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 several real estate textbooks and online courses.

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. John 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 currently serves as Board Chair for the College of Education Advisory Board for Florida Atlantic University and has also served on numerous Florida Real Estate Commission task forces, 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, 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.

Mr. Joseph C. Rebuck is currently the Director of Gold Coast School of Construction responsible for construction staff and curriculum. 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)

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.

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….

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.

Doug Stone has been in the real estate industry since 1992 working as a mortgage broker and Realtor in both sales and management positions. In his spare time, he enjoys playing golf, cruising and traveling.

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.

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.

Jesus Huarotte is an active Real Estate Broker specializing in inversion and flipping. He started working for Gold Coast in 2013 teaching FREC 1 & 2 real estate courses in Spanish.  He has been an instructor for more than 15 years teaching Business, Algebra, and Spanish to high school students.  He has a passion for teaching adult learners and enjoys helping students go through the process of becoming agents, brokers and reaching their goals in real estate so that they can grow in their personal lives.  When not teaching, Jesus enjoys playing soccer and  volleyball, as well as watching sports channels.

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.

Marylin joined Gold Coast Schools in 2012 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.  She holds both a real estate broker and instructor license, a GRI designation, and has a bachelors degree from Barry University in Nuclear Medicine.

Prior to working at Gold Coast, Marylin worked at a Brickell Law Firm working with real estate and corporate matters.  From there she worked at Coldwell Banker as a Sales Associate from 2003-2009 in addition to teaching pre and post licensing classes.  Beyond having a passion for helping students succeed, Marylin is a huge animal lover.

Nivea is an excellent real estate instructor who joined the Gold Coast team in 2016.  She teaches the Sales Associate Pre-license and Post-license courses and continues to work as an active Realtor. This enables her to bring real world experience into the classroom which students truly enjoy.  She has a Bachelor’s in Science and is a graduate of the Realtor Institute.  In her free time she enjoys participating in the church choir and singing in the alto section.

Peter has been teaching Gold Coast’s sales associate pre-license, post-license, and continuing education courses since 2005.  He holds both a real estate instructor and a broker license.  Peter has a passion for helping students start and maintain successful careers in real estate.  He finds great satisfaction in hearing from his former students who achieve their license, start selling homes, and come back to tell him about it when they see him in their renewal courses.

Rich teaches nearly every real estate course offered by Gold Coast including Sales Associate pre and post-license, Broker pre and post-license, as well as the CRAM review course.  Joining Gold Coast in 2004, Rich brings extensive experience as a licensed real estate instructor, broker, sales associate, mortgage broker, U.S. Registered Investment Advisor, as well as a Securities Series 7 license for stocks and bonds.  He also holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Richmond and a master’s degree from the University of Texas.

Rich has a passion for sailing and previously owned a Catalina 30 which he used to sail the Bahamas and Florida Keys for many years.  Rich’s primary focus is the success of his students, and many attribute their success to his teaching style.

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.

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.

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.

David began working as a Property & Casualty Insurance Instructor at Gold Coast Schools in 2015.  His favorite moments in class are when he knows the students “get it” by understanding the new material he is presenting.  David has extensive insurance claims experience and has the CPCU designation.  He enjoys time with   family and friends when not working.

Eddie Viquez started teaching at Gold Coast in 2017 and has been an instructor since 2016 in many different fields.  He holds a 2-15 Life, Health and Variables Contract license and has vast experience in the Life and Health Insurance Market.  His experience allows him to deliver top quality courses that will provide students with information applicable real world scenarios.

In addition to teaching at Gold Coast, Ed has worked for major nationally known insurance companies and banking institutions in South Florida, and is currently appointed with various life and health insurance companies. Besides teaching, Ed enjoys time spent fishing, reading and traveling with his family.

Hy Levy started teaching insurance courses at Gold Coast in 1995 and currently teaches many of the continuing education for agents and adjusters.  He holds a 2-15 Life, Health & Variable Contracts license, 2-20 General Lines license, is an Independent Insurance Adjuster, and previously held Series 6 and 63 licenses.  He is passionate about delivering quality courses that are informational and carry real world practicality.

Prior to teaching at Gold Coast, Hy was the owner and president of the Cameo Group.  When he is not working in the field and teaching in the classroom, Hy enjoys fishing, spending time with his family, and is looking forward to being a great grandfather.

John Russo began teaching the 2-15 agent pre-licensing course at Gold Coast Schools in January of 2017. John holds a Florida 2-15 (Health, Life & Variable Contracts) agents’ license and is a Financial Advisor and an Investment Advisor Representative. He also holds a Series 6, 63, and 65 license. Mr. Russo is dedicated to giving his students the best start in their new career by providing them knowledge they need to prepare for the state exam.

John has spent 22 years in the insurance industry in variety of roles; including field and home office positions. John’s experience has included: Regional Director of Life Sales, National Director of Brokerage Sales, Sales Manager, and Training Director. Additionally, he has been a wholesaler for life insurance, 403b’s, 457’s and 401k’s; supporting both internal, independent and brokerage channels.

John is a graduate of Hofstra University with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Marketing. He is married to his wife of 34 years Debbie, who is a teacher, and resides in Boynton Beach, Florida. They have 1 son, Christopher, who is 19 and attending the University of Florida. John has been active for many years in the local community coaching both basketball and baseball and is involved in various church committees. He is excited about pursuing this instructor phase of his career with Gold Coast as it combines his training experience with his expertise in the field of insurance.

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.

Lenora joined Gold Coast in November of 2011 and is currently the Campus Director in Lantana. She is responsible for helping students select and register for classes, answering any questions that students have, and keeping Gold Coast’s Lantana campus operational and comfortable for students. Lenora personally has a Real Estate Broker License and a CAM License.

Before working at Gold Coast, Lenora had many years of experience assisting students as an admissions representative at private colleges. At Gold Coast, Lenora loves assisting students with their education needs for Real Estate, Insurance, CAM, Mortgage, Construction and Appraisal licensee. She is truly passionate about the work that she does every day because it allows her to meet new people and help them achieve their goals, start new careers and make their lives better. Her hobbies are spending time with her family, and she loves doing projects that challenge her.

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.

Crystal began working at Gold Coast in 2014 and is an Administrative Assistant for the real estate and insurance programs.   She has an AA in Business Administration and a real estate sales license. Prior to working at Gold Coast, Crystal was an Executive Assistant for a large grocery chain and a realtor at Prime Realty.

She has experience facilitating modifications and updates for various course work, literature and online programs. She is passionate about helping her team members, offering great support to her program directors and being a positive contributor to the mission and vision of Gold Coast. Outside of work she enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She is also an accomplished singer/songwriter, performer and vocal coach.

Gary joined Gold Coast in 2015 and works as a highly experienced Information Technology Director.  He enjoys being part of a very cohesive and accommodating group of individuals who all work hard toward the same goals to make an exceptional student and workplace experience.  Gary feels that this culture starts at the top and facilitates throughout the company enabling Gold Coast to achieve great success.  He also loves spending time with his children and has come to grips with the fact that his son has surpassed his top sustainable cycling speed.

Jette Correa has worked as an assistant Career Counselor 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 Tamarac 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.

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.