Cornerstone Education Alliance proudly partners with a dynamic network of exceptional instructors.
Cheryl Knowlton brings unparalleled energy and expertise in real estate risk management and professional development. Lori Pace delivers transformative courses that weave together leadership, commercial, and luxury property expertise with a global perspective. Alan Smith, a seasoned industry leader, offers strategic insight and actionable training that empowers growth. Mark Peebles inspires professionals to elevate performance through engaging, results-driven education. Nelson Zide draws on decades of real estate success, sharing timeless principles that resonate with every audience. EksAyn Anderson, founder of Father for Freedom, delivers powerful lessons in influence, negotiation, and authentic connection. Carmen Blanchard blends creativity and business acumen, helping real estate professionals sharpen their brand and communication impact. Vanessa Franz Barnes, a top-producing agent and sought-after coach, equips agents to overcome barriers and build consistent, thriving businesses.
Together, these instructors form a premier alliance of thought leaders—united by a shared commitment to educational excellence, professional growth, and the continued advancement of the real estate industry.
Lori Pace specializes in commercial and luxury properties as well as leadership training. With her dynamic teaching style, she equips audiences with strategies that sharpen decision-making, elevate influence, and drive meaningful, people-focused success. She is passionate about helping professionals thrive in competitive markets while building lasting connections.
Alan Smith is a real estate agent, instructor, and keynote speaker who empowers professionals through expert training and inspiring keynotes. As founder of The Sole Path, he blends real estate expertise with personal growth strategies to guide careers with confidence and purpose, encouraging agents to reach their fullest potential.
As a top 2% real estate producer, entrepreneur, keynote speaker, and Founder of NavX Realty. Known for his towering presence and high-energy teaching style, he inspires with humor, heart, and practical strategy. As host of the Real Life in Real Estate podcast and creator of the Ultimate Success framework, Mark equips agents for lasting success.
EksAyn Anderson is an influence strategist, author, and international speaker featured in Forbes and Speaker Magazine. Author of The Key to the Gate, he combines psychology and real-world experience to teach powerful strategies in sales, negotiation, and customer loyalty. Known for closing record-breaking deals, he equips audiences with practical tools to connect, communicate, and influence at the highest level.
With over 40 years in real estate, Nelson is a respected expert known for exceptional service, mentorship, and leadership. A senior GRI instructor and national trainer, he holds multiple designations and has consistently ranked among the top ERA companies. An accomplished author and community leader, he has raised over $600,000 for muscular dystrophy.
Insight & Motivation
Carmen Blanchard is a nationally recognized real estate educator and broker with expertise spanning residential, commercial, luxury, and investment properties. A certified instructor with numerous NAR designations and certifications, she is celebrated for her engaging teaching style, leadership in professional standards, and dedication to elevating real estate education nationwide.
Vanessa Franz Barnes is passionate about helping real estate agents overcome obstacles and break through barriers so they can build a consistent and profitable businesses, regardless of the market. Known for teaching “The How”, Vanessa implifies complex strategies into clear, actionable steps that will drive real results. And the BEST part: real estate agents will walk away feeling less overwhelmed and have a clear understanding of how to apply these in their business immediately.
"The How" Instructor
Debra Killian is a seasoned mortgage and real estate education professional with over 35 years of financial, banking, and business experience. A licensed Mortgage Loan Originator and Certified Residential Mortgage Specialist (CRMS) since 1994, Debra has personally overseen more than $1 billion in closed residential real estate loans. A graduate of Western Connecticut State University with a B.B.A. in Accounting, she blends deep industry knowledge with a passion for teaching. As co-founder of CLOES.online, Debra develops and delivers innovative mortgage and real estate education, including NMLS-approved pre-licensing and continuing education courses. Her engaging instruction bridges compliance, competency, and practical application—empowering professionals to achieve excellence in every transaction.
Educate with Excellence
Empowering professionals through knowledge that inspires action and mastery.
At Cornerstone Education Alliance, education is more than a requirement—it’s a catalyst for transformation. Our commitment to excellence ensures that every course is thoughtfully crafted to deliver practical, relevant, and engaging learning experiences. We partner with elite instructors who bring real-world expertise, dynamic teaching styles, and a genuine passion for helping professionals thrive. Through our programs, learners gain not only knowledge but the confidence and competence to apply it in meaningful ways—elevating their careers, their clients, and their communities.
Collaborate with Intention
Building bridges between instructors, associations, and industry leaders for lasting impact.
True progress happens through collaboration. CEA was founded on the belief that education is strongest when it connects people and purpose. We intentionally foster relationships between associations, instructors, and organizations—creating partnerships that enhance learning, streamline logistics, and strengthen the foundation of professional growth. Every collaboration is built with clarity, respect, and shared goals, ensuring that the impact of each course extends far beyond the classroom. Together, we create opportunities for continuous learning and collective success.
Elevate with Integrity
Raising the standard of professional education—one partnership, one course, one learner at a time.
Integrity is the cornerstone of our alliance. From the instructors we represent to the education we deliver, CEA upholds the highest standards of honesty, transparency, and professionalism. We believe that lasting impact comes from doing what’s right—consistently and without compromise. Every program we design, every partnership we build, and every learner we serve reflects our unwavering dedication to quality and ethical excellence. Through integrity, we don’t just meet expectations—we elevate them, setting a higher standard for what professional education can and should be.
At Cornerstone Education Alliance, we are grateful to work with instructors who bring not only incredible expertise but also genuine care to every class they teach. Their passion, energy, and dedication make learning both practical and inspiring, leaving a lasting impact on the professionals they serve. In addition, CEA works hand-in-hand with one-person offices, offering personalized support, resources, and guidance to ensure members have a seamless and rewarding experience. By bridging the gap between top-tier instructors and the unique needs of smaller offices, we create meaningful connections and elevate real estate education for every member.