About Us
About us
Welcome to the Non Profit Alliance of Homeownership, your gateway to the captivating world of first time buyer and real estate education! We are passionate about sharing the tips and tricks of real estate with learners of all backgrounds. Our platform is designed to provide you with insightful content, valuable resources, and engaging learning experiences that help guide you through the process.
Our Mission: We believe that anyone who wants to own a home should have the guidance needed to achieve that goal.
Our Vision for the Future: Continue to educate and prepare our clients to create a successful real estate experience.
What Sets Us Apart: We take pride in our unique learning
experience that stands out in the world of real estate. Here’s what you can expect from us:
- Educational Courses: Our courses are crafted by industry experts, ensuring that you receive accurate, up-to-date, and relevant information. Whether you’re a beginner or a long time homeowner, our courses have tips and advice you can benefit from.
- Engaging Blog Content: From simplified explanations of complex concepts to the latest developments in real estate, our blog keeps you informed, curious, and eager to learn more.
- Timely News and Updates: Stay informed about the latest trends, tips, and news in the world of real estate.
- Free Courses for All: Free Courses for All: We’re thrilled to offer a range of free courses that cover essential real estate and mortgage topics. Whether you’re looking to learn the basics or dive into the best practices to find deals and home buying grants, you will find what you’re looking for.
Board of Directors and Officers
Larry M. Garfinkle
Board Director
Lawrence M. Garfinkel is a Principal at Greene Law, PC. He has been a real estate attorney for over 30
years and has handled all forms of real estate transactions including purchases, sales, REO sales,
refinances, short sales and commercial transactions. Mr. Garfinkel received his A.B. degree from
Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, PA in 1987 where he was elected to the Black Pyramid Senior
Honor Society and was a recipient of the A.V. Heister Prize in Government. He received his J.D. degree
from the University of CT School of Law in 1990. Mr. Garfinkel is a member of the Board of Directors of
the CMBA and is the co-chair of the Legislative Committee. He is a member of the Closing and
Compliance Committees of the CMBA as well. Larry is also a member of the Executive Committee of the
CT Bar Association Real Property Section. He is a frequent writer of articles on real estate and
mortgage-related matters for leading publications and is a frequent speaker for the CMBA, the
Connecticut Bar Association and other real estate and mortgage industry organizations.
Ronsirgil "Ron" Lester
Board Director
Ronsirgil Lester is a graduate of New York University’s Tisch School of The Arts Undergraduate Drama
Program. He received his BFA in 1992. He is also the creator of Disco Party Fundraiser which he founded
in 2003. It was created to support not-for-profits that are often under the radar when it comes to
major funding but are doing significantly effective work that benefits the people they serve and
empower. Mr. Lester’s experience with fundraising teams, managing event teams, and managing the
fundraising teams are an asset to the Academy of Mastery, Inc.
Mr. Lester knows first hand the enormous benefit of taking on the challenge of being an entrepreneur.
Entrepreneurs are the ones that can jumpstart a local economy and can grow to be a major player in
the global economy
Penelope Christy
Board Director and Treasurer
Ms. Christy enjoyed a 43-year career in engineering at Pratt & Whitney Aircraft (Jet Engine Manufacturer) before retiring in 2007. The thrilling state-of-the-art technology of jet engine design, testing and manufacturing and optical and electronic tools made for a very fascinating experience. Her company travels took her to all four corners of the US. Ms. Christy co-founded a non-profit in 2005 and has extensive experience in operations and fund raising. She has produced The Entrepreneurial Course for High School Students where students experience and learn the life-long practical tools to create and grow their futures. She has an FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate, owns a hot air balloon, flies passengers all over the Northeast and donates flights to various non-profits. She has participated in the Connecticut Lighter Than Air Society (CLAS) activities since relocating to CT in mid-2000. Besides holding all the offices in CLAS, she has produced the annual CLAS Safety Seminar several years. She is a distributor for Cameron Balloons US of Ann Arbor, MI, a member of the BFA (Balloon Federation of America) and AOPA (Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association). Participating in a different area of study, Ms. Christy graduated from Central Connecticut State University in May 2022 with a major in Geology and a minor in Astronomy. She volunteers in the Geology Department’s mineral studies and labs
Pam Bogart-Macfarlane
Vice-President
Ms. Bogart-Macfarlane has an AS degree from Middlesex Community College and has been a committed volunteer supporting programs to communities in need since 2005. Her experience as Production Manager, for the last four years, which includes streamlining the production process and enrolling and directing the production team will help the project. She has also been the Videographer for several educational programs for the past three years which will also put in place and enhance the video process we will be using for the programs at the Academy of Mastery. She has also been involved in fund raising on a regular basis which brings in money to produce the courses.
Ronald A Giannamore
Board Chairperson
Mr. Giannamore has over 30 years experience as a respected mortgage professional. He has helped many individuals and families obtain the financing they need to purchase their dream homes. He is active in various industry organizations and has served on several Boards of Directors. For over ten years, Mr. Giannamore has volunteered his time and expertise through our Non-Profit Alliance for Home Ownership program, and has been an effective coach for aspiring homeowners, helping them to achieve their goals through a comprehensive understanding of the mortgage process and sound financial practices and planning. Whether helping a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned home owner, Ron’s willingness to go the extra mile has made him a well-respected member of the community and an invaluable asset to our Board.
Michael A. Maynard
Board Director and President
Michael A. Maynard graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Nicholls College in 2004. In 2008, he embarked on his journey in real estate by founding New Neighbors, Inc., specializing in first time buyers and investors. Michael’s relentless pursuit of innovation and excellence culminated in receiving the esteemed W&F Most Innovative in Real Estate award in 2016, solidifying his reputation as a trailblazer in the field. New Neighbors, Inc. has consistently garnered acclaim, earning the prestigious 5-star award from 2009 to 2023, a testament to Michael’s unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional service and quality. With a keen eye for opportunity and a passion for driving positive change, Michael A. Maynard continues to redefine the real estate landscape, inspiring others with his visionary leadership and transformative initiatives