New Hire

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is delighted to welcome Sara Passov to our Relocation Services team. With more than two decades of experience in corporate relocation and client support, Sara brings a remarkable depth of knowledge, versatility, and heart to her work—qualities that make her an exceptional addition to our organization.

Sara began her relocation career in 2001 with Prudential Relocation, where she quickly established herself as a trusted Counselor and Account Manager. Throughout her tenure, she managed both domestic and international relocations for major corporate clients, including UTC, Bridgestone Firestone, Unilever, and American Express. Her hands-on experience navigating complex moves has shaped her client-centered approach and her ability to support transferees with professionalism and empathy.

A licensed Arizona real estate professional since 2016, Sara offers a comprehensive understanding of the local market and the unique needs of individuals and families relocating to the region. For the past three and a half years, she served as a Relocation Coordinator under the leadership of Gabe Brown, further strengthening her expertise in operational excellence, communication, and relationship-driven service.

Originally from Wisconsin—Go Pack Go!—Sara is a vibrant and multi-talented individual whose sense of adventure extends far beyond her professional life. Her background includes work as a High Ropes Course instructor, teacher, and even as “Farmer Sara” in a Baby Farm animal program. She has also led Before & After School programs for both the Madison School District and Paradise Valley Schools, showcasing her passion for community, education, and meaningful connection.

Outside of work, Sara enjoys scuba diving, traveling, and camping with her husband, John, in their teardrop trailer. A creative soul, she also loves hiking, singing, playing the ukulele and guitar, reading, gardening, making artwork, and crafting jewelry. At home, she is happily accompanied by her beloved cat, Monroe, and her dog, Stella Blue.

Please join us in giving a warm welcome to Sara Passov as she begins this exciting new chapter with Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty. Her experience, enthusiasm, and dedication to client care will be invaluable as we continue to elevate our relocation services and support our ongoing growth across Arizona and beyond.

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is dedicated to providing the highest service to today’s home buyers and sellers. This tradition continues with the recent addition of Global Real Estate Advisor Valantina Nissan to our Camelback Tower Office.

No matter the real estate dream, Valantina Nissan and her team have the expertise, dedication, and drive to make it a reality. As an Associate Broker and seasoned real estate investor, Valantina has built a powerhouse real estate team alongside her husband, Aiman Hesswany.

With backgrounds spanning engineering, interior design, and global banking, Valantina and Aiman bring a unique combination of technical knowledge, financial insight, and strategic planning to every transaction. Their ability to speak three languages—Assyrian, Aramaic, and Arabic—combined with international experience provides a sharp edge in negotiations and investment strategies.

Their strong community presence, multiple real estate awards, and a large social media following ensure maximum exposure and outstanding results for their clients. Beyond traditional real estate expertise, their hands-on experience in fix-and-flip projects allows them to offer practical market insights and strategic investment guidance. Paired with in-depth knowledge of design and financing, the team delivers a truly holistic approach to property decisions.

Valantina and her team are committed to exceeding expectations, creating personalized strategies, and guiding clients with professionalism and integrity every step of the way. Their goal is simple: to transform real estate aspirations into reality with dedication and exceptional results.

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is dedicated to providing the highest service to today’s home buyers and sellers. This tradition continues with the recent addition of Global Real Estate Advisor Whitney James to our Pinnacle Peak Office.

Whitney James is a global real estate advisor and the founder of Altara Advisory, proudly affiliated with Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty. With a background as a retired physician, Whitney brings a rare blend of meticulous attention to detail, discretion, and a profound care for people to every client relationship. Her practice is rooted in trust, confidentiality, and the highest standard of service.

Specializing in legacy properties and legacy planning, Whitney views every transaction as an opportunity to help clients preserve wealth, create generational impact, and craft iconic lives in iconic homes. She integrates financial strategy into each step of the real estate process, ensuring clients benefit from both market insight and long-term vision. Supported by a team of experts in finance, health, and global real estate, she provides her clients with comprehensive guidance locally and abroad. A native Arizonan who has lived across the world, Whitney has returned home to serve clients in Scottsdale, North Phoenix, Paradise Valley, and beyond. Her personal life is deeply rooted in family and faith—she is a devoted wife, the mother of two boys, and a firm believer in the preservation of humanity and the goodness of people.

Whitney is dedicated to refining the art of luxury living every day, curating an unparalleled experience marked by excellence, integrity, professionalism, and research-driven strategy. Through her affiliation with Sotheby’s International Realty—“Curators of the Unique since 1744”—Whitney collaborates across 83 countries and territories, contributing to over $143 billion in global sales volume.

With an unwavering commitment to discretion, service, and strategy, Whitney James stands as a trusted advisor for those seeking more than a property—she helps clients design a lasting legacy.

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is dedicated to providing the highest service to today’s home buyers and sellers. This tradition continues with the recent addition of Global Real Estate Advisor Aiman Hesswany to our Camelback Tower Office.

No matter the real estate goals or dreams, Aiman Hesswany and his team have the expertise, dedication, and drive to make them a reality. As a Global Real Estate Advisor and seasoned real estate investor, Aiman has built a powerhouse team alongside his spouse, Valantina Nissan. Together, they bring a rare combination of experience, insight, and passion to every transaction.

What sets Aiman and Valantina apart is their diverse professional backgrounds. With roots in engineering, interior design, and extensive global banking experience, they offer clients a unique blend of technical expertise, financial acumen, and strategic planning. This fusion of skills ensures that every real estate decision is approached with precision, creativity, and long-term vision.

Beyond their professional credentials, Aiman and Valantina’s hands-on experience as real estate investors—including multiple fix-and-flip projects—gives them a practical edge. They understand the market from the inside out and provide clients with real-world investment insights and design-forward guidance. Their in-depth knowledge of financing and property transformation allows for a holistic approach to real estate, whether clients are buying, selling, or investing.

At the heart of their work is a commitment to excellence. Aiman and Valantina pride themselves on delivering personalized strategies, exceeding expectations, and guiding clients with professionalism and integrity. For them, real estate is more than transactions—it’s about helping people achieve their goals and turn dreams into tangible results.

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is dedicated to providing the highest service to today’s home buyers and sellers. This tradition continues with the recent addition of Global Real Estate Advisor Azizah Dzugas to our Southeast Valley Office.

As a dedicated real estate professional with Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty, Azizah brings passion, integrity, and a personal touch to every client experience. She is committed to helping individuals and families find the perfect place to call home, whether buying their first property, upgrading to their dream residence, or preparing to sell.

Azizah prides herself on delivering exceptional service marked by attention to detail, thoughtful guidance, and genuine care for her clients’ needs. Her goal is not only to make the buying and selling process seamless but also to build lasting relationships along the way.

With Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty’s renowned brand, resources, and global reach, Azizah combines her expertise with world-class marketing and support to provide clients with an unmatched real estate experience.

Please join us in welcoming Azizah Dzugas as she continues her journey of helping clients achieve their real estate goals with professionalism and heart.

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is dedicated to providing the highest service to today’s home buyers and sellers. This tradition continues with the recent addition of Global Real Estate Advisor Yvonne Hitchcock to our Pinnacle Peak Office.

With over 26 years of experience in the telecom industry, Yvonne Hitchcock has built a reputation as a trusted advisor, recognized for her dedication, exceptional service, and ability to deliver results. Throughout her career, she has guided clients through complex decisions, always with a commitment to listening closely and providing solutions that truly fit their needs.

Now, Yvonne is bringing that same passion and consultative approach to the world of real estate. She understands that buying or selling a home is one of the most important milestones in a person’s life, and her goal is to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.

What sets Yvonne apart is her ability to connect with people and build lasting relationships. Just as she did in telecom, she takes the time to understand each client’s goals and vision, walking alongside them with thoughtful guidance every step of the way. Her clients can trust that their interests will always come first and that she will advocate for them with professionalism and care.

Whether you’re searching for your dream home, preparing to sell, or exploring new opportunities, Yvonne is ready to help. With a career built on trust, service, and results, she is excited to bring her expertise to real estate and create an exceptional experience for every client she serves.

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is dedicated to providing the highest service to today’s home buyers and sellers. This tradition continues with the recent addition of Global Real Estate Advisor Colt Stevens to our Southeast Valley Office.

We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Colt Stevens to the Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty family. With over 20 years of entrepreneurial excellence, Colt brings not only a wealth of experience but also the passion, drive, and dedication that align perfectly with the heart of our team. His character and leadership shine through in everything he does, and we are incredibly fortunate to have him join our office. Here’s to the beginning of an amazing journey together! – Ricardo Cortazar, Managing Broker

When it comes to buying or selling real estate in Arizona’s most desirable communities, having the right agent can make all the difference. For clients working with Colt Stevens, that difference is immediately clear. As a licensed REALTOR® with Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty, Colt specializes in residential, luxury, and investment properties across Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, and the East Valley — but his expertise goes far beyond standard real estate transactions.

What truly sets Colt apart is his comprehensive background in home design, staging, and real estate investing. These complementary skills empower his clients with more than just market insight — they benefit from his keen eye for design, presentation, and strategic value.

Colt’s journey into real estate wasn’t by accident; it was the natural evolution of years spent flipping homes and building strategic partnerships. One of those partnerships is with Ashley Stevens Designs, a design consultancy that brings vision and creativity to every space. Together, they create beautifully staged homes that captivate buyers and elevate property value. Whether it’s transforming a fixer-upper or styling a multimillion-dollar estate, Colt’s design-forward approach translates to stronger returns and smoother closings.

This dynamic blend of design and investment knowledge gives his clients a distinct advantage — from identifying smart opportunities in a tight market to positioning a listing for maximum impact.

Colt doesn’t just sell houses — he helps people move forward in life. His process is high-touch and personalized, ensuring every client feels fully supported and heard. Whether working with a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned investor expanding their portfolio, Colt tailors each step of the journey to reflect the client’s unique goals and vision.

Grounded by his faith, fueled by a deep sense of purpose, and guided by the values of family and excellence, Colt delivers more than results — he delivers an experience worth remembering.

Connect with Colt Stevens and discover the difference of working with a REALTOR® who sees the bigger picture — and knows how to bring it to life.

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is dedicated to providing the highest service to today’s home buyers and sellers. This tradition continues with the recent addition of Global Real Estate Advisor Elyse Claire to our Flagstaff Office.

With a career rooted in servant leadership and a life shaped by global exploration, Elyse brings a unique blend of compassion, adaptability, and cultural awareness to real estate. Having traveled to more than 30 countries—including professional chapters in Sweden, Australia, Norway, and the U.S.— Elyse has developed a sincere appreciation for service, nuance, and what it truly means to feel at home.

Though she explored the world, Arizona was always home. As a proud Arizona native with personal experience living in Coconino, Yavapai, and Maricopa counties, Elyse offers deep local insight paired with a broad worldview. She is honored to help clients from all backgrounds navigate the real estate journey with clarity, trust, and a touch of joy.

Elyse is passionate about fostering connection—whether through supporting local marathons, engaging in spiritually and socially enriching communities, or advocating for inclusion and well-being. She also continually invests in education and industry training to ensure her clients benefit from the latest insights and tools, all while honoring the timeless Sotheby’s International principles of integrity, elegance, and service.

With family woven between architecture, real estate, and human resources, she carries that love for design and structure into every interaction. As part of Sotheby’s International Realty network, Elyse upholds a standard of classic professionalism, personalized attention, and genuine care. Above all, she leads with heart. Elyse listens deeply, advocates fiercely, and celebrates the moment her clients find their place in the world.

In the words of It’s a Wonderful Life: “Bread—that this house may never know hunger. Salt—that life may always have flavor. And wine—that joy and prosperity may reign forever.”

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is dedicated to providing the highest service to today’s home buyers and sellers. This tradition continues with the recent addition of Global Real Estate Advisor Maria Anemone to our Tucson Office.

With over 30 years of real estate experience, Maria Anemone is a name that has become synonymous with professionalism, integrity, and heartfelt service in Arizona’s luxury market. Now, she returns to Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty, the brand that mirrors her high standards and dedication to excellence.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Maria Anemone back to Russ Lyon. Her professionalism, heart for service, and deep connection to the community make her an incredible asset to our team.” — Will Rose

Originally from New York, Maria has called Arizona home for many years. Alongside her husband, a committed law enforcement officer, she raised two daughters and built a life rooted in family, loyalty, and community values. These principles continue to guide her approach to real estate—where trust is earned, relationships matter, and clients are treated like family.

Maria specializes in luxury homes across some of Southern Arizona’s most sought-after areas, including Dove Mountain, Marana, Oro Valley, and the Catalina Foothills. Her deep market knowledge, refined negotiation skills, and intuitive sense of value allow her to serve clients with both insight and confidence.

What truly sets Maria apart is the strength of the relationships she builds. Her business is driven almost entirely by referrals and repeat clients, often working with multiple generations within the same family. Her clients know they can rely on her for honest guidance, expert representation, and unwavering commitment.

Maria first joined Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty in 2013. After a brief time away, she is excited to return to the brand that offers not only unmatched global exposure and marketing tools, but a shared commitment to excellence and client-first service.

With the power of the Sotheby’s brand behind her and a renewed passion for delivering exceptional results, Maria is poised to continue making a lasting impact in the Arizona luxury real estate landscape.