John Birsner is the Founder, Managing Partner and Designated Broker of Ventana Fine Properties. He has personally amassed more than $260 million in closed sales throughout his 24-year career, and has been involved in product phasing, pricing, and sales team development and management. Although he has been recognized with numerous accolades, including “Salesperson of the Year,” “Top Volume Producer,” and the Camelot Homes’ “Excalibur Award,” his success is not measured by dollars and awards alone. John’s knowledgeable and intuitive understanding of real estate and the discriminating buyers and sellers with whom he works enables him to collaborate with his clients to fulfill their individual needs and dreams. He is dedicated to the protection of his clients' privacy, providing exemplary service with unparalleled quality and, ultimately, producing results.

"Being part-time residents, it was imperative we engage the services of a realtor company we could trust. Ventana Fine Properties not only handled our real estate transactions meeting our expectations, they went above and beyond. Comprised of a great group of professionals we now consider our friends, Ventana Fine Properties was definitely the right choice!"
- Melissa and Andy McGraw

Back to Top

Christine Nelson
Charter Member, Sales Associate

Christine joined Ventana Fine Properties as a Sales Associate and Charter Member in May 2007. Her main role within the company is that of Sales Executive. Before joining Ventana Fine Properties Christine worked for Camelot Homes in Scottsdale. Initially she was the primary salesperson for Camelot Homes in DC Ranch and was present for the groundbreaking and launch over 10 years ago. During Christine’s successful Real Estate career she has been awarded top honors for production and gross commissions earned. Christine has been selling homes in DC Ranch and North Scottsdale since 1997 and is highly respected by colleagues and esteemed by clients and customers alike. She is personally responsible for over $156 Million in closed sales. Christine is an Arizona native and lives in North Scottsdale with her husband Craig.

“Chance, luck, or providence, my family is grateful that we found and met Christine”.

“As an active real estate investor and real estate litigation attorney, I can say with certainty that in an evolving industry, Christine is an exception”.

“Professionalism, responsiveness, integrity, competency, reliability, sensitivity, proficiency, warmth, and aptitude only begin the describe Christine”.

“It is with unequivocal certainty that my family will work with her again”.

“Christine was our agent, now she is our friend”.

- Law Offices of Jody D. Angel

Back to Top

Courtney Forster
Charter Member, Sales Associate and Community Specialist

Courtney joined Ventana Fine Properties as a Sales Associate and Charter Member in July 2007. Her main role within the organization is “Community Specialist”. Before joining Ventana Fine Properties, Courtney worked for DC Ranch Realty and Camelot Homes. While at DC Ranch Realty, Courtney was part of a team that produced in excess of $70 million in sales for 2006. Courtney started her Real Estate career with Camelot Homes in Scottsdale almost five years ago. While at Camelot Homes she was recognized for outstanding sales achievement. Specific accomplishments include a two-year sales revenue of over $40 Million and she is indeed an expert on DC Ranch and Silverleaf. Courtney is married and lives in The Haciendas with her husband Paul and their 5-year old son Finn.

Back to Top

Aaron joined Ventana Fine Properties as a Sales Associate in January of 2008. He has excelled in residential real estate for the past eight years earning several top producer awards from various local agencies. Prior to his career in real estate Aaron worked in corporate settings such as Vanguard and the advertising industry as well as owning his own printing company. Aaron, a Valley native is married and lives in Los Vientos in Grayhawk with his wife Katie and son, Landon.

"I'm so glad I chose Aaron as my real estate agent. He handled the transaction with professionalism and integrity. He put me at ease and made me feel comfortable throughout the process. Aaron is a true professional who cares about his clients and takes the extra steps to ensure a stress-free transaction."

"Aaron is knowledgeable, kind and trustworthy. He is a true professional who really cares about his clients and takes the extra steps to ensure a stress-free transaction. I would recommend Aaron to anyone looking to buy or sell a home."

Back to Top

Janet joined Ventana Fine Properties in February, 2008 and offers a full range of expert real estate services. Additionally, Janet is the Director of Leasing & Property Management and is uniquely qualified to assist the client who is interested in marketing a property or an individual looking for the best opportunity to lease in DC Ranch or North Scottsdale. Janet has been active in Real Estate since relocating to Scottsdale from Boulder, Colorado, in 2003. She has extensive experience with Residential Rentals and Property Management, and is a property owner in DC Ranch. Before relocating to Arizona Janet was a Research Faculty Member at the University of Colorado at Boulder where she worked in the field of Technology for 14 years. Janet identified DC Ranch and North Scottsdale as the place for her family prior to their first relocation visit! Janet is married and lives with her husband Geoffrey and ten year old son Ian in North Scottsdale. Janet also serves as the Director for Leasing and Property Management.

Regina Buzzello
Sales Associate, CSRS "Certified Scottsdale Real Estate Specialist"

Regina joined Ventana Fine Properties as a Sales Associate in September of 2008. She brings with her over 30 years of sales experience in the mortgage banking, insurance, and electronics industries, where she held positions as a National Account Manager and Regional Sales Manager for Fortune 500 companies. Regina’s customer service background and personal dedication to client satisfaction are attributes that buyers and sellers will value. She relocated to the Valley from Southern California in 1990 and quickly became a permanent Valley resident. She considers her move to Arizona one of the best decisions she ever made. Regina resides in Scottsdale and is extremely involved in her local community. Regina is the Vice Chairman of the Scottsdale Area Association of Realtors - Government Affairs Committee and is also Ambassador for the North Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce.

"This is to advise that we enjoyed a wonderful working relationship with Regina Buzzello which culminated in our purchase listed above. Regina listened attentively when we explained the type of property we were looking for and chose several properties which met our parameters to inspect and compare. Her professionalism, attention to detail and follow-through, and, most of all, her honesty and integrity reinforced our confidence in her. Over the years we have worked with many real estate agents, but Regina has made such a great impression on us that we would recommend her without reservations to our friends. You are fortunate to have such a capable and delightful agent who represents your agency so well."

- Dr. Ruskin R. and Mrs. Sandra R. Lines, Paradise Valley, AZ

Back to Top

Craig Nelson
Sales Associate

Craig Nelson has been involved in the Arizona real estate market for 33 years, as a Sales Associate and also as an architectural designer, construction manager and General Contractor. He is a licensed Realtor in Arizona as well as an Arizona licensed General Contractor for Commercial and Residential Construction. Since 1971 he has designed and built over 200 restaurants throughout the United States, and over 7,000 homes in Arizona and Colorado. Mr. Nelson has served as Construction Vice President for Village Inn Pizza Parlors, and as Construction Manager for Continental Homes in Phoenix, Arizona (which, at the time, was Arizona’s largest homebuilder). In 1980 he was a founding member and Senior Vice President of Coventry Homes of Arizona, Coventry Financial, Coventry Homes of Colorado (Colorado Springs, Colorado) and Universal Homes of Phoenix, Arizona, and most recently the Director of Architecture for Elite Communities. From 1990 to 2008, Mr. Nelson and his companies The Arcturus Corporation and Stetson Creek Homes have developed, designed and built numerous custom homes, restaurants and commercial properties. He has won numerous awards for his Residential designs and has also served on committees of the Central Arizona Homebuilders Association.

Kimberly Townsend
Sales Associate

As a resident of the Valley since 1986, Kimberly brings to her clients an expert knowledge of Scottsdale and the northeast Valley. She has been a licensed Arizona Realtor for six years. Prior to her career in real estate sales, she founded and managed a successful business in the health and beauty industry, with a focus on business development. Kim prides herself on providing her clients with the highest level of personalized service, while emphasizing integrity and professionalism. Whether working with Sellers or Buyers, she addresses needs, desires and concerns, and meets or exceeds the expectations of her clients’ in their real estate experience. Through organized sports, church involvement and charitable service, Kimberly and her family play an active role in the community.

Michael Rosness joined Ventana Fine Properties in December 2009. A licensed Realtor since 1998, Michael acquired his Broker’s License in 2004. Adapting to the current market, he completed Default School training in September 2007. Since that time, he and his wife, Kay, have worked with Premiere Asset Services, listing and selling their REO properties. They have completed 150 sales during that time and are currently directing and expanding the REO Showcase for Ventana Fine Properties. Their goal is to apply their professional knowledge and experience toward working with Buyers and Sellers, while facilitating diverse situations with respect and the thorough attention warranted for effective results.

After retiring from a twenty-year career as an opera singer in Europe, Michael relocated to Arizona, where he found himself inspired by the subtle beauty of the desert and its way of life. His years of training in the theatre world provided him with the discipline and thorough attention to detail that later translated into developing a composite perspective fundamental in making sound decisions in Real Estate.

Kerri Callidora
Director of Relocation

Kerri Callidora's success is directly related to her genuine nurturing ability and care for others. She has a way of making you feel like you are her only client with positive, energetic attention. Her strategic approach is to learn about her clients needs beyond the scope of real estate, to educate and to ensure a win-win for everyone. She has personally helped more than 2000 families relocate over the past 24 years of her career. You will find her diverse experience greater than the average Realtor. In addition to her success as a relocation and lifestyle transfer specialist, she has co-launched a corporate housing firm, coordinated group moves for Fortune 500 companies, launched and managed several condo-conversions, started and managed the most successful inside sales team at Realtor.com for 5 years, and has hands on experience in the field selling real estate with first time buyers, investors, and second home buyers. Most recently she created and authored the Flourishing Family - A Unique Relocation Solution for Family Minded Professionals. Kerri places a priority on being involved in her community and is currently the President of the BNI Pros Chapter in North Scottsdale, and has been accepted into Scottsdale Leadership Class 25. She was also in the top 30 Realtors in production in 2006. Kerri has recently been awarded the prestigious Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) Designation by the Council of Residential Specialists, the largest not-for-profit affiliate of the National Association of Realtors.

"Kerri is a phenomenal human being. She is sincere, kind, pays attention to details and takes extra steps to go above and beyond. Her level of professionalism is unparalleled."

- James and Abigail

Kerri was very proactive and creative. When the buyer was uncertain, she had the information available to give the buyer confidence. Kerri is very professional and we were extremely pleased with her professionalism, availability and responsiveness.”

- Dave and Vonnie

"We have decided we are lucky to have found Kerri. Her strong work ethic fits well with us, plus she make things fun. We learned alot and couldn't have done it without her. Thank you so much!"

- Alan and Nancy

"Selling a home in a difficult housing market can be a trying experience.   That said, we felt quite fortunate to work with Ventana Fine Properties and with broker John Birsner and our particular agent, Kerri Callidora, in the sale of our home.  Kerri was extremely professional, organized, and knowledgeable about all aspects of home marketing.  She was very personable, enthusiastic, helpful, and focused on client needs.  She provided a thorough comparative market analysis and creative marketing plan and carefully explained each step to us.  She was very active in promoting the sale of our property resulting in a successful transaction in good time.  Working with Kerri was a genuine pleasure and we can highly recommend her without reservation."

- Janet and John McKelvey

"The team of John and Kerri with Ventana Fine Properties were outstanding! Selling a house in today's market for list price in +/-45 days was phenomenal. John and Kerri worked extremely hard to stage and make the property show well. They worked equally hard to then market and show the house to a steady stream of clients. The marketing plan both online and offline really worked to bring in a steady stream of clients. They made the process go very smoothly for my recently widowed mother. They handled the entire process with professionalism and always a smile. And they found a cash client who paid list price. Outstanding! All the details and negotiations were handled with expertise in a way we could trust that they were truly working for us to sell the house and adjacent lot for the best price. We had interviewed several realtors before choosing John and Kerri and Ventana Fine Properties, but once we met with them, the decision was easy. They really did their job and made a hard process and transition for my mother relatively easy. If you are thinking of selling your house, I highly recommend John and Kerri and Ventana Fine Properties."

- Daniel and Esther Zuhlke, Sagewood Resident and her son

Back to Top

Shawn Shackelton
Sales Associate, REALTOR® CDPE

Shawn has been in the real estate business in Arizona for over 13 years. Beginning her career establishing and building a property management program for the community of Forest Highlands in Flagstaff, AZ, which is still in operation today, was just the beginning. Shawn worked with DMB Realty for 10 years and was with the Silverleaf sales team for the first 6 years of Silverleaf’s existence. Shawn’s expert knowledge of both DC Ranch & Silverleaf gives her clients, both buyers and sellers, the partner they are looking for. Trust is hard to come by in today's fiercely competitive real estate market. Shawn provides her clients with the professionalism and integrity needed to ensure that they feel secure in their decisions. Shawn has an ability to listen to her clients giving them the attention they deserve while maintaining the highest level of professionalism. Shawn has been married to her husband for 9 years, having known each other since they were 12 years old. She lives in McDowell Mountain Ranch with her husband and 2 yellow labs, and when she is not working with clients she is training to race her bicycle. You can visit Shawn's personal website at: http://www.ShawnShackelton.com

"Responded very fast and listened thoroughly and cared about our individual situations."

"“On top of it”, responsive, efficient, easy to communicate and coordinate with."

"Communication. (always keeping me abreast of change’s during the process.)"

"Perseverance. (Shawn persisted in immediate follow up to the bank and the purchaser, and I believe this was an important aspect in allowed a quick and successful closing in my situation.)"

- Satisfied Customer Comments

"I strongly recommend Shawn for handling any real estate transactions, as she is knowledgeable and understands all facets of performing a real estate transaction, is an excellent communicator keeping all parties abreast of changes, and is persistent throughout the whole process to a successful conclusion."

- Steve D.

"I have been a realtor for over 20 years and had to find other employment when the economy crashed! However, because of my years in the business I was very particular or as my daughter puts it “picky” about the type of person I would work with when it came time to purchase some property. I first went to my contacts and for various reasons they were no longer in the business or had left the state. When my daughter found Shawn Shackelton I was a little skeptical but Shawn passed the first test with flying colors by either answering her phone and/or returning her calls. I cannot tell you how many realtors just don’t bother to return calls! Shawn took the time to re-educate me about short sales and foreclosures and showed us numerous properties, gave great feedback/advise about properties when asked and wrote more than 1 contract in an attempt to help me purchase a home for my daughter and grandsons. She showed her knowledge on several occasions during the final purchase that not only did she help “close” the deal but she saved me a great deal of money. I cannot give a higher recommendation to anyone and have already given her name to others as the ONLY Realtor® worth their salt in the valley of the sun!"

- Coni M.

Back to Top

Cathy Hotchkiss
Sales Associate, REALTOR®, ABR, CDPE, E-PRO, GRI

Cathy began her real estate career in 2006 after being a licensed interior designer for 22 years and owning her own interior design firm. For Cathy, her career move to real estate was a natural transition and her design background is very instrumental in assisting her real estate clients by guiding them to see their current or future home’s greatest potential. She understands that buying or selling a home will be one of the most important decisions her clients will make and her client’s wishes and needs are first and foremost while establishing long-term relationships built on care and trust. Her outstanding service, support, knowledge of the current market, and strong negotiating skills enables her clients to make sound, timely, and secure decisions for their families. Cathy is dedicated to ensuring that all transactions proceed in a smooth, satisfying, and positive manor, from beginning to end, in order to make home buying and selling a pleasant experience. Cathy joined Ventana Fine Properties in January 2011 specializing in resort and golf communities, and is also a licensed REALTOR® in Colorado. She and her husband, Jim, are both avid golfers and have lived in the Scottsdale area for 19 years in various golf communities. They currently reside in DC Ranch with their Maltese dog, Lexie.

"We were extremely happy to have Cathy work with us to sell and buy our homes, simultaneously. Cathy scheduled all meetings and interactions at our convenience after work and on weekends,  and provided us with outstanding advice about how to prepare our home for sale.  She promptly returned all phone calls and had advertising in place as soon  as possible. She worked hard, illustrated a great understanding of contract details, negotiation etiquette and documentation.  We really appreciated Cathy's calm reassurance and expert advice throughout the entire process. Cathy was an outstanding professional and we look forward to working with her again in the future."

- Chad and Tina

"We have purchased seven homes over the past 25 years and our home shopping and buying process with Cathy was one of the best.  Cathy is energetic, knowledgeable, and hard working.  Even though most of the process was long distance, the entire transaction was organized and professional, she is a true pleasure to work with."

- Bill and Sandy

"We want to thank Cathy for all of her help,  not only with the purchase of a second home in while we were in another state, but also with our current efforts to sell that property and purchase another in Scottsdale. She  effortlessly guided us through all of the details and nuances of the entire transaction, making short and easy work of a complicated exercise.  Originally our Realtor, now our friend!"

- Charlie and Laura

Back to Top

Joseph B. Guerrero
REALTOR®

Joseph joined Ventana Fine Properties in July of 2011. He brings a strong background in Commercial Real Estate Investments & Sales along with 17 years as a Broker / Developer of high end multi million dollar projects in the North East Scottsdale and Carefree including; Scottsdale Bay Club - A 160 unit Luxury Condominium project, La Vida- A high end boutique community adjacent Pinnacle Peak Country Club, Desierto Vida - 17 Luxury Homes in an exclusive N. Scottsdale subdivision, Troon Canyon Estates - developed 40 acres w/ 12 homesites, Ciara - developed 40 acres parcel with 13 homesites, Baraca Estates - 16 homesites in gated luxury subdivision, Collina E Vista - A gated luxury home community w/ 13 homes in foothills of Troon Mtn and The Reserve at Tranquil Trail A gated private community of luxury homes in beautiful Carefree.

International Artist:
As Joseph Breton, (first & middle names) he is an accomplished International Abstract Artist, with numerous exhibits in the United States and Europe. His works can be found in many private collections, most notably Belgium, Holland, Italy and Spain. Breton was the first artist to formally exhibit at the “Royal Military Academy of Belgium”, and recently at a museum known as the “Le Musees de Chateau de Montbeliard”, in France.

Joseph’s experience as a Realtor® and as a Fine Artist brings an interesting mix and an International flare to Ventana Fine Properties. Additionally, Joseph is fluent in Spanish, Italian.

Back to Top

Terry Brock
Associate Broker Vice President, SportStar Relocation AZ

"Associates Bio copy to come"

Back to Top

Ted Petersen
REALTOR®, President & CEO of SportStar Relocation AZ

Ted Petersen, CEO & President of SportStar AZ (SSR AZ) has an exclusive professional affiliation with Ventana Fine Properties. As a Realtor®, unlike other local agents who work with professional athletes only from time to time - 100% of Ted Petersen’s real estate business is dedicated to helping professional athletes and their families in their relocation process coming in & out of the the beautiful state of Arizona. This unique specialization gives Ted and his team a strong advantage in all aspects when it comes to working with professional athletes & their representatives!

The primary focus at SSR AZ is on providing an unparalleled level of professionalism and personal service to ensure our clients experience a seamless relocation process while adhering to strict client-confidentiality guidelines. Having “front office” experience with the Arizona Cardinals, Arizona Diamondbacks, Phoenix Coyotes & Phoenix Suns along with a substantial history of working in conjunction with Financial Advisors & Sports Agents makes Ted Petersen and his team the smart choice for all professional athletes in Arizona. Whether looking to purchase a dream house, a 2nd home, selling, leasing or short term rentals- Ted Petersen/SSR AZ and Ventana Fine Properties will ensure the real estate transaction goes smooth and all important parties are well informed during the entire process.

Back to Top

Judy Huffman
Associate Broker, ABR, CLHMS, GRI

"Associates Bio copy to come"

Back to Top

Beth Bonita
Sales Associate, REALTOR®

Beth Bonita grew up in Santa Barbara, California, immersed within a luxurious and artistic community surrounded by natural beauty. Throughout the past seven years, Beth has worked with various celebrities and other high-profile clientele from Beverly Hills to New York City, consistently bringing a distinguished level of service.

Beth prides herself on her eye for beauty and the understanding of home as a state of being, and not just a physical locale. With her design background from Pratt Institute in New York, and her natural skill in analytical reasoning, Beth brings a dynamic combination to her work as a REALTOR® with Ventana Fine Properties.

Back to Top

Susie Ireland
Operations Manager

Susie joined the Ventana family in July 2009 and is now the company's Operations Manager. Susie has 7 years banking experience and 4 years in sales. She is a long time Valley of the Sun resident. Susie has been married over 30 years and lives in McDowell Mountain Ranch with her husband Mark. Together they have 2 sons, Steven and Brandon. She prides herself in providing excellent, personalized service.

Gary Whitten
Director of Marketing

Gary brings to Ventana Fine Properties over 29 years of experience in Visual Marketing communications encompassing all facets of graphic design & production for print advertising. He spent the first half of his career as a freelance advertising illustrator & graphic designer, winning numerous awards as both a commercial & fine artist. With the advent of "Desktop Publishing", Gary returned to work in the corporate world for the past 17 years. For over 11 years he held Creative Director positions in corporate marketing departments focusing on corporate identity, brand & retail print advertising. Through his freelance consulting as well as his corporate positions, Gary has been fortunate to acquire a diverse list of client & industry experience with numerous Fortune 500 companies and many other notable organizations including work for numerous homebuilders, architectural firms, and advertising agencies.