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Meet Our Real Estate Trainers & Instructors

Learn more about our local real estate educators, how they found success in the industry, and how they’ll help find yours.

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Find Real Estate Trainers & Instructors Near You

Starting a new career means working with industry experts to guide you through it. Our real estate educators provide years of expertise, relative to your area, to ensure a first-time pass on your exam — and success in your local market.

Adelyn Ortlieb

Adelyn Ortlieb

Licensed to teach in: Georgia, Louisiana, Tennessee

Adelyn Ortlieb was first licensed in real estate in 2004. She started in residential real estate just before the Baton Rouge Hurricane Katrina housing boom. Prior to joining her current position, Addy was the head broker for a Florida-based residential brokerage and spearheaded their expansion in Tennessee before founding a small consulting company. She worked with a large hospital company in-house after working with a commercial firm (first on a banking client account and then on the medical side). In 2011, Addy entered commercial real estate. Adelyn is licensed as a broker in Tennessee, Louisiana,… More
Adelyn Ortlieb was first licensed in real estate in 2004. She started in residential real estate just before the Baton Rouge Hurricane Katrina housing boom. Prior to joining her current position, Addy was the head broker for a Florida-based residential brokerage and spearheaded their expansion in Tennessee before founding a small consulting company. She worked with a large hospital company in-house after working with a commercial firm (first on a banking client account and then on the medical side). In 2011, Addy entered commercial real estate. Adelyn is licensed as a broker in Tennessee, Louisiana, and Georgia and has experience with residential sales/management, as well as commercial management/transactions.
Cherie Nelson

Cherie Nelson

Licensed to teach in: Georgia

After a successful career in finance, Cherie Nelson transitioned into real estate in 2002, bringing with her an MBA and years of experience as a financial consultant at Solomon Smith Barney. Confident that her business background would fast-track her success, she joined a small brokerage firm—only to discover that a lack of structured training made navigating the industry far more challenging than expected. Determined to master her craft, Cherie sought out a stronger educational foundation and joined Jack Conway Realtors, where she immersed herself in comprehensive, hands-on training. The results were transformative. Under a structured… More
After a successful career in finance, Cherie Nelson transitioned into real estate in 2002, bringing with her an MBA and years of experience as a financial consultant at Solomon Smith Barney. Confident that her business background would fast-track her success, she joined a small brokerage firm—only to discover that a lack of structured training made navigating the industry far more challenging than expected. Determined to master her craft, Cherie sought out a stronger educational foundation and joined Jack Conway Realtors, where she immersed herself in comprehensive, hands-on training. The results were transformative. Under a structured training platform, she flourished—ultimately becoming #1 in listings in her office. That experience solidified her belief that proper education and professional development are essential for long-term success in real estate. Fueled by her passion for learning and leadership, Cherie founded the Professional Real Estate Training Institute to provide aspiring and established agents with the tools, structure, and confidence needed to excel. The Institute offers foundational training for new agents, continuing education for seasoned professionals, and ongoing development opportunities designed to elevate performance at every stage of a real estate career. Cherie firmly believes that education equips individuals for lasting success. Beyond her professional achievements, Cherie is deeply committed to community empowerment. She serves as a founding Board of Directors member of the Boston Community Development Collaborative (BCDC), a partnership of community organizations and churches dedicated to promoting economic development and financial education in inner-city neighborhoods. Through BCDC’s collaboration with Tremont Credit Union, a community-based credit union was established in Roxbury, MA. Cherie also teaches financial literacy to children, teens, and adults, extending her passion for education beyond real estate and into the broader community.
Earl Martin

Earl Martin

Licensed to teach in: Georgia

Earl is a licensed broker and instructor in three Southern states. His career includes serving as an investment consultant, property manager, and a real estate school owner. With over 14 years of experience in real estate education, Earl has taught courses in pre-licensure, post-licensure, and continuing education. Earl is also a former adjunct instructor at Hondros College, Auburn University, and Alabama State University. He helped design the Alabama 60-hour Broker’s Exam pre-license course and served as a subject matter expert and consultant for state license exam providers and administrators.
Holly Ewert

Holly Ewert

Licensed to teach in: Georgia

Originally from the Midwest, Holly has lived in Atlanta since 1995, working in the city’s real estate market for more than 25 years. Her appreciation for real estate stems from her family’s involvement in residential and commercial property development over many generations in the U.S., France, and Switzerland. Holly has been instrumental in multi-million dollar turnkey developments, as well as mergers and acquisitions. Holly has experience as a general contractor, residential and commercial property manager, salesperson, associate broker, broker/owner and instructor. She is a licensed Georgia broker, a Gold Standard Instructor, and an active member… More
Originally from the Midwest, Holly has lived in Atlanta since 1995, working in the city’s real estate market for more than 25 years. Her appreciation for real estate stems from her family’s involvement in residential and commercial property development over many generations in the U.S., France, and Switzerland. Holly has been instrumental in multi-million dollar turnkey developments, as well as mergers and acquisitions. Holly has experience as a general contractor, residential and commercial property manager, salesperson, associate broker, broker/owner and instructor. She is a licensed Georgia broker, a Gold Standard Instructor, and an active member of the Atlanta REALTORS® Association, GREEA (Georgia Real Estate Educators Association), and REEA (Real Estate Educators Association). She is also a certified mortgage specialist and an ASHI-certified home inspector.
Johnell Woody

Johnell Woody

Licensed to teach in: Georgia

Johnell Woody is a real estate broker, licensed instructor, coach, and trainer. Johnell is passionate about real estate, devoting decades to the industry, all the while promoting the importance of life-long learning. She was first licensed as a real estate professional by the California Department of Real Estate in 1972. Johnell holds an associate’s degree in business law from Cerritos College, California, with a real estate emphasis. She also holds a bachelor’s from Kennesaw State University, Georgia, in integrative studies with an emphasis on psychology, communication, and theatre. Additionally, Johnell holds a master’s degree in… More
Johnell Woody is a real estate broker, licensed instructor, coach, and trainer. Johnell is passionate about real estate, devoting decades to the industry, all the while promoting the importance of life-long learning. She was first licensed as a real estate professional by the California Department of Real Estate in 1972. Johnell holds an associate’s degree in business law from Cerritos College, California, with a real estate emphasis. She also holds a bachelor’s from Kennesaw State University, Georgia, in integrative studies with an emphasis on psychology, communication, and theatre. Additionally, Johnell holds a master’s degree in integrated global communication. Johnell was also awarded the KSU Leadership Program Certificate. Currently, she is a member of GAR Professional Development Committee, a director on the GREEA Board, and co-chair of the REEA Education Committee. Johnell is under contract to author a textbook on real estate finance for a California community college.
Marisel Nelson

Marisel Nelson

Licensed to teach in: Georgia

Marisel is an active broker in Georgia and an active broker associate in Florida; she earned her licenses in 2015 and 2014, respectively. In her tenure, she has successfully recruited, trained, and managed agents as a sales manager. Her experience in real estate spreads across commercial, residential, and land purchases in both Georgia and Florida. Maisel is passionate about educating, serving as a Colibri Real Estate instructor and as a substitute teacher at her childrens’ local high school and other surrounding community schools. Marisel holds a bachelor’s degree from DeVry University, with a major in business administration and a minor in human resources.
Sarah Crandall

Sarah Crandall

Licensed to teach in: Georgia

Sarah Crandall obtained her real estate license in 2015 after completing a master’s in psychology. She became SFR-certified in 2021 and is honored to have obtained awards for production, customer service, and public speaking. During the course of her real estate career, Sarah has served on multiple committees with her local board of realtors. Additionally, she taught classes for the brokerage under which she’s currently licensed to include the Psychology of Sales, Time Blocking 101, Finding Your Why, and Negotiations. Sarah also currently serves as a mentor for her brokerage.
Velore Brown

Velore Brown

Licensed to teach in: Georgia

Velore Brown has been actively involved in the real estate industry for more than 30 years as an agent, associate broker, managing broker, real property appraiser, Michigan property tax assessor, and educator. She currently owns a real estate brokerage firm, as well as Atlantic Real Estate Institute, LLC in Savannah, Georgia. Velore holds a bachelor’s in finance and management from DePaul University in Chicago. She also holds 15-plus real estate-related licenses, designations, and certifications. Additionally, Velore holds the Real Estate Educators Association (REEA) Gold Standard Instructor (GSI) certification. She has also earned the Certified Distance Education Instructor (CDEI®).