Real Advantage Institute

Real Advantage Institute is a learning environment that targets academic, foundational, and vocational learning for applied results. What make our institution different from others, our expert standards, distinct approach, and flexibility to work with students of different races, languages, all learning levels, and deficiencies for one common result beyond expectations! We excel in placing special attention to those who are experiencing financial challenges or learning deficiencies. 

LEADERSHIP: 

Sana Lee Esq., Acting Chairperson and Executive Director of the Board, Chief Executive Officer of the Real Estate School and General Services                              

San Lee Esq., As the corporate officer, provides leadership and goverance of all executive and manegerial activies associated with Real Advantage Institute educational programs, communitity advocacies, and general outreach services. Sana as the school principal of all licensing programs provides guidance and leadership support to administration and faculty.

REAL ADVANTAGE INSTITUTE

FACULTY:

                                                                                                                                             Dr. Conrad R. Richards, Management Consultant and Faculty

Conrad R. Richards Ph.D., Founder, Former Chairman and Executive Director of the Board, currently acting as a management consultant of program services. He is a tenured educator, business consultant, pre-college/adult learning facilitator, and community advocate his primary objective is to provide environment for real change. Conrad is a professor of real estate brokerage management, mortgage lending licensing, leadership business management, a consultant in career advisement and leadership development. Conrad is certified Leadership and Career Advisor and Counselor in Hogan Assessment Systems Inventories, HPI, MVPI, and HDS instruments to assess personality, performance risk, and motivational values that relates to career development, leadership development, and human performance improvements. Conrad has an extensive training experience background specializing in leadership development for human resource professionals, organizational development programs for supervisors and managers. Also Conrad had training experiences extend to courses for salespeople, and vocational licensing programs in real estate brokerage management. Conrad is also a certified real estate broker and instructor for sales and brokerage licensing and continuing education by NYS Bureau of Educational Standards. Conrad is also certified coordinator of NYS mortgage loan origination programs for mortgage license professionals by Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System and New York State Banking Department. Conrad uses his extensive knowledge in real estate to support the general community in comprehensive counseling in pre-purchasing and home buying awareness.

Conrad, as an adjunct Professor developed and taught online and classroom graduate and certificate programs at New York University School of Professional and Continuing Studies, Leadership and Human Capital Management Department, which provided Conrad an enriched experience in exploring learning methods to assist organizational leaders in human resource management, training and development, and effective research methodology impacting organizations and community.

Conrad, delivers a wide array of courses targeting career development, academic achievement, vocational and long life learning, and comprehensive counseling in housing, domestic issues, health and wellness. Conrad, as a pastor of Glory Mission International Ministries (GMI) and public advocate for Rivers In the Desert Advocacy Center (RITDAC) advocates for community well-being, higher academic standards among our young minds, consumer rights in housing, awareness of domestic violence and human trafficking that decay our valued community, and health & wellness for sustainable living.

Conrad is also affiliated, as a lecturer and faculty at the following institutions: New York University, Hofstra University, Baruch College, York College, Queens College, and selected real estate proprietary schools specializing in licensing education. Conrad’s academic background includes, AAS in Accountancy from New York City College of Technology, BBA in General Accounting from Pace University, and a MBA in Corporate Finance and Investments from Adelphi University. Conrad acquired his doctorate majoring in Leadership and Organizational Change Management from Walden University where his thesis focused on behavioral assessments relationship applied to career development, leadership development, and organizational alignment toward human performance. Conrad is a firm believer based on research results and ongoing practice that skills can be taught but character development is self determined. Therefore personality and behavioral assessment applied to professional development and leadership is a crucial endeavor toward professional alignment.
                                       

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE:

Susan Jeng                                                    Coordinator of Operations and Programs               Community Advocate                                       ESL and Language Studies Faculty                     Human Rights Director                                Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking

Susan Jeng, Coordinator of Operations and Programs, Educator and Community Advocate provide ESL and Language support to Real Advantage Institute. As a founder of Rivers In The Desert Advocacy Center (RITDAC) in 2002 and astounding advocate for human rights impacting domestic violence and human trafficking, and an ESL bilingual teacher, and an Adult Learning Administrator, Susan has been noted as a woman of great courage, optimism and cheerfulness. Susan is also a member of the New York State Anti-trafficking Coalition and is considered a strong lobbyist for tougher laws against Domestic Violence and Human Traffickers. On December 11, 2008 Susan was one of the participants that attended the State government public hearing in Albany that resulted in the enactment that strengthen the penalties against human traffickers. Susan directs the Domestic Counseling and Advisement workshops that targets Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking victims.

As an ESL bilingual teacher, Susan specializes in Mandarin and Taiwanese translations, born in Taipei, Taiwan and after the sophomore year at Fu-Jen University she immigrated to the United States. Susan is a product of Taiwan and United States social culture where she has an extensive experience in English translation for Chinese adult learners and social and community resources for new Chinese immigrants entering in the New York metropolitan area. Susan also specializes in legal support services where she supports in immigration and other legal court proceedings. Susan who worked for Queens College CUNY and an experienced Adult Learning Administrator brings great support to the Real Advantage experience. Susan engages in Community Outreach Initiatives and the development of ESL bilingual English beginner classes. Susan also provides language translation services for the community.           

REAL ADVANTAGE INSTITUTE                                                                                            

Roland Lee                                                     Business Advisor & Senior Consultant               SEO Internet Advertising                                 Website Designer                                            International Public                                 Relations of Operations   

Roland Lee,  born and raised in New York City, American Born Chinese who speaks fluent Cantonese and English, has worked as a CTO travel consultant in American Airlines and was supervisor who managed LSG Skychefs International in JFK Airport in the 1990s.  He has received is Certificate of Achievement in the Airlines Reporting Corporation.   He was also the co-owner and Director of Uleytyd Travel and currently the owner of Rydex Direct, LLC.  Rydex Direct is a full service web design and SEO Internet Advertising Firm. Roland was also General Manager for over 6 years in the restaurant franchise and beverage industry.  He has official certifications in IHOP, Friendly’s, ServSafe and the National Restaurant Foundation and Council.  He was also Driver Manager for Dial 7 Car & Limousine Service for over 6 years, managed and trained over 850 drivers, dealt with customer service and compliant issues, worked as a liaison to the Asian ethnic community of drivers as translator and business consultant to the owners.  He has an extensive background & experience for over 20 years in business management and administration. As Acting member and Business Advisor/Consultant to the Board, Roland assists Real Advantage with his business acumen and extensive overseas contacts, to forge international business relationships and to help students study abroad in the Real Advantage Institute.  Students can have a better education; hone their skills in a plethora of specialized interests and academic fields to reach the acme of their success.   Roland will strategically market and help promote our website with SEO Internet advertising and social media platforms.

REAL ADVANTAGE INSTITUTE                                                                                                                                             

Victor Chiang                                                                  Community Liaison                                                                       Board Executive Program Advisor                                           Program Executive Advisor of Operations:

Victor Chiang Board Officer, and Community Liaison, is responsible to support RAI community relations and outreach. Victor’s leadership extends to the President of United States Asian Dance Sports Association (USDSA). Victor has been a dancing instructor for more than fifteen years. He specializes in ballroom dancing, Kungfu, and Ballet dancing. Victor is a graduate from National Art College in Taiwan and his major was film directing. He won a scholarship from Shao Brother’s movie industry and was station in Japan to study his Master degree in Art. He also speaks Mandarin, Japanese, and English. As an immigrant to the United State he specialized in Export and Import as a business owner. His leadership in the Queens community includes, former Director and now acting Advisor of the Flushing Business Association, and he is one of the original founders of the “Dragon Boat Festival” since 1990. Currently Victor also supports the Queens community by acting as a member of the Florence E. Smith Community Center Senior Service Council. As a managerial support staff (RAI), Victor as an officer of the Board of Directors provides strategic leadership and advisement.

REAL ADVANTAGE INSTITUTE                                                                                                                                        

Louise Yu–Hua Lu                                                                   Program Manager                                                                   Career Studies Faculty

Louise Yu-Hua Lu specialized in business administration, business office computer skills, computer system maintenance, computer systems engineer, and training consultant in business computer skills development. As a seasoned, well-respected maintenance & troubleshooting technical engineer and an experienced training instructor, Louise have helped and assisted many professionals over the last 25 years. Louise has extensive experience in supporting and teaching career studies targeting business skills development in computer business software programs. Louise brings great support to the Real Advantage experience by providing support in academic leadership.

REAL ADVANTAGE INSTITUTE                                                           

Aki Dong                                                                             Recruiting Marketing Manager                                                   Advantage Prep Studies Faculty

Aki Dong is responsible to adopt a new recruitment and marketing strategy that requires the creation of a results-driven student marketing office that would enables the Institute to achieve its student enrollment objectives. Aki a passionate academic administrator and marketing professional primary objectives is to define student recruitment targets and to facilitate program development. Aki also supports the prep studies faculty by supporting the PSAT/SAT/AP program. AKI specializes in elementary and middle school students in providing tutoring and achievement development in English and Math. Aki has worked in several capacities in assisting academic achievement among pre-college students where she has developed and administered learning programs for academic progress. Aki holds a Bachelors degree in the Arts of Linguistics and a minor in Japanese fluency. Aki is a product of China and United States social culture where she has an extensive experience as a trilingual translator for Chinese, Japanese, and English adult learners and social community resources for new immigrants entering in the New York metropolitan area. Aki brings great support to the Real Advantage experience by providing support to our Advantage Prep Studies PSAT programs.

REAL ADVANTAGE INSTITUTE                                                       



FACULTY ADMINISTRATION:

Chung Neu Chen

Program Specialist                                                                     Real Estate Studies Faculty:

Chung Neu Chen, is the founder and president of A TEAM REALTY specializes in real estate brokerage and residential and commercial appraisal. Chung is a tenured real estate professional who since 1993 have worked with several firms on wide variety of complex commercial transactions and appraisal reporting to support bank lending decisions and review purposes. Chung also specializes in real estate brokerage management and financial management reporting. Chung holds real estate brokerage and commercial appraisal license, Bachelors degree from Fu Jen Catholic University specializing in Mass Communications, Masters degree from Chinese University specializing in Athens, and a Master degree from University of Georgia specializing in Advertising and Market Research. Chung brings great support to the Real Advantage experience by providing support to our Real Estate Studies Program.



Christopher Lee                                                                         Program Specialist                                                                        Career Studies Faculty:

Christopher Lee specialize in social media classes in social media, web marketing, and web development to aid in professional exposure, proficient in networking websites for professional exchanges, and the advantages in marketing through the internet. Christopher also provides introductory insight into developing and marketing your own website for professional exposure, product solicitation, and networking with affiliates and consumers. Christopher is a proficient developer of corporate websites and provides a comprehensive perspective to social media. Christopher brings great support to the Real Advantage experience by providing support to our Advantage Career Studies program.

Shanna Wu Pecoraro                                                                  Program Specialist                                                                        Career Studies Faculty:

Shanna Wu Pecoraro, AICI CIP, as a certified image consultant and founder of SP Consulting International, specialized in etiquette coaching, fashion styling, image consulting, and train the trainer. Shanna provides the real advantage in the awareness of professional image enhancement. Shanna teaches the impact of appearance and behavior, and effective communication skills. Image development is an important component to support students, professionals and business providers. Shanna brings great support to the Real Advantage Career Studies program.

Ben Chen                                                                                    Program Specialist                                                                        Advantage Prep Studies Faculty:

Ben Chen specializes in AP/ SAT I II classes in biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics, which prepares pre-college students for academic achievement. Many of his students have been accept to college without an entrance exam. Ben as an engineering graduate from Harbin Institute of Technology China applies a proven learning system that develops confidence, reliable study approach to achieve higher scores. Ben is a proficient AP/ SAT I II teacher where he is able to design and develop an effective curriculum, and conduct benchmarking testing for academic excellence. Ben is a product of China and United States where he has an extensive experience in English translation for Chinese student. Ben brings great support to the Real Advantage experience by providing support to our Advantage Prep Studies AP/SAT I II programs.

Don Yau                                                                                     Advantage Music Academy Faculty

Don Yau, is a young talented maestro, active violin performer, and teacher, who began playing violin at the age of 4. After having instruction from Vladimir Zyskind, he found a new passion and began to share it with others. He has been teaching ever since high school, when he started out by helping his friends and classmates with their violin playing. Ever since then, he has taught one on one violin lessons for over 50 different people. Admired for his patience and charisma when he teaches, Don has helped people prepare for auditions, NYSSMA all state tests, ABRSM tests, improve their seating in high school orchestras, and finding a new joy in playing violin. Don teaches a range of students from ages 3 to 53. Don has taught several students who have found a new passion in violin playing after taking lessons from him. Don's youtube channel has received thousands of testimonial letters from people who picked up the violin or found a new passion in playing violin because of watching videos that he created for his students.

Don got his Bachelors of Music degree from Purchase college, where he studied with his violin professor, Laurie Smukler. Don also enjoyed learning from the other string faculty members, including Calvin Wiersma, Ira Weller, Julia Lichten, and Carmit Zori. Don actively serves his community with his music, with both solo and chamber music performances at Carnegie hall, Lincoln Center, Merkin hall, Tilles Center, schools and churches. Besides the violin, Don also often gets invited to perform with Erhu (Chinese violin) and musical saw. His performances with three very different instruments with three very different cultural backgrounds have brought many people new interests in music where they have not discovered before.

Ivy Wong                                                                                   Advantage Music Academy Faculty

Ivy Wong is an arts administrator, professional musician and educator active in both New York and Hong Kong, where she was born and raised.  She was the Chairman of the Belilios Music Society, in which she led a committee organizing music competitions, summer camp for teenagers, instrumental classes and concerts.  Ivy believes that music can unite people from different culture, resolve conflicts and give hope to children in poverty.  She is currently earning a double degree in Arts Administration (B.A) and Music Performance in Classical Bass (B.M.) at State University of New York – Purchase College.

With the purpose to intrigue children’s interest for music as a peer mentor, Ivy started teaching at an early age and has 8 years of teaching experience in piano performance, music theory and ear training.  She was a music theory instructor at Heep Yunn School, and has privately tutored many music students in Hong Kong.  Her qualifications include the Licentiate and Associate Performance Diplomas (LTCL, ATCL) from Trinity College of London, Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) Grade 8 with Distinctions on Piano, Double Bass, and Music Theory. 

Ivy is an orchestra conductor and occasional choral conductor.  In 2007, while still in high school, she led the Belilios Symphony Orchestra in winning championships in Hong Kong Youth Music Interflow Competition and Hong Kong School Music Festival.  Their performance of Die Meistersinger of Nurnberg was broadcasted on HKETV.  She was honored as the “Musician of the Year” of Belilios Public School the same year.  Ivy studies with Michael Adelson, cover conductor of the New York Philharmonic.

Apart from conducting, Ivy has been in many other leadership positions, such as the coordinator of SUMMERPIANO 2011 and live audition week at Purchase Music Conservatory.  She was a Community Assistant at Office of Residence Life at Purchase College for 2 years.  In addition, she attended the Manhattanville Leadership Conference in 2011 and won 3^rd place at the Toastmasters Club Public Speaking Contest in 2007.  As a marketer in the arts, Ivy has worked and interned at marketing/ advertising departments of David Gage String Instruments and the Really Terrible Orchestra of Westchester.

Ivy was the principal bass of YOA Orchestra of the Americas, Eastern Festival Symphony Orchestra, Purchase Symphony Orchestra, etc.  She received full scholarship to join the Moritzburg Festival Academy for a Germany tour in 2010, and YOA Orchestra of the Americas for tours in Mexico, China and Chile in 2011 and 2012.  Ivy has also toured in Canada as part of the Kathaumixw Choral Festival.  Ivy is an experienced piano accompanist and chamber pianist, and was a scholarship recipient of the Piano Accompanist fellowship at Purchase College.

Ivy currently studies with Timothy Cobb, the Principal Bass of the Met Orchestra and Guest Principal Bass of New York Philharmonic (2011-12).  She has worked with bassists including Thomas Martin, Jeff Bratedich, Donald Palma, Daxun Zhang, Peter Lloyd, Leigh Mesh, etc.  Ivy has played under the batons of Carlos Miguel Prieto, Dante Anzolini, George Manahan, Guilliermo Figueroa, Alondra de la Perra and Ransom Wilson.

Outside of music, she is a Pilates instructor at The Art of Control® and a certified lifeguard.



COUNSELING ADMINISTRATION:



Perry Ian Tischler P.C.,                                                             Housing Counseling and Legal Advisor:                                 

Perry Ian Tischler P.C., As a Practicing Attorney and Legal Advisor in general practice of law. He is proficient in divorce, estates transactions, Landlord and tenancy, foreclosure, bankruptcies, and Immigration. Perry is a proficient professional, who has provided legal services and counsel for more than 22 years to diversified target population in the five boroughs of New York City. Perry brings great support to the Real Advantage comprehensive housing counseling program as the principal community legal advisor.

Kevin Hordern, CPA                                                             Housing Counseling and Financial Advisor: 

Kevin Hordern is a practicing CPA with extensive experiences is in all aspects of accounting and financial services. Kevin is the principal of his own Accounting firm and supports corporate services as well as community services. Kevin brings great support to Real Advantage Institute and to the general community.

Nick Guthrie                                                                              Housing Counseling Specialist:                                  

Nick Guthrie as a real estate and mortgage specialist specializes in real estate home buying, mortgage origination and delinquency. Nick is a proficient mortgage professional with more than 15 years and provide valued counseling support to Jamaica, Queens area with financial literacy, pre-purchase, credit, budgeting, post-purchase, foreclosure prevention, reverse mortgages for seniors, counseling and workshops to assist the general Jamaica community toward home buying and housing counseling services. Nick brings great support to the Real Advantage comprehensive housing counseling program.

Lina Chang                                                                                 Housing Counseling Specialist:                       

Lina Chang as a mortgage specialist specializes in real estate home buying, mortgage origination. Lina is a proficient mortgage professional for more than 12 years and provide valued counseling support to the Flushing, Queens area in financial literacy, pre-purchase, credit analysis counseling, and general support in home buying education to assist the general Flushing community toward home buying and housing counseling services. Lina brings great support to the Real Advantage comprehensive housing counseling program.

Mario A Villamizar                                                                      Credit Counseling and Restoration:                       

Mario A Villamizar as a credit specialist specializes in credit counseling and restoration. He helps clients to achieve and to make smarter decisions that will benefit them and their families for years to come. He uses a management solution systems to achieve sustainable results that can results in higher credit scores increase purchasing power. his services also includes credit analysis, accounts deletions, cease harrassement of collections, dept management, and credit improvement. Mario brings great support to the Real Advantage comprehensive counseling program.

Mana Huang                                                                               Health and Wellness Counseling Specialist: 

Mana Huang specializes in health & wellness counseling, dietary planning and nutritional advisement. She is a nutraceutical consultant and lifestyle coach working closely with medical doctors and other health professionals in Brooklyn area. She helps to implement customized wellness and weight management programs in medical facilities. Mana brings great support to the Real Advantage comprehensive health and wellness counseling program.



Who We Are...

"The Real Advantage Factor... Where preparation meets opportunities"

LEADERSHIP

Sana Lee Esq Acting Chairperson and Executive Director of the Board, Executive Program Manager and School Principal

PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION:

Dr. Conrad R. Richards           Founder, Former Chairman and Executive Director of the Board, Acting as a Management Consultant and Faculty                                

Susan Jeng                Coordinator of Operations and Programs, Community Advocate                        

Roland Lee                            International                       Public Relations

Victor Chiang                 Community Liaison                                                                                                                                                                            

Louise Yu–Hua Lu            Program Manager                                                                     

Aki Dong,                            Recruiting Marketing Manager                                                                                                                                                                                                  

FACULTY ADMINISTRATION:

Chung Neu Chen                   Program Specialist                Real Estate Studies Faculty

Christopher Lee                     Program Specialist                Career Studies Faculty

Shanna Wu Pecoraro   Program Specialist             Career Studies Faculty 

Ben Chen,Program Specialist  Advantage Prep Studies Faculty

Don Yau, Advantage Music Academy Faculty

Ivy Wong, Advantage Music Academy Faculty

COUNSELING ADMINISTRATION:

Perry Ian Tischler, P.C.,          Housing Counseling             Legal Advisor

Kevin Horden CPA            Housing Counseling and Financial Advisor: 

Nick Guthrie                  Housing Counseling       Specialist

Lina Chang                        Housing Counseling       Specialist                                                                                                                 Comprehensive