Meet Our Team

David’s mission is to see students equipped with an education that lasts a lifetime. He’s enthusiastic and believes in a winning attitude and outlook. His leadership approach is supportive, and his professional will is to exceed expectations. David has an MBA and leadership experience in all facets of professional management. He has gained a reputation for out of pattern ideas, for identifying key opportunities, and for applying unique creativity to projects to achieve impressive bottom-line results. David considers Gold Coast’s Veteran Scholarship Program developed by former owners John & Jim Greer among Gold Coast’s most cherished offerings.

Kevin R. Milner is Gold Coast School’s Insurance Program Director.  He is an Insurance Professional with producer licenses in FL, NJ and PA. He holds the prestigious designations of CIC (Certified Insurance Counselor) and ITP (Insurance Training Professional). Mr. Milner began his insurance career in 2002 where he was the Managing Partner of a New Jersey Property, Casualty, Life & Health Insurance Agency.

In his previous role, Mr. Milner was the Director of Education at the South Jersey Professional School of Business (School of Insurance). He has authored multiple pre-licensing and continuing education manuscripts and been recognized as a leader in the insurance education arena.

In addition, Mr. Milner held the position of Senior Vice President of Operations for a NJ/PA Retail Pharmacy Corporation and was a member of the business department faculty at the Richard Stockton College of NJ. In addition, Mr. Milner was the Chief Executive Officer of a New Jersey multi-location retail corporation from 1997–2001.

Mr. Milner received his MBA from Fairleigh Dickinson University in Madison, NJ and his BA from the Richard Stockton College in Pomona, NJ. He is currently licensed in Property & Casualty as well as Life & Health authorities.

Mr. Milner lives in South Florida with his wife Alexandra. He is an active member of the Society of Insurance Trainers & Educators, a volunteer with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and a Retired EMS Lieutenant and Training Officer with the North Wildwood (NJ) Rescue Squad.

Education:

• MBA – Fairleigh Dickinson University
• BA – Richard Stockton College
• CIC – Certified Insurance Counselor
• ITP – Insurance Training Professional

Sanjeev joined Gold Coast in 2006 and teaches contractor licensing course. He holds a Bachelors Degree of Civil Engineering from the National Institute of Technology in Surat, India, as well as several professional licenses including a Certified General Contractor, a Home Inspector, and a Sales Associate license. After graduating in 1984, he started working as a project engineer for a construction company, and began teaching applied mechanics. While teaching until 1990, he started his own consulting business to do Project Management and Construction Management. Sanjeev has versatile construction experience in the US, India and the Middle East. He is currently involved in building high-end and affordable homes in South Florida.

• HND, Ealing College, University of London
• State Certified Residential Appraiser
• AQB Certified National USPAP Instructor
• Licensed Real Estate Sales Associate

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.

Cece Campbell transitioned to Real Estate from the Financial Industry in 2012 joining Gold Coast in 2019. Cece has been in the business world for over 25 years wearing many hats from Sales Manager, to VP of Sales, to Financial Consultant, to CEO of her own company and most recently Author. Cece is a proven leader in new business development and has also had great success in sales training, as well as helping others to close deals. She has traveled all across America developing and presenting seminars on complex information in a format that is easy to understand.

Cece has coached and counseled many Real Estate Associates in believing they can, therefore helping them achieve the mindset to success. You will find her passion addictive and her skills to help you attain your goal second to none.

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.

Ed Wachuku joined Gold Coast in July, 2017. As a life-long learner and an ardent advocate of continued education, he holds several local, national and international Real Estate designations and certifications. Ed has been active in the Real Estate business in Florida and New York as a broker, investor, instructor, coach and entrepreneur. A Certified International Property Specialist, Ed has extensive experience in the marketing and sale of real property in both local and international markets. Born and raised in Africa, his love for global tourism, and extensive business networking resulted in his enormous and diverse contacts around the globe. In his free time he enjoys playing Chess to sharpen his mind. In addition he gives back to his community by mentoring local high school kids to help them have a stronger head start in life.

Frances joined Gold Coast Schools in 1999 and teaches virtually every real estate course that Gold Coast has to offer including the Sales Associate Pre-license and Post-license, Broker Pre-license and Post-license, as well as Continuing Education courses.  She is currently an active Real Estate Broker and Instructor and previously held a Mortgage Broker, Title Agent, Series 6 & 23, and a Life, Health, and Variable Annuity license.  Frances attended Miami-Dade Community College and loves spending time with her 3 daughters and 8 grandchildren.

Gilberto started as an instructor with Gold Coast Schools in March of 2019. He brings over 20 years of real estate sales and leasing experience in South Florida to the classroom. He currently holds a Broker License along with a degree in Computer Information Systems and a MBA.

Jack began teaching at Gold Coast in 1998 and is passionate and experienced in teaching all of our real estate courses.  He holds a real estate instructor license and real estate broker license, as well as has a B.S. Degree from Purdue University.

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.

•  BA, Florida State University
• Licensed Real Estate Broker

Ignacio joined Gold Coast Schools in 2016 and is an exceptional real estate instructor teaching the sales associate and broker pre-license and post-license as well as continuing education and CRAM review courses. He’s a Highly knowledgeable and experienced Real Estate Broker & Instructor with demonstrated success in real estate acquisition, management & disposition. Proven ability to assess client needs, establish rapport, build trust & close deals. Expert at growing bottom-line profitability by cultivating strong industry alliances and negotiating vendor partnerships. He has been in the Real Estate industry for twenty years. Also he have served as board member of Miami Federal Credit Union Board of Director. Ignacio shares 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 teaching, Ignacio enjoys traveling around the world with his family.

Education

• Master of Science in Int’l Real Estate
• BBA in Int’l Finance & Marketing
• Leadership Summit
• Leadership Development Certificate

Licenses / Credential / Certificate

• Real Estate Broker License  2002
• State of Georgia since 2008
• Real Estate Instructor License 2008
• Doing Business in China Certificate  2008
• Skills for Success Certificate 2012

Marlene Montenegro began her real estate career more than 15 years ago.  Her career path led to roles as Designated REALTOR® and Managing Broker where Marlene participated in hundreds of residential and commercial real estate transactions. She was appointed Administrative Hearing Officer for a local government agency to preside over hearings for violations of adopted codes, including building and property maintenance. Marlene has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Miami and an Associate in Science in Radio and Television Broadcast Programming from Miami Dade College. She is licensed as Real Estate Broker and Instructor. In her Real Estate Instructor role, Marlene has extensive experience teaching Pre-licensing, Post-licensing, Continuing Education, and State Exam Review courses and enjoys sharing her passion for building real estate careers at Gold Coast Schools.

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.

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.

Shari Carpenter has 30 years of diverse experiences handling complex administrative activities through the field of Real Estate, REO sales, Short Sales, Recruiting, Advancement, and Public Administration.

Her professional experiences include: Vendor management, Acquisition, sales and leasing, manage real estate agents, customer relations, RE0  listing and buyers agent,  admissions, enrollments, recruitment, hiring, training, supervising support personnel and teachers, development, writing curriculum, grants, scholarship funding, corporate funding, planning and implementing special events, educational programs, acting as a community and corporate liaison, and facilitator.

2002.2002 Gold Coast Real Estate School, Fort Lauderdale, Fl, Licensed Real Estate Broker.

1990.1992 Florida International University, Miami, Fl, Masters in Public Administration

1981.1983 Florida International University, Miami, Fl Bachelors in Communications

Steve is a licensed real estate broker and instructor who has been in the real estate business since 1981.  He began teaching Gold Coast’s sales associate pre-license, post-license, continuing education, and CRAM courses in 2011, and is well liked for his engaging teaching style.  After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in business from the University of Florida, Steve owned an antique mall, worked as a real estate broker who owned and operated his own office, served as a property manager, and specialized in both commercial and residential real estate.  When not teaching, Steve has a passion for buying, restoring, and selling antique muscle cars.

Tom joined Gold Coast in 2005 and is an excellent teacher for the broker pre-license, broker post-license, sales associate post-license, continuing education, and the CRAM course.  He currently holds a broker and instructor license, and still works as an active broker.  His experience in the industry enables him to combine the textbook material with real world information that helps students acquire the knowledge they need to succeed both in the course, as well as in their careers.  Tom graduated from the Michigan State University and loves the great outdoors.

• BS, Florida Memorial University
• MBA, St. Thomas University
• Academic Advisor, Keiser University
• Fort Pierce Area Council Member
• Licensed Real Estate Broker

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.

Alan has been in the financial services industry since 1997. He is a fully licensed 2-15 life, health and variable annuity agent as well as holding a variety of securities licenses including the series 7 and 24. Alan started his career on the banking side of the industry before becoming the Chief Compliance Officer of a national firm.

Today, Alan spends his time working his own practice and has enjoyed teaching insurance and continuing education at Gold Coast since 2008. Imparting his knowledge and experience in a beneficial and enthusiastic way is Alan’s passion and gifting.

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.

Jerry started his insurance career in 1980 by being a life and health agent. He took his 2-20 course at Gold Coast and passed on his first attempt at the state test. He worked for agents until he was appointed as an agent for a major insurance company. He started his own agency in 2007 and retired in 2019. Instructing at Gold Coast gives him an opportunity to give back to the industry that has been so good to him and his family. He is a member of the Society of Insurance Trainers and Educators. He has a B.Min. degree from SBC and enjoys writing songs, recording and playing his guitar.

Karl has been in the insurance industry since 2007, he currently holds the Florida Life, Health and Variable Contracts 2-15 license and the FINRA series 6, 7 and 66 licenses.  Karl Miranda is a Certified Financial Planner™.  Karl has been a Florida resident since 1992, he is a graduate of Florida International University with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Finance, and a Certificate in International Bank Management.

Lynn joined Gold Coast Schools in 2014 and brings more than 30 years of insurance and stocks, bonds, and mutual fund experience to the Life and Health courses that she teaches.  When not working, Lynn enjoys spending time at the beach and relaxing.

Mike is a highly experienced insurance instructor who teaches the Surplus Lines Pre-licensing course at Gold Coast Schools.  He has more than 40 years of insurance experience holding both a 1-20 and 2-20 license that is valid across 38 US states, and is also a registered professional engineer in California.  Mike has a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering (BSIE) degree from Western New England University and is a Visiting Lecturer at Providence College School of Engineering.  He also spent 20 years with the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary.

Patria’s insurance career started in New Rochelle, NY as a manager for a small insurance agency while also teaching English as a second language.  She then moved to Florida where she obtained her 2-15 and began working as a field agent, field agent recruiter and sales agent for both large and small corporations. She also volunteered with South Florida Workforce One-Stop Career Center and the Public Library, educating Spanish speaking adults on basic credit-building and helping English speaking adults improve their reading and writing skills.  Her passion for both the insurance industry, as well as teaching, drove her to combine both. When she is not working in the field, she enjoys spending quality time with her son and daughter. She enjoys going on weekend road trips, as well as browsing and exploring the internet.

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.

Laura brings a wealth of knowledge and skills to Gold Coast in 2015.  She received her community association manager license in 2001, and has CAM experience that spans over fifteen years.  Laura earned her PCAM designation from Community Association Institute in 2007.  She is also a member of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).

As an independent consultant, she worked with developers for five years.  As senior manager with a community association firm in Palm Beach County, Laura provided supervision and training to other managers.

Laura’s educational background is in organizational leadership and employment law. She received her Master’s Degree with Barry University, and served as Adjunct Professor with Barry University from 2005 through 2012.

Laura is still active in the real estate profession as well as community association management.  In her spare time she serves her own community association’s board of directors.  Planning, design, communication and development are her personal enjoyments.

Ricardo (Rick) Russi received his CAM license in 1995. He also holds a license as a real estate broker, and recently received his license as a  Real Estate Instructor. Rick earned his Bachelor’s degree from Barry University in Legal Studies and his MBA from Florida Atlantic University, in Business Administration. He is currently working on a PhD at Kansas State University, focusing on financial planning  Rick has owned a small business for over 20 years.  He has a strong background in sales, business development, customer and employee relations, and community associations.

An active member of the community, Rick has served on several community committees, including the Miami-Dade County Housing and Urban Development Advisory Board, City of Miami Community Social Development Committee, Metro Miami Action Plan, and the Business Friends of the Northeast Dade Coalition.

In addition to teaching CAM classes with GCPS, Rick is also an adjunct at the school of business at Johnson & Wales University, where he is teaching business and finance courses.

Rick is married and has two daughters.

A recent addition to the GCPS team, Rick notes: “I value the reputation and the quality of Gold Coast Schools. I came here as a student in 1992, and I have been coming to the school for my continuing education ever since. Now I can assist others in achieving their objectives.”

Dawn is an Instructor for Gold Coast and teaches the General Contractor cram classes to aid students in their preparation for their state licensing tests. She teaches out of the Tamarac, Lantana, and Doral campuses.

Dawn has an Associate of Arts degree in Secondary Education from Broward Community College, a Bachelor’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Barry University, Graduate Work in Psychology from Nova University, and a General Contractor license from Gold Coast Schools. She has been working in various phases of the construction industry since 1985. She has been teaching both individuals and small groups in private tutoring here at Gold Coast, and also teaches in a classroom setting. Dawn is passionate about seeing students have that “AH-HA moment” when problem solving.

When not working, Dawn enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, and active adventure traveling. Dawn has completed several bicycle trips across the United States and Canada.

Dr. Richard H. McMonagle is currently the instructor of the Mold Assessment and Remediation licensing renewal program at Gold Coast Schools. He holds a Ph. D. from the Union Institute Graduate College, and a M.S. and B.S. (Magna Cum Lauda) from Nova Southeastern University. He is a Certified OSHA Outreach Trainer, a Certified Indoor Environmentalist, a State of Florida licensed Mold Assessor and a Certified Infrared Thermographer. He has taught classes in Mold Assessment, Bioaerosol Assessment, Indoor Air Quality, Occupational Safety and Health, IEQ Report Writing, Sampling Methodology, and IEQ Research Methods. He owns his own company, HEI Systems, and serves as an expert witness for both plaintiff and defendant in structural environmental disputes.

Gilberto Fernandez is a Certified Building Contractor since 1976, a Certified Roofing Contractor since 2005, and a Certified Home Inspector since 2010.

He received his Business Administration and Accounting Degree at The Havana & Oriente University – Cuba. Once residing in the US, he attended the following higher learning institutions to improve knowledge in business: Jones College – Orlando, Fla – Administrative Accounting. Rollins College – Winter Park, Fla – Business Administration and Commercial Law Courses.

Gilberto was once the President of the Florida Prestressed Concrete Assn. and held chairmanship of different committees with the association including the FDOT Liaison and Plant Certification, Safety. He conducted presentations and seminars with Trade Associations, Engineers, and Architects about the benefits of utilizing Prestressed Concrete in their design and construction. Gilberto has been married for 46 years with 2 children and 2 grandchildren.

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.