Meet Our Team

Britt has lived in Florida since 1993 and is a graduate of the University of Central Florida with over 15 years of experience in sales, customer service, and client relationship management. Britt covers the state of Florida in developing Gold Coast’s real estate partnerships. She believes strong communication and transparency are the foundations for a successful business relationship.

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.

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

Alan’s entire successful career has been in the real estate and mortgage industry. He was the National Sales Director of The Nehemiah Program, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that assisted tens of thousands of first-time homebuyers with down payment assistance for homeownership.

Alan’s exceptional role as an international sales and motivational speaker/instructor led him to be a consultant for many of HGTV’s real estate celebrities. He has created sales training systems for mortgage professionals, real estate investors, and real estate agents.

Alan embraces every day!

Alexander is currently a Real Estate Instructor at Gold Coast Schools and teaches: Pre-License, Post-License, Continuing Education courses. Alexander graduated from Florida Atlantic University with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Marketing, and from Broward College with a degree in Legal Studies. With almost 15 years as a real estate broker and owner he enjoys bringing his vast experience to the classroom.

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.

Jorge is a seasoned Loan Officer and Real Estate Broker who has been in the Real Estate Industry and the Education sphere for over 20 years. He has a degree in Computer Engineering from UCF as well as studying Business Administration and Management.

Jorge has not only been teaching Real Estate professionals for over 15 years, but he is also an Instructor for the US Army’s Special Forces. He is passionate about helping people, whether it is in choosing the right home for them or starting a new career in real estate.

With over 15 years in real estate, Jose has worked as a sales associate, owner-manager of a brokerage of 90+ agents, and as a real estate instructor. Jose has obtained the CRS®, GRI®, e-Pro® designations, is Microsoft Office certified, and holds a Community Association Manager’s license, in addition to his BA in Management Information Systems.

Jose is bilingual and teaches classes with a combination of real estate knowledge, real-world experience, and a sense of humor that provides students with a relaxed yet informative and entertaining learning environment.

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.

Bob Halverson is an excellent Property and Casualty and Surplus Lines insurance instructor, and has been with Gold Coast since 2011.  Prior to obtaining his 2-15, 2-20, & 1-20 insurance licenses, Bob was a fighter pilot in the United States Air Force, commercial airlines pilot, and a corporate pilot.  He gained a tremendous amount of his insurance experience through owning an insurance agency for many years before focusing on teaching new agents how to be successful in this lucrative field.

Bob is a proud member of the AOPA, EAA, Elks, and American Legion and continues to enjoy flying his own personal aircraft.  He often travels to Columbia and is enjoying his semi-retirement between teaching and traveling.

Carlos Celta’s tenure in sales began in 2003. Since that time, he has mastered a skill-set of serving and education people. In 2012, Carlos, along with his family, moved from Venezuela to the USA, requiring him to restart almost all aspects of his life. Fortunately, with his sales background, he was provided an opportunity in the insurance business; a decision has not regretted.

His years within the insurance field has allowed him to focus on the practices of life insurance,  health insurance, and finances.  As an insurance instructor, Carlos is committed to helping people obtain and understand the necessary knowledge and skills , required to obtain and maintain their State license. Carlos lives in the Orlando area and is looking forward to helping those new to the field embrace their newfound career.

Evan has been a licensed insurance agent for over 20 years. He enjoys building new relationships with clients and always makes sure to provide them with an insurance policy tailored to their specific needs.

Throughout his insurance career, Evan has been recognized as Agent of the Year and has received many accolades. In addition to his sales career, Evan is a distinguished instructor. Instructing on a state and national platform, Evan brings passion and dedication to his students.

Evan is a graduate of the City University of New York at Kingsborough and resides in Boca Raton, FL, with his wife Claudia and dog Benji.

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.

Kevin is currently teaching pre-licensing and continuing education classes for life, health and annuity.

Kevin earned his BS in Biology from SUNY Fredonia, an MBA from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is a Certified Financial Planner™ and Chartered Life Underwriter™ who works with business owners and retirees all over the country in his personal practice.

Kevin currently holds his 2-15 and 2-20 insurance licenses, is a licensed tax preparer and has held his Securities Series 6,7 and 66 licenses in the past as well.

In his spare time Kevin enjoys good food, good stories, a good work-out, meeting new people and spending time with friends and family.

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.

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.”

Daniel “Dan” Villa, AIA is a registered architect. He has been drafting since 1994 and he loves helping people find better ways to do what they do. He is a sole-practitioner currently focusing on single family residential, but he has also been involved in commercial design and construction during his 20+ years in the field. Dan currently teaches Plan Reading.

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.

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.

Mr. Joseph C. Rebuck is a state Certified General Contractor since 2003, Joe first joined the Gold Coast team as a part time instructor in 2004. Over his career Mr. Rebuck has owned his own General Contracting Company, served as director of Property Management for Lennar Homes Dade Division, was an area Facility Manager for Washington Mutual Bank/CB Richard Ellis as well as an area manager for Kings Point Condominium Association in Tamarac, Florida.
In addition to holding his General Contracting & Roofing Licenses Mr. Rebuck is credentialed as a License Real Estate Broker, Licensed CAM, Licensed Home Inspector, License Mold Assessor & Remediator, LEED AP and a Certified Pool Operator (CPO)

Luis Bentancor joined Gold Coast in 2016 and teaches the General Contractor exam prep courses that help students who are preparing for the state contractor exam. He is an Architect and a General Contractor with years of industry experience that he brings into the classroom to help students succeed. He holds a Bachelor Degree in Architecture from Universidad de la República from Montevideo, Uruguay; he studied Engineering at Universidad Simón Bolívar in Caracas, Venezuela and is a LEED Accredited Professional. He previously worked as a Project Manager for a construction company and as an Associate Architect in an Architectural Studio. He owns and manages his own construction company.

• Senior Home Inspection Instructor
• IFREC Home Inspection Series Author
• Florida Home Inspector License HI 1354
• Redesign Architectural Services, Owner
• WHS Home Inspections,Owner
• IRIS Certified Residential Inspector