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. 

Jan O’Brien

Real estate has been my world for over 34 years, and I still wake up every day excited about this industry. I have been licensed in Nevada since 1992 and added my Florida license in 2020. Over the course of my career, I have served at every level of the business, from sales agent and branch manager to team leader, corporate broker, general manager, and franchise development executive for two of the largest and most productive real estate companies in Las Vegas. Today, I am an active REALTOR specializing in residential listings, resales, and new homes throughout the Las Vegas Valley. That hands-on, day-to-day experience in the field is something I bring directly into every class I teach because real estate is not a textbook business. It is a people business, and the lessons that matter most come from real transactions, real conversations, and real problem-solving.

Training and coaching is my true passion, and it always has been. I have been a certified instructor for the Nevada Real Estate Division for more than 25 years, and at Key Realty School, I teach pre-licensing, post-licensing, and continuing education courses. I have also authored several continuing education courses, including a 7-hour short sale CE course. Whether I am working with someone who is brand new to real estate and trying to pass their licensing exam, or a seasoned agent looking to sharpen their skills through continuing education, my goal is always the same: to make sure every student walks out of my classroom better prepared and more confident than when they walked in.

My teaching style is conversational and grounded in real-world application. I want my students to feel comfortable asking questions, challenging ideas, and connecting the material to their own goals.

Beyond the classroom, I am the co-founder of WBNL Coaching, a real estate training and coaching company.  I also co-host the weekly Wandering But Not Lost Podcast, where real estate and reality meet.

Before I ever sold a home, I proudly served as a Captain and UH-60 Blackhawk pilot in the United States Army from 1984 to 1992. I approach every class with the same mindset: preparation matters, details matter, and the people you serve deserve your best.

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.

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. 

Steve Matthews

My name is Steve Matthews, and I’ve been an instructor in real estate education since 1980. For over four and half decades, I’ve had the privilege of teaching real estate professionals both locally as well as nationally, watching the industry evolve and helping agents navigate those changes with confidence and competence. That longevity in the classroom has given me a deep understanding of what works, what doesn’t, and most importantly, what truly serves the agent who’s committed to building a sustainable career.

For more than two years now, I’ve been teaching continuing education courses with Key Realty School – in my opinion, the finest real estate school in Las Vegas, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve agents in Nevada and beyond. In that time, I’ve developed a curriculum approach that stays current with the Code of Ethics, Nevada laws, and the regulatory landscape that agents need to navigate to stay compliant and out of trouble. That’s expertise born from real experience – I’ve been a broker in four states, and I’ve walked the path that the agents sitting in my classroom are walking. I know the challenges they face because I’ve faced them and continue to face them myself.

What drives me as an educator is a genuine passion for elevating the real estate profession. I believe that when agents succeed, the entire industry rises. My mission in every class is to help agents become more in their business, more confident, more knowledgeable, and more effective. When an agent leaves my classroom with actionable insights they can apply that very week, when they feel empowered to handle complex situations with clarity, when they understand not just the rules but the reasoning behind them, that’s when I know I’m making a difference. And when agents operate with integrity and competence, it raises the credibility of our entire profession. That matters to me deeply.

My teaching style reflects that commitment. I bring high energy into the classroom because I believe learning should be engaging, even when the material is dense or technical. I keep things light and pepper in humor where they fit naturally, because real estate professionals spend enough time stressed and overwhelmed. Beneath that, energy and levity is a laser focus on one thing: bettering the student for every minute they spend with me. I understand that continuing education is a requirement, not always a choice.  My passion is to make that time genuinely worthwhile. I want them to leave feeling uplifted and encouraged, not drained. I want them to have covered the material the state requires, absolutely, but I also want them to feel like their time was respected and invested in their growth.

Over nearly five decades in real estate, I’ve learned that the foundation of success isn’t just knowledge—it’s belief in yourself and in the value, you bring to your clients. As an instructor, I see it as my responsibility to help build that belief in every agent I teach. Whether they’re navigating a complex transaction, handling an ethics question, or thinking through how to elevate their business practices, I want them to feel like they have a partner who understands their world. That’s what I bring to Key Realty School, and that’s what I hope agents take with them when they leave my class. Teaching real estate education isn’t just what I do, it’s part of who I am. It’s how I’ve chosen to give back to this profession that’s given me so much, and it’s where I find the most meaning in my work.

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. 

Paul Rich

I am a Broker-Salesperson and Property Manager in Henderson, NV, holding numerous industry designations, including CRB, CRS, SRS, ABR, C-RETS, RENE, PSA, HFR, MRP, SRES, e-Pro, SFR, C2EX, RSPS, AHWD, CNE, and CBAE. My background includes experience as a Broker Owner, Broker Manager, Community Manager, and owner of an HOA management company. 

Before transitioning to real estate, I spent 20 years as a public school educator. I currently serve as the 2025 Faculty Chair for Las Vegas Realtors, am on staff with Key Realty, and regularly teach throughout Nevada. I have also presented at CRS Sellabration and served on the REBI Board of Directors from 2020-2024. 

In 2025, I am honored to serve as the Vice Chair for both the Las Vegas Realtors and Nevada Realtors Property Management Committees, as well as the Faculty Chair for LVR. Additionally, I am a member of the 2025 NVR Legislative Committee and LMT and the immediate Past President of the Nevada Chapter of the National Association of Residential Property Managers. 

I am proud to be the recipient of the 2022 Las Vegas Realtors Ronn Reiss Education Award and the 2023 Las Vegas Realtors Residential Instructor of the Year. 

Beyond my professional life, I am happily married with four daughters and love spending time with my first grandson. 

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. 

Allison Flin

Born and raised Texas-girl living in beautiful Las Vegas, I’ve had many hats and played many roles in the Hospitality industry serving customers. My career began in Texas as an esthetician in the spa industry where I fell in love with impacting clients lives in a positive way by the services I performed. I eventually made my way to the West Coast continuing my journey in the spa industry, but life had other things planned for me. I became a mother to the sweetest little girl that took me in a different direction where I began remote work, still very much involved in clients’ lives but in a different way. I have joined this team at a pivotal moment in my life where my daughter is now transitioning into full time school, this allows me to blossom into a new career path. In this exciting time my goal is to provide a phenomenal and easy-going experience while assisting Dreamers achieve their license in Real Estate. I am thrilled to lay down some roots in Las Vegas and continue my path in helping these students along their educational journey. 

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.  

Tamara Saladin

Throughout my career, I have embraced a diverse range of roles, each reflecting my passion for education and personal growth. I have had the privilege of serving as a Middle School Language Arts Teacher, a Pit Boss at a renowned casino on The Strip, and a Southwest Native Plant Specialist at a local cactus nursery. As a lifelong learner, I have explored many career paths, but one constant throughout each has been my commitment to education. 

In every position, whether I was teaching reading and writing skills to middle school students, explaining gaming rules and regulations to casino patrons and dealers, or providing expert guidance on desert plant care to the Las Vegas community, my goal has always been to make a positive impact. I have consistently sought to empower individuals by sharing knowledge and fostering a love of learning. 

Currently, as an Education Coordinator at Key Realty School, I am proud to continue my journey in education by helping students navigate their own learning experiences. I find great satisfaction in supporting and encouraging them as they work toward their career aspirations, guiding them every step of the way to ensure their success. Through each of these roles, I remain dedicated to making a difference in the lives of those I serve. 

Mari Williams

Originally from Detroit, Michigan, I’ve spent over five years in education, including time as a College Advisor with the Michigan College Access Network. I love helping students turn uncertainty into confidence whether it’s tackling FAFSA, exploring post-secondary options, or celebrating big wins. At Key, I’m passionate about creating a space where students feel seen, supported, and excited for what’s next. My advising style is warm, patient, and rooted in understanding each unique path. Outside of work, I’m a traveler at heart, obsessed with discovering new foods (currently perfecting my Butter Chicken recipe!). Gardening and yoga keep me grounded, and fun fact: I studied Japanese in school. I’m also an auntie to 11, one of many siblings, and a proud puppy mom to Fasah.