Meet Your In-Flight Crew!
Wendy - Our President and Founder, is a former flight attendant with Delta and Eastern Airlines. She was Assistant to the Flight Attendant Base Manager at ATA in Orlando for 2 years and Flight Attendant Manager in the precertification process of a start-up airline. Wendy completed Flight Safety International’s Flight Attendant Recruiting program. She has a 12-year background in psychiatric nursing, developing and implementing self-esteem programs and facilitating wellness workshops. She is a graduate of the Lisa Maile Image Program in Winter Park, Florida. Wendy has been widely quoted, including comments in the best-selling book "Flying High - How JetBlue Founder and CEO David Neeleman Beats the Competition" by James Wynbrandt. Wendy has been featured in the magazine American Express/Conde Nast Executive Travel Magazine, on The Daily Buzz TV show, as an aviation expert on CNN and FOX news, and most recently on the ABC World News with Diane Sawyer. Wendy volunteers regularly at the local hospital, and in her spare time enjoys travelling with her husband Leslie, and spending time with their Westie, Tiffany.
Nancy - Our Lead Instructor has been in aviation her entire life. Born 4th generation into an aviation family, Nancy began by working in her family's FAA Certified Repair Station. Growing up with a background in aircraft engine manufacturing and maintenance, she eventually went on to manage multiple locations of their wholesale warehouse distribution centers. Nancy has a degree in Travel & Tourism and is currently pursuing a second degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Aviation Business Management. Nancy also owns her own business, Girls Fly Too!, which specializes in aviation apparel and accessories for girls of all ages. Nancy is a charter member and former President of the Central Florida Chapter of Women in Aviation. She began her Flight Attendant career after graduating the Flight Attendant Express program in 2008. She worked several years as a flight attendant for a Delta regional carrier based in Atlanta. Today, she is happily employed as a Flight Attendant for our business partner, JetBlue Airways. Nancy is based in Orlando. In addition to her senior instructor classroom duties here at FAE, she also manages all of our social media sites. Originally from Penn Yan, NY, she has lived in Orlando for nearly 20 years. She and her husband Jim have four grown children and two little floofy dogs. They enjoy travelling the globe, volunteering in the local community, and spending time with friends.
Margarita - has an Associates Degree in Business Administration from Valencia Community College, and is a 1999 graduate of Flight Attendant Express. She worked for many years for American Trans Air (ATA) flying all over the globe doing primarily military charters until they closed their doors. Today she is a Flight Attendant for our business partner, JetBlue Airways and is based here in Orlando. Margarita is a favorite of our students, and serves FAE as an instructor and as our Airline Liaison. In her spare time, Margarita enjoys spending time with family, travelling, and running marathons!
Dara - has an Associate's Degree in General Studies from Indian River Community College, and is a long time flight attendant. She is an instructor and the head of admissions here at FAE. She began her career with Republic Airways and is currently employed by a major US carrier and is based here in Orlando. Originally from Memphis, TN, Dara has resided in Orlando for about 20 years. Dara is also an Instrument Rated Private Pilot! In her spare time Dara enjoys spending time with her husband, friends, and her two cats. She is a BIG NFL fan, likes escaping to the beach, and volunteers on a regular basis with mentally, physically, and emotionally challenged children at the Morning Star School.
Adjunct Instructors
Lisa - You'll get a special head start working with our Image & Success Coach, and VIP Instructor, Lisa Maile. Lisa is a nationally renowned image and success coach who will present powerful 1st impressions, healthy living, and winning interviewing skills! Speaking across the US, Lisa trains successful professionals for such corporations as AT & T, Hyatt, SunTrust, Disney, Universal, Sea World, & US EPA, while coaching individuals to look their best, project confidence, and communicate their strongest message. Lisa has over 20 years of experience and you may have seen her featured on The Daily Buzz, Lifetime TV, Hard Copy, or What Not To Wear. She has worked with Mandy Moore, Kirsten Storms, Arielle Kebbel, Michael Winslow, and multiple Miss Americas, to name a few. Lisa has presented at Tenia Taylor Model One Expos across the country, and Tenia was a contestant on American Idol. Lisa says: "I can't wait to meet you, and to help you land your dream job!" For media clips and more information, please visit Lisa Maile Seminars.
Constance Moore Hightower - Connie is a Certified Etiquette Consultant who began her career as a Flight Attendant for National Airlines and Eastern Airlines where she flew national and international routes. After training with the Protocol School of Washington in Washington, DC, and earning her certification as an etiquette consultant, Connie founded It's Only Proper, teaching social and business etiquette and protocol. Constance seeks to bring back the lost art of etiquette, demonstrating that grace and manners matter, even in today's fast-paced and informal atmosphere. She possesses an ability to teach etiquette in an entertaining and real world manner. She believes everyone can achieve success and benefit from a renewed self-esteem by showing a little respect, grace, and kindness.
