Meet our instructors

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 Jacel Galloway is a dedicated and experienced real estate instructor with a passion for empowering professionals in the industry. With 20 years of teaching and coaching experience, Jacel brings a wealth of knowledge and practical insights to my courses. Jacel instructs the following NAR Designations and Certifications: NAR Green, NAR Accredited Buyer Representative, and Equestrian Properties Specialist. These specialized courses cover topics such as sustainable practices, buyer representation, and equestrian property transactions. As an instructor of NAR Designations and Certifications, Jacel brings a deep understanding of industry standards and best practices to her courses. Her years of experience in the real estate industry provide students with valuable insights and real-world perspectives.  

 Ocie J. Murphy began his real estate journey as an investor, before becoming a licensed agent. He says, “The real estate bug bit me around 1999.” That passion led him to become a licensed Realtor® in Florida in September 2004. In 2006, Ocie relocated to the metro Atlanta area, launching his full-time real estate career—a move that marked the beginning of a promising and rewarding path.

Since then, Ocie has helped numerous individuals, families, and investors navigate the process of buying and selling properties. He is currently licensed in Florida, Georgia, and Alabama. He holds the designations of MRP, ABR®, SRS®, and RENE. A proud U.S. Army veteran, Ocie served honorably for eight years and brings that same sense of dedication, discipline, and service to every real estate transaction.

Born and raised in South Florida, Ocie has always had a strong commitment to faith, family, and community. He has a deep passion for serving God, and that foundation shapes how he approaches both life and business—with integrity, humility, and purpose. Outside of real estate, he enjoys sports and never misses a chance to cheer on his favorite team—the Alabama Crimson Tide. (Roll Tide!)

Passionate about education and mentorship, Ocie teaches real estate courses as a way to give back to the industry. He believes in building a stronger community of professionals and sharpening the skills of fellow agents.

He often says, “We can all learn from one another—so let’s learn together.”

Brittany Purcell is an Originating Loan Officer Assistant with Guild Mortgage, bringing valuable, hands-on lending experience into the classroom for continuing education courses designed for real estate professionals. In her role, she works closely with loan officers, homebuyers, and real estate agents to navigate FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional loan processes, emphasizing accuracy, efficiency, and clear communication at every stage of the transaction.

Brittany’s practical, real-world perspective allows her to translate complex financing guidelines into clear, actionable insights. She equips agents with a deeper understanding of loan programs, contract requirements, and the overall lending process, empowering them to better support their clients and contribute to smooth, successful closings.

 Kim Hawkins is an experienced REALTOR®  and has been licensed since 1994. Kim has been involved in elevating agents to bring them practical knowledge in an always changing, and evolving business, She has worked in different areas of the business which also allows her to bring her "real life" experiences and knowledge to the table helping agents achieve their goals. She is also an associate broker, and does experience in the broker arena.  

Melody Shumake is a seasoned professional with a deep-rooted passion for customer service, education, and real estate. With 20 years of experience in the customer service industry, Melody has exceptional skills in client relations, problem-solving, and effective communication. After spending 10 years teaching and training others, Melody became a sought-after mentor, sharing industry insights and strategies to help others thrive. In 2021, Melody transitioned to real estate, obtaining her license and quickly making a mark in the industry. As a Keller Williams Greater Athens top 20% producing agent for three consecutive years, Melody has demonstrated award winning performance, consistently exceeding client expectations and achieving impressive results. Known for being an expert negotiator, Melody has built a reputation for securing the best outcomes for clients, whether buying or selling a home. Above all, Melody is dedicated to the success of both her clients and students, taking a hands-on approach to ensure they achieve their goals, whether in real estate or in the classroom.

 Lynda Hawkins has combined her passion for real estate with her love of teaching. Her enthusiasm for education led her to earn her instructor certification, where she quickly became known for her dynamic, engaging approach to the classroom. Whether teaching Pre-License, Broker Pre-License, or Continuing Education courses, Lynda brings the curriculum to life—making complex concepts accessible and memorable. 

Lynda takes pride in helping students launch their careers and supporting them as they grow, long after they pass their state exams. Her teaching style is interactive and practical, empowering students with the tools and confidence they need to succeed in today’s real estate industry.

Building on her years of experience and professional growth, Lynda founded Lynda Hawkins Coaching, LLC, where she now works one-on-one with agents at every stage of their careers. Her coaching is tailored to each agent’s individual goals, helping them develop sustainable business strategies and achieve long-term success.