Kathryn Bovard

I have been a licensed Real Estate Broker for over 15 years, working as a Salesperson, Broker, and Broker Salesperson. I led the top-producing brokerage in Nevada for 5 years in an office of over 450 agents, handling over 300 transactions a month. I’ve encountered almost every situation and aspect of real estate. I have coached and trained new agents as well as top producers and wrote the New Agent Training for a top national brokerage. 

I have been a licensed instructor for the RE Division for over 20 years, teaching law and realty with Key Realty School, and I am currently the Dean of Faculty at the Las Vegas Association of Realtors. I have also been a NAR Certified Mediator for the last 10 years and am very experienced in handling “problem” situations and remedies. Additionally, I was appointed to the Nevada Real Estate Division Advisory Council and serve as an NVAR state delegate. 

Teaching has always been a passion and a joy for me, and I strive to teach in a manner that is informative, educational, and interactive. 

Trina Colon

I began teaching pre-licensing for loan officers with Key in 2019. Today I teach pre-licensing, continuing education, and post licensing for Realtors in Nevada. It has truly been rewarding to see people start their journey and return to Key for their continuing education as their careers progress. I have been a licensed Loan Officer and Real Estate Broker for over 20 years and passing on the things I have learned along the way keeps class time fun and practical.

Jimmy Dague

I have been in the Las Vegas real estate industry for 42 years and am highly regarded as one of the most trustworthy and excellent Realtors in the area. As a National Instructor, I teach ABR, CRS, SRES, RSPS, ePRO, WCR Negotiation, and Management courses. I am also involved in the business brokerage field and am dedicated to conducting transactions ethically while providing all the necessary information for a successful outcome. 

As a Licensed Real Estate Broker, my teaching credentials allow me to present internationally. I have been elected by REBAC to teach the core ABR course at the Centennial NAR Conference. As a Nevada resident, I have had the honor of presenting all over the state, including in Reno, Las Vegas, Elko, Mesquite, and Pahrump. 

Internationally, I have presented in Vancouver, Cabo San Lucas, Hawaii, Arizona, Indiana, California, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Oregon, South Carolina, New Mexico, Texas, and New Jersey. I have authored several courses approved for real estate continuing education credits and have been voted “Instructor of the Year” three times by student evaluations at my 13,000+ member board. I am also in the GLVAR Hall of Fame. 

My specialties include: 

Negotiation Skills (WCR, RENE & Custom programs) 

Break Through – Personally and Professionally 

Instructor Development Workshop 

Teaching That Works 

Becoming Your Best Presenter 

Ethics and Agency 

Pro Standards Updates 

On a personal note, I am a practicing martial artist, inducted into the Martial Arts Hall of Fame, and hold 4th Dan and 8th Dan black belts. Hiya! 

Rick Diaz

I started my real estate career in Miami in 1993, where I worked for an International Realty company and was responsible for training real estate agents to grow their businesses. By 1998, we had become the second-largest independent real estate firm in Miami. In 2006, I decided to move to Henderson, Nevada, to continue my work in real estate. 

After moving to Henderson, NV, I finished in the top 25 real estate agents for the 2009 year. In 2016, I began working for Key Realty School as an exam prep instructor, helping students prepare for and pass their real estate licensing tests. 

I have two children, Cole and Dani, and I enjoy watching them compete in baseball and softball year-round. 

Mike Federwitz

I have been working with Key Students for over 20 years, and I am always here to help out in any way I can.

You can reach me at Mike@KeyRealtySchool.com or 702-313-7000, Ext. 2.

My family opened the Key Companies in the late 90s with the vision of bringing only the best and most entertaining courses possible to the masses. I started writing curriculum for a variety of real estate-related course subjects shortly after earning my initial degree at UNLV. I became the lead instructor for all Nevada real estate courses over 20 years ago and still continue to support our students and instructor staff on a daily basis. Yes, I am still here and fully immersed in all Key operations.

Over the last 20 years, I have helped some of the largest brokerages in Nevada get their start and have been listed as the official instructor of record for over 20,000 students. My real estate education experience includes everything from AMP, PSI, and Pearson testing panels to compliance review and expert testimony for Nevada attorneys when called upon. I am often relied on statewide by other educators when advanced licensing and education issues arise.

I am the broker of multiple companies in Nevada and California, but I am always ready to assist students because new and existing licensees provide the fuel for the industry.

Mike Hoffman

My purpose at Key Realty School is to provide quality instruction for both pre and post licensing students. Teaching is my passion. One way or another I have been teaching since 1971. I started with elementary school students and have also taught college courses, professional computer programming and user skills and alpine skiing among other subjects.  

I have two daughters who are also involved in education. One daughter is a PHD In education at the University of Michigan and the other teaches Kinder Music to  pre-school children.  

The greatest satisfaction in teaching is “seeing the light go on” when understanding has been achieved. It is my desire to continue to teach as long as I am able. 

Lara Knipmeyer

With over 20 years of experience in community management, I have established myself as a highly accomplished professional in the field. Throughout my career, I have consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence and a passion for education and advocacy.

I contribute valuable content to numerous education classes, specifically focusing on continuing education (CE) classes for community managers. I have worked with the City of Reno on Stormwater Management education for common interest communities and am involved in a new collaboration with the University of Nevada, Reno. Additionally, I work with a local fire consulting firm to provide a series of CE classes on wildland fire education. My experience extends to collaborations with other states, such as California and Idaho, to develop and deliver educational programs for managers, homeowners, and board members.

Andrew Larson

Real estate has been my professional calling since April 12, 2000. Throughout my extensive career, I have amassed a wealth of experience across diverse domains, including residential properties, apartment complexes, 1031 exchanges, new home sales, timeshares, designated brokerage, and mortgage services. 

My journey as an educator began in 2012 when I served as a safety officer in the Civil Air Patrol, igniting a passion for instruction that has only deepened over time. This passion led to three years of mortgage instruction, eventually expanding into the realm of real estate education, where I continue to make impactful contributions today. 

In 2020, I joined the Colibri Group, where I have dedicated myself to fostering a dynamic and enriching learning environment. As a real estate instructor, I channel my enthusiasm, innovative spirit, rigorous study, and unwavering ambition into every class I teach. 

My instructional approach is designed to benefit both the students and the institution. For students, I emphasize key elements such as comprehensive learning, active engagement, exam success, perceived value, efficient use of time, and an enjoyable educational experience. 

I am committed to advancing the field of real estate education, continually striving to inspire and empower the next generation of real estate professionals. 

Tom Payne

With over four decades dedicated to the banking profession, I have cultivated extensive expertise in the residential mortgage industry. During my career journey, I held notable positions including Vice President at two prominent lenders in the Midwest. My leadership journey culminated in assuming the role of President and CEO at a major firm, where I oversaw operations across multiple states including Michigan, Indiana, Florida, California, and Nevada. 

Over 30 years ago, I expanded my professional experience by obtaining a real estate license, seamlessly integrating my banking knowledge with real estate transactions to better serve clients in their buying and selling endeavors. Notably, I served as the corporate broker for three Las Vegas offices. 

In addition to my corporate endeavors, I am deeply passionate about education and have dedicated significant time to teaching real estate classes. My instructional journey continued with Key Realty School beginning  in 2015, where I have since assisted in contributing to shaping the next generation of real estate professionals. 

Carley Rae

I’m Carley Rae, a true Las Vegas native and a licensed residential real estate professional since 2017. I am the proud owner and team lead of a successful realty group in Las Vegas. Currently, I’m a full-time salesperson licensee in the process of converting my license to a broker salesperson. My passion extends beyond my real estate business, as I am deeply involved in education. 

Since 2019, I have been teaching for various brokerages, and since January 2024, I have been teaching for Key Realty. My dedication to education is evident as I teach 1-2 weeks out of the month to hundreds of students per class. As a virtual instructor, I cover all the core continuing education classes and post-licensing classes offered by Key Realty. 

I was honored to be recognized by the Women’s Council of Realtors as one of the 2024 Top 25 Women in Real Estate.

In addition to my professional pursuits, I am a loving mother to three wonderful children and three fur babies. I enjoy baking, sports, being part of women empowerment organizations, and providing assistance to high school students in speech and debate. 

Joe Scrofani

I’ve been a real estate broker for over 40 years, and I’m licensed in both Nevada and California. I earned my Juris Doctor Degree in Law from Western State University College of Law. Throughout my career, I’ve been a top producer and held various managerial positions. 

Currently, I’m an active agent in Henderson, NV. In addition to my teaching responsibilities, I have extensive experience in residential real estate and other areas of real estate, developed over my four decades in the industry. My specialties include listing and selling short sales properties, auction homes, new homes, REO homes, and all types of investment properties. 

Tamara Tyrbouslu

I teach Live lecture and Livestream classes for Key Realty School with over 20 years of experience in real estate. I am a graduate of the University of New Hampshire with degrees in International Affairs and Women’s Studies, attending Le College International de Cannes in France as a study abroad student.  As a Feng Shui practitioner, I’ve also taught Feng Shui for Commercial and Residential Agents. I am Team Leader in Las Vegas, mentoring around 30 agents in real estate, specializing in global expansion. I also teach the Certified International Property Specialist for the National Association of REALTORS and was the co-founder of the award-winning Las Vegas and Nevada Global Business Committees.  I enjoy cycling, karate, and time in nature. My teaching style is conversational, and my classes are focused, informative, and interactive. 

Jena Carroll

I have been with Key Realty School since March of 2018 with a Business Management background for 15+ years.  As a coordinator for Key Realty School, success hinges on guiding students through their educational journey with efficiency and personalized support. My unwavering empathy, clear communication, and dedication to students, plays a pivotal role in empowering them to achieve academic success and pursue their real estate goals. 

Key Realty School has equipped me with valuable education and knowledge. This not only benefits my personal and professional growth but also enhances my ability to assist students in achieving their real estate goals effectively. 

Pamela Garrett-Collins

Working in Key Realty School Admissions office has been home away-from-home since 2006.  I enjoy working in the Admissions office and assisting students navigate in their journey of Real Estate or other careers offered by Key Realty School. I enjoy building a rapport with the students and establishing a trust that ensures their confidence in me and the Key Realty School brand to return for future needs.  

Throughout my tenure in Admissions, I have had the pleasure of assisting students but also working with great team members, and Instructors as well as outside affiliates. The school has afforded me knowledge to remain abreast of the Nevada Laws and changes in the real estate industry as I do hold a real estate license as well. 

 In my spare time, I enjoy fine dining, listening to music, attending jazz concerts, traveling, taking cruises, crocheting and having Spa days.  

Megan Lopez

I’m Megan Lopez, a Las Vegas native with over 20 years of experience in customer-facing roles. My career journey began in the vibrant hospitality industry on the Las Vegas Strip, where I honed my skills and developed a passion for exceptional customer service. 

Currently, I am the Operations Manager at Key Realty School, where we strive to create the best Real Estate agents in Nevada. I take pride in our work and the success of our students. 

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our dogs, as well as indulging in my love for music, which has always been a significant part of my life. Whether attending live concerts or discovering new artists, music brings me joy and relaxation.  I also love traveling to other countries to immerse myself in the local culture and cuisine. 

Erica Russom

I’ve been a dedicated professional in the real estate industry for over a decade, with the last 7 years spent at Key. My journey into real estate began in mortgage lending where I began a strong interest in finance and a desire to help people achieve their dreams of homeownership. This extensive experience has given me the skills and knowledge to support both clients and colleagues effectively, ensuring smooth and successful transactions. My background in mortgage lending has equipped me with a comprehensive understanding of the financial aspects of buying a home, making me an asset in the real estate world. The decision to become a real estate assistant then stemmed from my passion for helping clients navigate the entire home-buying process. I am thrilled that after several rewarding years as a real estate assistant, I transitioned into the role of a real estate educational coordinator at Key. Success, for me, is deeply intertwined with the success of the students I mentor and assist. There is no greater satisfaction than seeing the spark of understanding and confidence in a student’s eyes when they grasp a concept or when they achieve their goals in the real estate field. My approach is rooted in the belief that success comes from a combination of knowledge, hard work, and the right guidance. What I love most about being at Key is the vibrant, supportive community we’ve built. Every day, I’m inspired by the passion and determination of our students and colleagues which continue to help build successful agents in real estate.