs Corp. and IBM Corp.), was a math and computer teacher, and a robotics coach. Outside of work you can find Debby skiing, mountain biking, kick boxing, and enjoying time with her husband and family.

Guillermo is a valuable asset to Gold Coast assisting in both logistics and account support.  When not working, he enjoys spending time with his family.

Jovanny Gonzalez began working for Gold Coast Schools in 2018 in warehouse support and delivery driving. He is a proud six year army veteran with two combat tours in Iraq. Supported by his wife of ten years and four beautiful children, Jovanny enjoys his time off by going to the gym and staying fit, as well as admiring art and fashion.

Melida plays a crucial role by operating the Gold Coast print shop where textbooks are printed and distributed to the various campus locations.  She is passionate about maintaining high quality materials and ensuring that they are available when and where they are needed.

Michelle joined Gold Coast Schools in 1987 and serves as the Operations Director.  Known for handling many tasks from the scheduling of courses, processing payroll, and maintaining our student database, Michelle is a valuable asset to the school and is extremely busy.  When she is not working, Michelle volunteers at Big Dog Rescue Ranch because she absolutely loves dogs.  With three of her own, and hundreds at the ranch, Michelle spends a large portion of her time caring for our four-legged friends.  In addition to caring for animals, Michelle has developed a passion for woodworking and has been building several custom furniture pieces that are showcased in her home.

Pam is an Administrative Assistant who joined Gold Coast in 2015 and is dedicated to helping students succeed.  She spends most of her free time at the beach enjoying the South Florida sunshine.

Tatiana joined Gold Coast Schools in 2005 and works as an administrative assistant at the Doral campus. She has a passion for helping staff and students succeed, and is extremely knowledgeable in all the courses Gold Coast has to offer. Tatiana also worked as a flight attendant for 7 years, but left that industry to raise her son. When not working, she is a trivia buff and vows to one day make it on to Jeopardy.

Toni joined the Gold Coast construction department in 2010. With a passion for, and background in adult education and training, she was soon recruited to our online course development team. She, and the other members of this highly talented team, develop and maintain our online courses in real estate, insurance, construction, and CAM. Coming from a small, desert-like hometown in Texas, Toni has become partial to the pelicans and palm trees here in South Florida. She hardly ever becomes homesick since working at Gold Coast is like working with family.