Find an Instructor
Bring the power of poker to your inner circle.
Book a private session (virtual or in person) with one of our expert Poker Power instructors for an unforgettable experience rooted in strategy, confidence, and connection. Whether it’s a birthday party, game night, or casual get-together, our private lessons and events blend real poker play with real-world leadership lessons. No poker experience necessary, just bring your curiosity and your crew.
benefits
Why book with a Poker Power instructor?
Learn through gameplay
Our sessions are hands-on, educational, and fun
Hosted by experts. Built for beginners.
Learn from experienced Poker Power instructors who lead with skill and empathy
Lessons for life, not just the table:
Every hand you play strengthens real-life decision-making, risk management, and confidence
Booking Guidelines
Best For
Groups of 4 – 10 people
Game nights, birthdays, after-school gatherings, or a fun lesson with friends
What to Expect
A fun, inclusive environment focused on poker basics and gameplay
At the table instruction designed to translate poker thinking into leadership skills
NOT a poker coaching or an advanced strategy service
Available Locations
Reach out to an instructor in your city to coordinate availability and rates.
New York / New Jersey
Lisa Pickell
lisapickell@pokerpower.com
Poker pro, coach, and the first woman to win the WSOP Circuit ring in No-Limit Hold’em. After years competing on the WSOP Circuit and WPT, Lisa now shares her approachable, insightful style with players of all ages and experience levels. She blends strategy, confidence-building, and plenty of laughs, because her favorite skill learned in poker, reading people and situations, is just as valuable in life as it is at the table.
Tali Lev
avital.lev@pokerpower.com
Tali Lev has played poker for over 20 years, from high school home games to competitive local tables. Her teaching style is practical and empowering, with a passion for helping players turn strategy into results. Poker has given her confidence and community, and she brings that same energy to her students. Tali’s favorite part of coaching is seeing concepts “click” and come to life at the table.
Chicago
April Oury
april@pokerpower.com
April Oury is a Lead Instructor and keynote speaker at Poker Power. She uses a data-driven but laid-back teaching style to help students navigate decisions with confidence. April’s favorite poker skill is knowing when to fold—balancing discipline with bold action. With a background in investing and healthcare, April makes poker relatable across industries. Her sessions are welcoming, empowering, and full of great stories and insights.
Haley Zollo
haley.zollo@pokerpower.com
Haley is thrilled to be a Poker Power instructor! By day she is a venture capitalist investing in early stage consumer technology companies and draws on the parallels between poker and the business world almost daily. She lives in Chicago with her husband, two daughters and mini bernedoodle. She can't wait to teach you!
Jori Greenhill
jori.greenhill@pokerpower.com
With over 25 years as a high school teacher and a lifelong love for poker, Jori Greenhill brings expert instruction and genuine enthusiasm to every lesson. Her interactive, easy-to-understand approach makes poker accessible and fun for players of all ages. Jori’s favorite poker lesson is grit—learning from mistakes and pushing forward. She’s passionate about using the game to foster both personal and professional growth.
Sophia Huard
sophia.huard@pokerpower.com
Sophia has been playing poker recreationally for 25+ years, and her real edge lies in teaching how the game’s strategies apply far beyond the table. Whether it's reading people, managing risk, or making high-stakes decisions under pressure, she shows students how poker skills can sharpen both personal intuition and professional judgment. Originally from Quebec and a native French speaker, Sophia graduated from Stanford University and spent a decade at top tech companies like Meta and Robinhood. She now runs her own startup as founder and CEO. She lives in the suburbs of Chicago with her husband, daughter, and their 5-pound poodle.
Other Locations
Dawn Lucarelli
jori.greenhill@pokerpower.com
D.C., Maryland, Virginia
With two WSOP Main Event cashes and global poker experience, Dawn blends elite play with executive coaching in strategy and leadership. The skill of risk taking gave her the confidence to open her own business. A former associate school superintendent, she empowers women to apply the game's strategic decision-making skills to win both at the table and their careers.
Jennifer Weitzel
april@pokerpower.com
New Orleans
Jennifer Weitzel has been playing poker for over 20 years and credits the game with transforming her personal and professional life. She believes poker is the best roadmap for mastering patience, resilience, and reading a room. Her coaching style is energetic and intuitive, helping players apply poker wisdom far beyond the table. Jennifer can’t wait to help you discover where the game can take you.
Mary Fox
jori.greenhill@pokerpower.com
Maine
Mary Fox is a dedicated poker educator and weekly player at her local legion hall. Her teaching style is empowering, practical, and rooted in real-life application. Poker has taught her how to manage risk, trust her instincts, and lead with confidence. Mary’s mission is to help others unlock the game’s power to make smart, strategic decisions in every area of life.