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Welcome to West Michigan School of Real Estate

At West Michigan School of Real Estate, we are dedicated to providing top-quality, in-person real estate education. Our courses are taught by industry professionals who are committed to helping you build a successful career in real estate. We offer a supportive learning environment and practical training to prepare you for the challenges and opportunities in the real estate industry.

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Meet Our TEAM

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Laura Earley

Program Director

The Program Director is responsible for overseeing the entire operation of the real estate pre-licensing program. This includes managing the curriculum, ensuring compliance with all relevant state real estate licensing regulations, and supervising both instructors and administrative staff. The Program Director handles course scheduling, monitors student progress, addresses student concerns, and ensures a high-quality educational experience from start to finish. In addition, the director maintains program records, reports to state licensing bodies when required, and drives improvements to course content and delivery.

Experience:

  • Experience: 5 years in real estate business 

  • ​Education: Western Michigan University

  • Licenses/Certifications: REALTOR®

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Zachary Bumgarner

School Administrator

The School Administrator is responsible for ensuring the classroom and facilities are clean, organized, and fully prepared before each class session. This role plays a key part in creating a welcoming and professional learning environment by managing the physical setup of the classroom and addressing basic logistical needs. Duties include setting up chairs and tables, checking that technology is functional, restocking supplies, and ensuring the room is tidy and comfortable for students and instructors. The administrator also greets students and instructors and provides light support during class sessions as needed.

Experience:

  • Experience: 2 years in real estate business

  • Education: Bachelor’s in Marketing from Michigan State

  • Licenses/Certifications: REALTOR®

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Melanie Haas

Marketing Coordinator

Promotes the school’s programs through digital and traditional marketing strategies. Manages social media and creates advertising campaigns.

Experience:

  • Experience: 17 years of Marketing Experience, 15 in the Real Estate Industry

  • Education: Bachelors in Advertising and Promotion and Journalism from Western Michigan University

  • Honors and Awards: 2020 and 2023 GDUSA American Graphic Design Award Winner

Instructors

The Real Estate Pre-Licensing Instructor is responsible for delivering engaging, informative, and compliant instruction to students preparing for the state licensing exam. This role involves teaching state-approved curriculum in a classroom, explaining key real estate principles, laws, and practices in a clear and accessible way. Instructors must foster a supportive learning environment, encourage student participation, and ensure students are well-prepared to pass the licensing exam. Additional responsibilities include staying current with changes in real estate regulations, answering student questions, providing feedback, and helping maintain accurate attendance records.

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Christy Pierangeli

Experience:

  • Experience: 27 years in real estate business. Supported the MLS system for 8 Associations of REALTORS® in Southwest Michigan. Created training curriculum and advanced learning opportunities on the MLS system. Director of Information Systems and Multiple Listing Service from 2002 - 2017 at the Greater Kalamazoo Association of REALTORS® (GKAR). Staff Liaison to the MLS/Technology, Commercial and Risk Management Committees. SentriLock Customer Focus Group.

  • Education: Bachelor’s from Western Michigan University

  • Certifications: ePro®

  • Community Involvement: Portage Central Men's Lacrosse Board (2023), Scouting America: Troop 287 Portage, MI (2016 - 2023), Scouting America: Pack 288 Portage, MI (2011 - 2015)

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Lee Crossley

Experience:

  • Experience: 28 years in real estate business

  • Education: Bachelor’s Degrees in Business Administration in Marketing, Western Michigan University 

  • Licenses/Certifications:  REALTOR®, Associate Broker, State of Michigan Licensed Residential Builder, Real Estate License Instructor – MREA, Real Estate Continuing Education Instructor - MREA

  • Community Involvement: GKAR - Professional Standards Committee 2018 - Current, Risk Management Committee 2005 - current, West Michigan Forms Committee 2024 - current, Michigan Realtors - Public Policy 2024 & 2025, Richland Twp - Board of Review 2010 - Current, Past Board of Directors - Greater Kalamazoo Association of REALTORS® (GKAR), Past President  - GKAR (2010), Grievance Committee - GKAR, Membership Committee, REALTOR® of the Year GKAR (2016)

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Michaelan Hudson

Experience:

  • Experience: 11 years in real estate business

  • Education: Bachelor's in Business Administration/Human Resource Management from WMU

  • Licenses/Certifications: REALTOR®, Broker's License, Certified Apartment Manager (CAM), National Association of Residential
    Property Managers (NARPM)

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Madison Jaqua

Experience:

  • Experience: 6 years in real estate business

  • Education: Master of Business Administration (MBA), University of Michigan, Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing and Management from Indiana University

  • Licenses/Certifications: Associate Broker License, REALTOR®, Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM), GRI

  • Community Involvement: ​Treasurer of the Saugatuck Visitors and Convention Bureau, 2023-Present

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Jessica Kugler

Experience:

  • Experience: 12 years in real estate business

  • Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing, Western Michigan University

  • Licenses/Certifications: Associate Broker, REALTOR®, GRI

  • Community Involvement: First 50 Leadership & Mentor Program through Southwest Michigan First, Leading RE Maestro Leadership Graduate (2024)

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Suzzette Deaux

Experience:

  • Experience: 22 years in real estate business

  • Education: Bachelor’s of Science in Education from Western Michigan University

  • Licenses/Certifications: REALTOR®, Associate Broker, CRS, SRS, RENE, SRES, ABR, AHWD, C2EX, PSA, CRB

  • Community Involvement: Treasurer - GKAR, President - GKAR, Past President Elect - GKAR, Past Treasurer - GKAR, Risk Management Committee - GKAR, Budget and Finance Committee - GKAR, Great Expectations Chapter, Past Member Texas Township Planning Commission, Member - Home Builders Association of Western Michigan

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Dan Jaqua

Experience:

  • Experience: 30 years in real estate business

  • Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Business and Administration in Real Estate and Marketing, University of Michigan

  • Licenses/Certifications: REALTOR®, Associate Broker, GRI, CRS, ABR, CRB, CRP, RAM, Real Estate License Instructor – MREA, NARPM

  • Community Involvement and Awards: President - GKAR - 2014, Real Estate Political Action Committee Trustee, Board of Directors - Portage Rotary Club, Board of Directors - Greater Kalamazoo Board of REALTORS®, Board of Directors - Southwest Michigan First, Campaign Director - United Way Greater Kalamazoo Association of REALTORS®, Member - Home Builders Association, Board of Directors, American Heart Association, Finalist for the West Michigan Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2004, Selected as one of the Top 40 Business Leaders Under 40 for West Michigan

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Tracy Baker

Experience:

  • Experience: 14 years in real estate business

  • Education: Bachelor’s of Arts in International Relations and Affairs from Michigan State University 

  • Licenses/Certifications: REALTOR®, Associate Broker License

  • Community Involvement: Member - South Haven Chamber of Commerce, Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber of Commerce, South Haven Visitor and Convention Bureau, Blessings in a Backpack-South Haven
    President - Harborside Condominium Association, Member - Elks Lodge 1509, South Haven Jazz Festival, South Haven Community Garden, REALTORS® Beach Clean-Up Days, United Way Rake a Difference-St. Joe

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Jennifer Beam

Experience:

  • Experience: 17 years in real estate business, 19 year career as co-owner and president of the family business

  • Education: Masters of Business Administration from Davenport University 

  • Licenses/Certifications: Associate Broker

  • Community Involvement: Greater Kalamazoo Association of REALTORS® Committee Member - 2021-Present, Battle Creek Montessori Academy - School Board Treasurer - 2012-2020

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Devin Jaqua

Experience:

  • Experience: 4 years in real estate business

  • Education: Bachelors of Business from Michigan State University Honors College

  • Licenses: REALTOR®

  • Community Involvement: South Haven Chamber of Commerce Ambassador 2022 - 2024, Big Brothers Big Sisters Mentor 2024 - present, Youth Volleyball Coach 2022 - present

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