Known for her down-to-earth instructional style and extensive real-world experience, Avis brings real estate topics to life through engaging storytelling and practical insights that resonate with learners of all backgrounds.
Avis is the broker for Keller Williams Realty in Round Rock and Georgetown and has served in this role since April 2001. She was chairman of the Texas Real Estate Commission from 2011 to 2019. Prior to that she served as vice chairman for two years and as a commissioner for one. She was also a member of TREC’s Broker Lawyer Committee from 2001 to 2005 and was chairman of the board for the Texas Association of Realtors in 2007.
Since 2019, Avis has been the operations manager for the continuing education provider, 2 Old Chicks on Real Estate, based in Georgetown, TX
John serves as the Co-Chair of the Texas Real Estate Commission Broker-Lawyer Committee to which the President of the State Bar of Texas twice appointed John to six-year terms (2017-2023 and 2023-2029). John’s colleagues on the committee elected him Co-Chair in 2022.
Building on his desire to raise the bar and educate parties in real estate transactions, John founded Special Provisions, LLC which provides in-depth analysis of real estate contracts and legal issues, broker/agent risk-management, continuing education, and extensive self-help legal resources.
John takes great pride in his ability to relate to his clients and their situations which arises from having walked in their shoes as an attorney, real estate agent, escrow officer, and business owner.
Vanessa Burgess serves as the Deputy Executive Director for the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC). In this role, she supports the work of the Executive Director and agency operations by working closely with agency leadership and the Commission. She also works with TREC advisory committees, including the Broker Responsibility Advisory Committee and the Broker-Lawyer Committee. Her work also includes working with the Communications Division in developing the coursebooks and related materials for the TREC Broker Responsibility and Legal Update courses. She also participates in the Train the Trainer sessions hosted by TREC for these courses.
Prior to serving in this role, Vanessa served as the General Counsel for TREC for five years where she advised the Commission and agency leadership on agency legal matters.
Summer is the Government and Strategic Communications Director for the Texas Real Estate Commission, where she leads the development and delivery of agency information across various platforms. She also serves as the agency's liaison to Texas legislators and their staff.
Before joining TREC, Summer was Director of Communications for The Arc of Texas, a statewide nonprofit advocating for community inclusion of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She spent eight years as an editor for Texas REALTOR® magazine, and worked in Washington, DC, as an editor for Associations Now, published by the American Society of Association Executives.
A University of Georgia journalism school graduate, Summer is passionate about clear communication, public service, and Georgia football.
Jennifer “Jenn” Wheeler has been with the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) for more than 15 years. Prior to joining the agency, she practiced real estate as a licensed sales agent in Austin, Texas, giving her firsthand experience with the challenges and opportunities facing real estate professionals.
As Director of the Education and Examinations Division, Jenn leads strategic initiatives, implements policy, procedural, and rule changes, and collaborates with agency leadership, stakeholders, and advisory committees to support TREC’s mission of consumer protection. She is passionate about adult learning and committed to ensuring that real estate education remains relevant, effective, and meaningful for all license holders.
Jenn holds several professional instructor certifications, including the Certified Distance Education Instructor (CDEI) designation from the International Distance Education Certification Center, the Gold Standard Instructor (GSI) certification from the Real Estate Educators Association, and the Certified Real Estate Instructor (CREI) designation from the Texas Real Estate Teacher’s Association.
When she’s not immersed in real estate education, Jenn enjoys traveling and searching for the perfect island retirement destination. While she loves real estate and adult learning, her ultimate dream is to wake up to ocean views, spend her days rescuing dogs, and enjoy life by the water.
Jennifer “Grube” Grube has been part of the Education Division at the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) for the past 12 years, where she enjoys helping create engaging learning experiences for adult learners. She holds a Master of Education from Western Governors University and discovered her passion for career and technical education while working at Le Cordon Bleu Austin.
A lifelong learner, Grube is always exploring new ways to make learning interactive and meaningful. She’s achieved the Distinguished Toastmaster Award, CDEI, and GSI designations.
When she’s not working, you’ll likely find her walking, focusing on wellness, spending time with her crazy pugs, or tolerating the backyard chickens.
Feel free to reach out to Grube with any questions you may have about non-elective CE courses.