Our Teachers
Leesa Zick
Academy Manager and Instructor
As Manager of the Gateway Academy of Real Estate, I am fascinated to hear incoming students’ reasons for wanting to become a licensee. 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.
