Our Teachers
Elizabeth Hellrung
Academy Manager and Instructor
Education was my first career – I earned a BS in Elementary Education in 1998 from SIUE and taught 4th grade for 7 years. I enjoyed helping students connect the dots with their learning and challenge themselves to be and do more than they ever dreamed possible. In 2004, I decided to pursue my real estate license so I could continue to work but also raise a family. I specialized in residential real estate for 7 years and during that time found the love of helping new agents develop their businesses and grow into successful agents. During the downturn of 2009 I took the time to get my managing broker’s license and in 2011, began managing an office. This further fueled my interest and desire to help agents grow their businesses and develop new skills and practices. In 2018, I enhanced our career development series at the company and started coaching agents in 2019. In 2025, I earned my instructor’s license and look forward to years of helping people chase their dream of building a strong business while helping people achieve their real estate goals. My husband Charlie and I have 3 children and we love spending time with all of them – traveling, playing board games, and volunteering in our community.
Leesa Zick
Instructor
There are as many paths to success in real estate as there are individuals. My own path included a BS in Engineering and a 25 year career in commercial construction before becoming a real estate licensee in 2005. I have successfully sold multiple millions of dollars in real estate – both residential and commercial. As a Pre-license Real Estate Instructor since 2008, I have seen hundreds of students become successful agents – each in their own unique way. I married my wonderful husband, Stephen, in 2003 and we have three sons, two daughters-in-law, and four grandchildren. Stephen & I enjoy spending time with family, traveling, and antiquing in our downtime.
Marie Bartony
Instructor
I became licensed in real estate in 1993 because I was ready for a change from doing hair for 15 years but I still wanted the flexibility of setting my own schedule while raising my young daughter. I have seen the industry and market change immensely over the past two decades. I have loved managing and teaching new agents over the years. When I left the management field of the business I found I missed the challenge of working with new agents and the school classroom is where I found a way to share that love of teaching and my experiences without the demands of being tied down managing an office. I have always enjoyed what I do, so it often doesn’t feel like work, just an opportunity to meet new people while helping them to buy or sell the American dream. Since my daughter is grown and married I enjoy spoiling my Havanese and visiting destinations on my travel bucket list.
