– Meet the Staff –

Amanda Butterfield | General Manager

As Head of The Institute, Amanda Butterfield brings more than 15 years of experience working with high-net-worth individuals across philanthropy, luxury events, and real estate. Since joining The Institute in 2017, she has been instrumental in building strong relationships with major real estate brands, franchisees, independent brokerages, and industry associations—ensuring real estate professionals have access to exceptional tools and training to succeed at the highest level of the industry.

Originally trained as a professional dancer and choreographer, Amanda draws a unique parallel between the discipline, creativity, and collaboration required in the dance studio and those needed in the boardroom. She is a highly collaborative, servant leader focused on the growth, well-being, and empowerment of The Institute team. Her leadership philosophy centers on helping individuals maximize performance, connect with purpose, and achieve sustainable, long-term success.

Laura Saladino | Training Program Manager

Laura’s experience working in non-profit organizations and customer service provides The Institute with valuable insights to assist and educate our members. Laura works with our partners and live training hosts to provide positive and enriching educational experiences for real estate professionals, ensuring that our members have the knowledge and resources necessary to succeed in the luxury market. Her previous roles include customer service with The Dallas Opera and the AT&T Performing Arts Center, and she actively participates in the Dallas-Fort Worth theatre community.

Jory Kirkendoll | Content Marketing Manager

With over a decade of experience in the hospitality industry, Jory Kirkendoll brings a strategic blend of data analysis, revenue management, and operational insight to his role at The Institute. He holds a degree in Interactive Media, which informs his creative approach to process improvement and member engagement. Passionate about both data and customer experience, Jory is dedicated to enhancing the efficiency and value of The Institute’s services. Outside the office, he enjoys kayaking, fishing, and gardening, and is a freelance artist working in both traditional and digital media.