STAFF AND INSTRUCTORS

OUR STAFF AND INSTRUCTORS ARE HERE TO HELP YOU SUCCEED AS YOU BEGIN YOUR REAL ESTATE CAREER.

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Note: this page is current as of Monday, March 20th, 2023

Sam Zakarian has been a Licensed Illinois Real Estate instructor for 16 years. Sam creates a positive and exciting environment while passing on the full knowledge required to pass the Illinois state exam. Students will benefit from Sam’s extensive background and energetic style.
Frank Muldowney has been a Licensed Illinois Real Estate Instructor for over 15 years. He has served on many Illinois MLS Boards and Real Estate Associations.  Frank’s background also includes extensive experience in the commercial real estate field.  Frank continues to pursue his first love, teaching, by conducting Real Estate Pre-Licensing courses at the Chicago Real Estate School.
Vick Valenti has been a Licensed Illinois Real Estate Instructor since 2007. He is very passionate about teaching students from all walks of life the knowledge necessary to pass the state exam. Vick loves to interact with students and thoroughly enjoys the positive feedback he receives after they pass and move on with their careers.

Danette Foster has closed over 2,000 real estate transactions in her 30+ year career. She has trained at the local, state, & national level and has been a Director of the Local Board of Realtors, as well as Chairman of the Grievance Committee. She has attained the highest level of education available through the Real Estate Board: Graduate, Realtor Institute (GRI). She is passionate about teaching as she maintains an active role as a Realtor.

Derek McNeal considers it his role to provide each and every student with the tools, resources, and knowledge about the Real Estate industry. “I believe in you” summarizes Derek’s philosophy.  He also effectively provides various test taking techniques and analysis to ensure a positive result in taking the state exam. Derek believes that it is the responsibility of the instructor to recognize, understand, and appreciate students’ needs.

Shannon Palermo has been a licensed Realtor since 2014; specializing in residential home sales and has a background in customer service and marketing roles. In 2011, she graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Northern Illinois University. Her previous positions have always included some type of lead, manager, or training role. An opportunity arose for her to lead a couple of training classes, as opposed to one-on-one training. She then decided to obtain her Real Estate Instructor license and has been teaching since 2021, and loves every minute of it! 

Kim Bates has taken a very hands-on approach to career guidance and support as the Owner of the Chicago Real Estate School. Kim understands the stress associated with transitioning into a new career. Kim provides training ideas prior to and during the course so that students are in a position to start building business through networking while attending class. Kim prides herself in having a school with a consistently high pass rate.

Kelly Bates started her career with the Chicago Real Estate School in the spring of 2010. Her duties include maintaining the Social Media accounts and assisting with career counseling.