Kaplan Real Estate Education

Meet Your Real Estate Instructors and Faculty

Supporting You Throughout Your Real Estate Career

The effectiveness of any educational program depends largely on the expertise and dedication of those who design and deliver it. At Kaplan, we’ve assembled one of the most well-respected and competent team of instructors and faculty in real estate education. In fact, 91% of our students report a positive experience with their real estate instructors. Most of Kaplan’s instructors are practicing real estate agents with decades of real-world experience, and our regulatory experts ensure all our real estate courses meet your state and national requirements.

If you or something you know is interested in becoming a Kaplan instructor, learn more about the qualifications and process here.

Instructor Spotlight

Art Valenzuela

Languages Taught: English, Spanish

Born and raised in Southern California, Art earned his real estate license in 1999 and his brokers license in 2007.  Art started with Kaplan as an instructor in 2002 and became the Lead Instructor in 2010.

Art has become a sought-after coach and industry leader and has served in a variety of management positions, including Sales Manager, VP of Sales,  and Lead Instructor for well-known companies such as Realty Executives; iPayOne, Inc.; RealEstate.com; Nationwide Real Estate Executives; and Kaplan Real Estate Education.

Bobra Tahan

Languages Taught: English

Bobra started working in the real estate industry as a licensed salesperson in 1978 and became a broker in 1980. In addition to working in both large and small brokerages, Bobra owned her own brokerage firm for several years. Bobra also has prior work experience as a licensed senior residential appraiser and expert witness in appraisal-related lawsuits.

These positions were very rewarding, but teaching real estate was—and is—her passion. Bobra has taught real estate courses at adult schools, community colleges, and private companies. Bobra was the first woman to be hired as an instructor by Anthony Schools (later purchased by Kaplan). Receiving the Golden Apple award as an outstanding instructor from Kaplan was a highlight of her career.

Brandon Curtis

Languages Taught: English

Albuquerque native Brandon Curtis earned his real estate license in early 2004, 8 months after graduating from the University of New Mexico, and received his first pre-license instructor approval in Fall 2004 at age 25. His experience is primarily in commercial real estate; he has done commercial real estate sales and financing, as well as broker price opinions.

He was also initially approved for Zoom use as a teaching tool in 2018. Brandon taught live classes from 2004–2008 and 2018–2020, and he has taught virtual classes for Kaplan since 2020. He still is passionate about teaching after all of these years and is always exploring new ideas on how to teach and translate the live experience to the virtual model.

Diane Shapiro

Languages Taught: English

Diane brings a wealth of knowledge to the Florida team and her students through years of experience. She has been in real estate sales, brokerage, management and instruction. She began her career in New York working for the largest privately owned real estate company in Westchester and climbed through the ranks from sales associate to associate broker then managing broker for two offices. She also held the position of director of agent development. In addition, she was active in her local board of realtors on the Grievance Committee. 

Upon relocating to sunny Florida, Diane began as real estate associate broker, and then managing broker for two offices, and instructing for Kaplan Real Estate Education, formerly Bob Hogue School of Real Estate. Simply put, Diane brings her extensive experience and passion for real estate to her students.

Donna Baker

Languages Taught: English

Donna lives in California and brings 25+ years of real estate experience and absolutely loves the challenges and opportunities that real estate brings her way. Teaching is an absolute passion of hers whereby she enjoys teaching Kaplan's Career Mentor Connect and Real Estate Accelerator and interacting with students. Donna is so fortunate to have an opportunity to assist students on their journey to obtain their real estate license. Donna brings her many years of expertise in residential real estate and life events to her students through storytelling of being "in the trenches." Donna "keeps the Real in Real Estate." Donna also loves spending time with her family and friends, traveling to the beach and dancing.

Greg Greenhalge

Languages Taught: English


Greg Greenhalge is a seasoned Colorado real estate professional with more than a decade of experience representing buyers and sellers. He has contributed to the real estate industry in many ways, including launching a National Real Estate Brokerage and managing operations at one of Colorado's largest real estate offices. Greg dons multiple hats as a mentor, coach, and educator, using his problem-solving skills and dedication to help individuals and the community succeed in real estate.

Howard Harris

Languages Taught: English

Howard received both his JD and California broker’s license in the late 1970s. His work experience includes law, real estate, construction, lending, computers, banking, and construction. He has sold traditional residential real estate, made residential loans, made and monitored construction loans, worked for a lender, restructured or foreclosed upon commercial loans, and has personally invested in distressed real estate.

Howard began teaching in 1980 and taught real estate courses starting in 1981. Howard has been teaching for Kaplan since 2002 and began teaching virtual licensing classes in 2006.

Jasmine Hunter

Languages Taught: English

Jasmine is currently a Broker Associate and has worked full time in real estate for 5+ years. She has 5+ years of experience in new home construction as a project manager. Jasmine holds the SRS and ABR designations and has helped client after client either find, sell, or build their home.

Jasmine has been a part of the top 5% in sales more than once in her career and sharing that experience and knowledge with others is one of her many passions. Teaching holds a special place in Jasmine's heart. She taught K-12 education for 7 years while entering into the real estate field. Jasmine wants to lead and build with others lasting relationships in the real estate field.

Kim Gartner

Languages Taught: English

Kim Gartner is an entrepreneur with a passion for real estate. Licensed in Illinois in 2014, she focused on building multiple income streams within the industry. She obtained her pre-license instructor license in 2017 and managing broker license in 2019. In 2021, Kim partnered with Kaplan as a pre-license instructor, dedicated to providing engaging and supportive learning experiences. In 2022, she was appointed lead Instructor and subject matter expert (SME) for Illinois real estate by Kaplan. Licensed in Colorado in 2023, she now teaches real estate courses nationwide and continues to sell residential real estate.

Lisa E. McKim

Languages Taught: English

Lisa E. McKim, a licensed REALTOR® in California, Colorado, and Mississippi with over 18 years of experience, will guide you through your Kaplan education.  Lisa's engaging teaching style and practical approach make complex real estate concepts easy to understand.  Drawing on her extensive experience in residential, multi-family, mixed-use, commercial, and architectural properties, as well as her background in fine art and design, Lisa provides valuable insights and real-world examples.  Her experience as a real estate acquisitions specialist, closing transactions nationwide, adds another layer of expertise to her instruction.  Join Lisa and gain the knowledge you need to succeed in the real estate market.

Mervin Walls

Languages Taught: English

Mervin began his real estate career in 2006 and is currently licensed in Florida, Louisiana, and Virginia. He owns a real estate brokerage in Tampa, Florida, and New Orleans, Louisiana. His unparalleled passion for real estate led him to obtaining a master’s degree in international real estate from Florida International University in 2018. As a United States Navy Veteran, he served as an instructor at Fleet Training Center, at Naval Station in Norfolk, Virginia. During his service, he received numerous commendations for his dedication to education and was recognized as a top instructor during his tour. In 2020, Mervin obtained his Florida real estate instructor’s license and joined Kaplan Real Estate Education, formerly known as Bob Hogue School of Real Estate. His goal is to equip aspiring agents with the knowledge and skills needed to pass the licensing exam and succeed in real estate. 

Mike Lavorato

Languages Taught: English

Mike Lavorato is a seasoned real estate professional with over 20 years of experience and a decade of experience as a real estate instructor.

For the past 10 years, Mike has been dedicated to educating and mentoring aspiring real estate professionals. As an adjunct professor at the College of DuPage and an instructor at Kaplan Real Estate Education, he teaches pre-licensing courses, providing students with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in the real estate market. Mike also offers private coaching, sharing his insights on marketing, planning, and client relations to help professionals achieve their goals.

Mike is a Real Estate Broker, specializing in luxury properties and western Chicagoland. His professional background spans project management, private financial service banking, and real estate, contributing to his innovative strategies and comprehensive client service.

Miracle Chateau

Languages Taught: English

Miracle Chateau is a dedicated real estate professional with over a decade of experience, holding her real estate license since 2014 and earning her broker's license in 2018. In 2024, she further expanded her expertise by obtaining her instructor license, cementing her commitment to agent education and development.

With a passion for teaching, Miracle has written and taught multiple courses over the past seven years, equipping aspiring real estate professionals with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed. Her dedication to helping students become licensed agents and achieve their career goals in real estate has made her a trusted mentor and leader in the industry. Miracle's expertise, combined with her hands-on approach, empowers her students to build strong foundations for long-term success.

Patricia McLain

Languages Taught: English

Patricia (Patty) McLain has been in the real estate industry since 1991 as a mortgage loan officer. She has worked closely with real estate professionals throughout Minnesota and a few other states. Her passion for education started at the beginning of her career conducting home buyers seminars in person and online. Patty has a knack for taking complex subjects and breaking them down in a way that can be understood. Her knowledge, expertise and her passion for education brought her to Kaplan in 2019, where she has been an instructor for Kaplan in licensing and continuing education. Patty has three amazing adult children, a lovely daughter-in-law, and the most precious granddaughter. She enjoys gardening, hiking, spending time up North on the water, and volunteering. Regarding her career, Patty’s favorite thing to do is answer questions.

Sergio Rodriguez

Languages Taught: English, Spanish

Sergio has been in the real estate industry for 21+ years. Sergio spent five years as a real estate loan officer with Bank of America and 16 years as a top-producing real estate agent with Coldwell Banker.

Sergio is an active member of the National Association of REALTORS® with a laser focus on helping buyers, sellers, and investors purchase and sell residential real estate. His awards include Top Producing Listing Agent and Top Producing Agent Dollar Volume Companywide. Sergio has been a Kaplan Real Estate instructor, editor, and content developer since 2013 with a focus on California Real Estate licensing courses.

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