Meet Your Instructors

charles.lee@kaplan.com

Licensed in 2016 in Durham, NC, Charles is passionate about streamlining real estate transactions using technology to save clients time and energy. 

Beyond his successful real estate career, he coaches agents, sharing insights in engaging and purposeful classes. With over 15 years in Durham, Charles served as Vice Chair of the Board of Directors at Housing for New Hope for three years. 

His background as an Operations Manager in hospitality equipped him with a love for creative problem-solving, making him adept at navigating the Triangle real estate market. 

sabrina.blase@kaplan.com

Sabrina Blase is a dedicated and experienced member of the Kaplan team, proudly serving as your Student Advisor. With over five years as a licensed North Carolina Real Estate Agent, she brings a wealth of practical industry knowledge to the table. Her journey with Kaplan spans over three years, during which she has made significant contributions as an instructor, moderator, and proctor.

Now, as a Student Advisor, Sabrina is excited to focus on ensuring the success of all students. Her commitment to education and personal growth is evident not only in her professional achievements but also in her role as a personal development coach for over a decade. She has a passion for helping individuals unlock their potential and achieve their goals.

Sabrina's diverse experience and dedication make her an invaluable resource and guide for students navigating the path to becoming successful real estate professionals. She is committed to providing support, knowledge, and encouragement every step of the way.

amber.gongidi@kaplan.com

Amber is a North Carolina native and has been a licensed Realtor since 2013. Her passion for helping others is what led her into teaching. She is currently the East Coast Faculty Manager for Kaplan Education's Real Estate Program. 

She loves coaching both students and instructors to help them develop themselves. She believes in learning something from every experience and still gets something from everyone she observes and every class she attends. 

Amber is the proud mother to four boys and a dedicated Tarheel fan. 

Carol.Lambert@kaplan.com

Carol has been active in the real estate industry for over 35 years, twelve years as a real estate firm co-owner and twenty-two years teaching real estate courses. 

Carol has a passion for knowledge and education and brings a large amount of practical knowledge to her students. Her goal is not only to help students pass their real estate exams but to see them succeed in the real estate profession. 

Carol received the Golden Apple Award from Kaplan University for outstanding student achievement. 

david.raines@kaplan.edu

David is one of the many passionate Real Estate instructors in our fantastic lineup, proudly shaped under the North Carolina sun. As a genuine local, he is thrilled to share his enthusiasm for real estate and showcase the distinctive charm of our community.

When he's not diving into property nuances, you'll find David embracing the simple joys of camping, the invigorating rush of hiking trails, and the thrill of discovering new spots. His two Shiba Inu pals, Loki and Lucie, are his partners in crime, adding a dose of laughter to everyday.

For David, teaching is all about breaking free from the monotony of facts and figures. He believes learning should be an exhilarating adventure, not a dull lecture. So, gear up for a personalized expedition into the world of real estate, spiced with local insights, a sprinkle of wanderlust, and a hearty dose of enthusiasm. Get ready to dive into this educational rollercoaster together!

dawnetta.hooper@kaplan.edu

Dawnetta has been in the Real Estate business for almost 7 years, gaining experience working with first-time home buyers, military buyers, and low-income buyers.  As a seasoned Realtor, she is passionate about educating the community about Real Estate.  

Dawn also has a background in education.  She holds a Bachelors in Education and a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership.  When you combine Dawn's Real Estate experience with her extensive training, her students always win.  Outside of the office, Dawn enjoys spending time with her family.  Her husband, David, her three children, David Jr., Dajah, and Dalaya, and her fur baby, Chewie.  

Deborah.Bass@kaplan.com

Deborah is a seasoned Real Estate Professional with more than twenty years in the industry. She holds a Broker's license in North and, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. Her experience in the Real Estate Profession includes Residential, Commercial, and Land Brokerage. Management of a Firm, Marketing and Sales Director, Custom Home Community, and Real Estate Education Instructor.

Deborah has achieved the following designations and awards: ABR (Accredited Buyers Representative), REPRO (Real Estate Professional), ALC (Agent Leadership Committee), Century 21 Gold Pacesetter (Southern Region), as well as a Life Member of The Million Dollar Club.

Her passion is to serve others, and Real Estate affords her the opportunity to blend her passion and profession.

Growing up and marrying into a Military family, Deborah understands diversity, adaptability, and inclusion. Embracing people from all walks of life, eager to assist and educate them on achieving their goal of becoming a Real Estate licensee or a Home Owner. She truly enjoys and loves Real Estate.

In her spare time, she loves to travel. Deborah has two amazing adult children.

philip.armel@kaplan.com

Originally from Stephens City, VA, Jay brings over 35 years of real-world experience as a Real Estate Broker, small business owner, and educator. He understands the intricacies needed for success in both the classroom and real-life practice, having written several NC Real Estate Commission-approved continuing education courses. 

Jay holds a Business Administration degree from Milligan College, a Masters in Business Ethics and Leadership from Duquesne University, and a Doctorate from USC in Leadership and Organizational Change, with a focus on "The Role of Spirituality in the Workplace." As a believer in connecting with the mind, body, and soul, Jay facilitates knowledge rather than lectures, guiding individual growth. 

Outside of teaching, he enjoys the Carolina coastline, golf, White Chocolate Mochas, college football (Fight On!), and lively discussions. 

Jennifer.Mcallister@kaplan.com

Jennifer is a business major graduate from UNC Chapel Hill and has been in the property management industry for over 20 years. 

As a Broker in Charge of her own firm, she has completed a variety of real estate transactions, from land sales to commercial sales, as well as residential transactions. Jennifer also engages in HOA management. 

She has been teaching for the last four years and always can learn something from her students since we all come together with different perspectives and experiences.

justice.ruffin@kaplan.edu

Justice Ruffin has been associated with real estate for several years. She started out in property management and after getting licensed she began conducting business as a full-time residential real estate agent.

 After several successful transactions, Justice has become a Broker in Charge and a licensed Real Estate Instructor in North Carolina. Helping students learn the responsibilities and transitioning students from pre-license holders to full brokers of real estate is something that she enjoys greatly! She believes in the saying "Life is a journey, not a destination", so make real estate part of your journey! 

Michele.Dew@kaplan.com

Michele, licensed since 1985, built a successful career in residential real estate, including vacation and long-term rentals. Since 2017, she has channeled her passion for real estate into teaching, helping students master licensing exam material with enthusiasm and expertise. 

Michele is also skilled at guiding North Carolina students through post-licensing courses and is approved to teach NC continuing education classes. Her real-life industry examples make complex concepts relatable and easy to grasp, ensuring her students feel confident and prepared. Michele looks forward to helping you succeed in your real estate journey!

 Nathalie Smart is a highly accomplished Real Estate Broker, Coach, and Educator, renowned for her expertise, dedication, and multicultural approach. Fluent in both English and Spanish, Nathalie's Venezuelan heritage enriches her interactions with a diverse clientele. Since 2017, she has excelled in guiding clients through real estate transactions, leveraging her profound industry knowledge and exceptional negotiation acumen. Nathalie's background as a Spanish instructor further exemplifies her commitment to empowering others, a quality that extends to her coaching and educational endeavors within the real estate sector.

Beyond her direct work with clients, Nathalie actively contributes to the real estate community by sharing her insights through continuing education classes. Recognized for her outstanding communication and negotiation skills, she consistently achieves optimal outcomes for her clients. Nathalie's unwavering dedication, coupled with her unique background and bilingual capabilities, has solidified her reputation as a respected industry figure and a trusted professional for real estate transactions and education.

Paulette.Rogers@kaplan.com

Paulette has 2 sons and 3 grandchildren and lives in Apex, NC. She is a Realtor, BIC, instructor, moderator, tax preparer, and accountant. Paulette has a BS in Business Administration and Marketing, a Masters in Management and Finance. As well as a Doctorate, ABD in Business Administration and Accounting. 

She has been a licensed Real Estate Broker since 1994 and worked for the State of NC 10 years before starting her real estate career.

 Paulette has also worked as an Assisted Living Administrator, a Tax Preparer and Accountant for many years.

Rebekah.Edens@kaplan.com

Rebekah earned her B.S. in Psychology in 2010 and her Master's of Science from Campbell University in 2013. Because of her love for helping others, she is currently an adjunct professor at Campbell, a lecturer at Kaplan, and an active Realtor. 

North Carolina is a wonderful and unique place to live from the mountains to the coast. Rebekah and her family reside in the awesome small town of Buies Creek. Being a proud Navy mom, she has a special interest in serving the military population. Rebekah serves on the Alumni Board of Directors for Campbell University.

She enjoys spending time with her husband and their three children cooking, playing sports, or just being outdoors.  

Tia.Washington@kaplan.com

With over 17 years in real estate and construction, Tia began as a kitchen designer in Atlanta, GA, before transitioning to real estate sales. Hailing from Blackstock, SC, she learned the value of hard work and helping others in her family's seafood restaurant. 

Actively involved in the Canopy Realtor Association and NCRealtors® Region 8 Board of Directors, Tia is passionate about real estate education and aiding agents in business growth. Serving on multiple committees, she was recently elected to the Canopy Realtor Association's Board of Directors and finds being part of the Kaplan family an honor and privilege.