Meet Our Professional Instructors
Ryan Byrne
Ryan is licensed to practice law in both Mississippi and Tennessee and has closed more than 20,000 real estate transactions in his career. He has been an Adjunct Professor of Law for Dowling College, he taught onsite for FedEx Corporation and online to students nationwide. He is also a Certified Real Estate Instructor for the Tennessee Association of REALTORS®, and the Memphis Area Association of REALTORS®.
Brian Estes
Brian is president of The Estes Group, a commercial real estate company. He specializes in investment properties above $1,000,000, specifically shopping centers and net-leased investments. In 2015 he was awarded Mississippi’s Commercial Realtor of the Year and in 2009 Top 40 under 40 by the Mississippi Business Journal, which highlights individuals who have made significant contributions to Mississippi’s overall economic progress.
Judy Glenn
Judy is broker-owner of Corinth Realty and brings 40+ years’ experience as real estate broker and REALTOR® to the classroom. Judy has served the REALTOR® industry in a variety of capacities, including 1991 President of the Mississippi Association of REALTORS®.
Linda Graham
Linda Graham is the Broker/Owner of Coldwell Banker Graham & Associates, Inc. Realtor based in Madison, MS. Linda’s experience as a trainer began in 1985 as an inhouse trainer for SunTrust Bank in Orlando, FL. Moving to Atlanta in 1988, Linda worked in the training department of the Office of Thrift Supervision until moving to Madison in 1994 and began working as a licensee. She opened her office in February 1997 and is involved in the training of all agents who join her firm.
A student of learning, Linda has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and real estate designations as a Realtor that include the Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR), Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager (CRB), Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), Certified Relocation Professional (CRP), Short Sales and Foreclosure Resource Certification (SFR), Graduate of the Realtor Institute (GRI) and is C2EX Endorsed. Linda began teaching for MRI in the summer of 2017 and specializes in pre-license and exam prep training.
Cynthia Joachim
Cynthia has been active in the real estate industry for more than 28 years. In her home state of Mississippi, she served as state president in 1998, won the Mississippi REALTORS® Institute’s Instructor of the Year award four times, and was honored as the state REALTOR® of the Year in 2000 and inducted into the MAR Hall of Fame in 2009.
Melissa Key
Melissa Key is a dynamic force in the real estate world, seamlessly blending her CPA expertise and sharp business acumen into her role as a real estate professional and trusted consultant. A proud graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi with a degree in Business Administration, Melissa has spent over two decades as a Certified Public Accountant, honing her financial skills and strategic thinking. Her transition to the real estate industry nearly twenty years ago was a natural evolution, allowing her to leverage her deep understanding of finance and market trends to benefit her clients. As an Associate Broker with Woodland Realty, Melissa’s charisma and unwavering dedication have made her a standout in the Hattiesburg and Laurel markets. Her prowess as a real estate investor and her passion for the art of negotiation have further solidified her reputation as a formidable professional in the industry. Melissa’s passion for real estate extends beyond transactions; she is a revered instructor who brings real-life experiences and infectious enthusiasm to the classroom. In 2019, she received the coveted Instructor of the Year award from the Mississippi Realtors Association, highlighting her exceptional ability to educate and inspire. Her commitment to excellence and leadership was also recognized in 2016 when she was named REALTOR® of the Year by the Hattiesburg Area Association of REALTORS® and served as President. Melissa’s ability to connect with people, coupled with her extensive knowledge and experience, makes her an invaluable asset to her clients and students alike. Whether navigating complex deals or inspiring future real estate professionals, Melissa Key embodies excellence and dedication in every endeavor.
Ann Prewitt
Ann Prewitt is the Broker Owner of Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Ann Prewitt Realty with offices in Ridgeland, Hattiesburg, and Biloxi. She has been involved in the marketing, training, finance, and real estate practice and has trained over 10,000 REALTORS in Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia on “How to Sell HUD Properties” by writing and teaching CE seminars. She has also invested in real estate and purchased her first commercial building in 1992. Not only can Ann talk the talk, but she has a proven track record of success in her 25+ years in the real estate business.
Kathy Whitfield, ABR, GRI, RENE, SRS
Kathy has been active in the real estate community as a REALTOR®, Broker/Owner, instructor and keynote presenter for over 25 years. She has over 10 years experience teaching for the Mississippi REALTORS® Institute and is known and respected as an institute of vast real estate knowledge. Kathy holds a Master of Music Education degree from Delta State University, is a certified safety instructor for both the National Rifle Association and the National Association of REALTORS® and holds Professional Coaching credentials from the Center for Coaching Certification.
Online or in-person classes? Wondering which one is best for you? Check out our detailed guide to help you determine which one is the right fit:
Online REALTOR® Classes vs In Person: Which One is Best for You?