Certified Staging Professional® Instructor Cathy Hobbs Finalist on HGTV Design Star

June 8th, 2011 (Long Island, NY) – Cathy Hobbs, CSP Instructor was announced monday as an HGTV Design Star finalist, and it comes as no shock to Certified Staging Professional; as they boast of only hiring the best of the best in the industry.

Certified Staging Professional hires their instructors based on staging talent, business savvy in the trenches, and adult education experience. With 100 hours worth of training starting in January of 2011, between running her own successful staging business in NY (and an out of country unexpected, unexplained, absence – until now!) Cathy Hobbs was formally certified to teach the world acclaimed Real Estate Staging Program just this month.

“As much as we pride ourselves on choosing qualified instructors, they also choose us” says Christine Rae, President and CEO of CSP International™ Business Training Academy. “Many of our instructors are successful when they come to us; they want to be associated with training recognized for its quality curriculum and brand significance.”

“With some 6000 people applying for 12 coveted slots on Season 6 of Design Star. I was thrilled to have been selected! It is an exciting season, with lots of twists and turns! The staging skills I learned through CSP absolutely were part of my “tool kit”. Be sure to watch as I try to earn my own show on HGTV!” says Cathy Hobbs founder of the interior design and home staging firm apherea based in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

In addition to running her growing business, Cathy Hobbs has nearly two decades of experience as an on-air television news correspondent and continues to make regular television appearances. She has worked in some of the top television markets in the country and is currently in her 12th year as an on-air television reporter and anchor at a top affiliate station in New York City, where she has developed a strong fan base.  Cathy has been nominated for nineteen Emmy awards, and is a five-time Emmy award winner.  In 2003, she took one of the Emmy awards top honors, earning the coveted award for Outstanding General Assignment and Live Reporter for the entire New York City region.

Certified Staging Professional is the leading staging training company in North America and Australia. Founded in 2005 by internationally- acclaimed staging expert, Christine Rae. The CSPI Academy delivers comprehensive training programs in staging, redesign, green science and marketing, and provides unparalleled after-training support to real estate professionals, stagers, professional organizers, decorators and entrepreneurs.

Cathy Hobbs, CSP

Age: 42

Hometown: Brooklyn, N.Y.

CSP Staging Instructor, Cathy Hobbs interview by RESA President Shell Brodnax