ASA Department Profile Series: Education

(Left to Right) ASA’s Education Team: Cinthia Giannakos, Stephanie Paratore, Samantha Jones and Nathaly Alcocer

The American Society of Appraisers (ASA) is recognized and respected for being a global leader of multidiscipline education for the appraisal profession. ASA is leading the way in delivering professional valuation education through innovative eLearning platforms. ASA offers its education through interactive webinars led by the professions best instructors. New OnDemand courses that are globally accessible anywhere and anytime are continually being added to our lineup of education offerings as well as classroom courses domestically in the United States and in many countries around the world.

Charged with the implementation and management of the numerous logistics impacting these efforts is ASA’s HQ Education Team. Last year alone, these dedicated education staff members supported over 100 classes and serviced the professional development needs of more than 4,300 professionals. The department also works closely with discipline and local chapter representatives, course developers, ASA’s pool of esteemed instructors and presenters, external consultants and servicing vendors.

The HQ education team is currently comprised of four people: Nathaly Alcocer, Cinthia Giannakos, Samantha Jones and Stephanie Paratore:

Nathaly Alcocer reviewing course documentation

Nathaly Alcocer, eLearning Assistant, is responsible for assisting with ASA’s eLearning course administration and supporting all students and faculty participating in ASA’s OnDemand offerings and webinar programs. She has been with ASA for two years. Nathaly’s extensive customer service background, bi-lingual Spanish language skills and over 10 years of work experience enable her to respond quickly to member inquiries or support requests. Prior to ASA, Nathaly held positions with several companies, most notably the American Academy of Audiology and State Farm Insurance. Nathaly may be reached at (703) 733-2101 or nalcocer@appraisers.org.

Cinthia Giannakos assisting registrant at ASA’s International Appraisers Conference

Cinthia Giannakos, Senior Manager, eLearning, is responsible for ASA’s online and distance learning program development to include webinar and virtual offerings. She has been with ASA for three years. Cinthia’s educational background, technical expertise and 10 years of work experience enable her to utilize the latest technology solutions in her role. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications with a concentration in Creative Advertising from Virginia Commonwealth University, and is also currently pursuing an additional degree in Web Design and Interactive Media from The Art Institute of Washington. Prior to ASA, Cinthia worked as an eLearning program manager for the American Industrial Hygiene Association. Cinthia may be reached at (703) 733-2106 or cgiannakos@appraisers.org.

Samantha Jones outlining upcoming course deliverables and deadlines

Samantha Jones, Education Assistant, manages all contracted domestic and international education and handles all logistics before, during and after the course(s). Samantha supports students and faculty, prepares client invoices and inputs student information into ASA database. She also handles retakes and challenges for all ASA courses and manages ASA’s University Partner Program. She has been with ASA just over a year. Samantha’s educational experience, attention to detail and eight years of work experience provide her with a valuable skill set crucial to her role. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish and International Studies from Kenyon College, a Master of Science degree in Fashion Apparel Manufacturing with a concentration in Advanced Apparel Manufacturing from Philadelphia University. Prior to ASA, Samantha held both service and operational positions for organizations and institutions like Philadelphia University, Fairfax County Public Schools and several notable greater New York metro Garment Manufacturers. Samantha may be reached at (703) 733-2107 or sjones@appraisers.org.

Stephanie Paratore confirming instructor availability and schedule

Stephanie Paratore, Senior Manager, Education Programs, manages ASA’s Principles of Valuation (POV) courses, handles logistics for pre-, during, and post-POV courses, manages chapter education courses including correspondence, logistics, course materials and invoicing and maintains ASA’s database with updated course dates, cancellations, instructors and pricing. She has been with ASA for over a decade. Stephanie’s tenure, along with her educational background and 11 years of work experience provide her with valuable insight into key education-related components of ASA’s management systems. She has a Bachelors degree in Health Science with a minor degree in Business Administration from George Mason University. Prior to ASA, Stephanie worked for the American String Teachers Association as an office assistant and the National Association of Health Underwriters as an assistant manager of education. Stephanie may be reached at (703) 733-2137 or sparatore@appraisers.org.

Together, these four individuals work to ensure an enriching educational experience for members and other allied professionals.