News Release

Education Executive Starts New Career with Abrakadoodle following Austin Franchise Purchase

Art and creativity programs are arriving now at community sites and schools throughout Austin

Sterling, VA, September 25, 2015– Abrakadoodle is bringing its award-winning creative, mobile art programs to benefit children and adults with the addition of its newest franchise unit in Austin, Texas. Abrakadoodle, with its global franchise headquarters in Sterling, Virginia welcomes this latest unit that joins three Texas Abrakadoodle locations in Katy and around the Houston area. New owner Gina Bennette of Leander will be providing a wide range of art programs to include visual arts classes, camps, workshops, in-school field trips, special events and arty parties at schools, community centers, and other sites that serve children. Ms. Bennette is very pleased to announce a partnership with the Round Rock Independent School District to provide art education programs for students at district elementary schools. Ms. Bennette has also hired Treva Champlin, a native of Georgetown, in the role of manager. Abrakadoodle also offers creative art programs and social art parties and events through its Art Splash program, which is designed specifically for adults. Abrakadoodle will be establishing programs at schools and sites throughout Austin to include North Austin, Cedar Park, Round Rock, Leander, Georgetown and Pflugerville.

“We are pleased to welcome Gina to our award-winning Abrakadoodle franchise system,” said Rosemarie Hartnett, CFE, President and Co-Founder of Abrakadoodle, Inc. “Gina’s background serving schools and school districts, as well as her background in training, nicely complements her strong belief in Abrakadoodle’s methodology and curriculum.”

Gina earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from LSU in 2002. Most recently, Gina was vice president with the Princeton Review, where she held increasingly responsible positions during her 12-year tenure and gained valuable experience working with schools and school districts. Prior to that, she was a senior management trainer for Kinko’s. Born and raised in New Orleans, Gina moved to Austin two years ago with her husband and three young children to take advantage of the city’s excellent services. Gina commented, “I’ve been looking at Abrakadoodle for nearly two years, and I love the business model. I wanted to be my own boss and make a difference in the community. My strength is building a business with heart, and I feel I have the tools to be successful. I truly believe that creative kids will be the next leaders and innovators, and I am excited to be a part of bringing Abrakadoodle’s remarkable programs back to Austin.”

To learn more about art programs or to bring Abrakadoodle classes and activities to your location, please go to www.abrakadoodle.com/tex-austin/ or contact Gina Bennette, Education Director at gbennette@abrakadoodle.com or 512-337-7017.

About Abrakadoodle 

Abrakadoodle was co-founded in 2002 by award-winning educator/franchise developer Mary Rogers, CFE, MA.Ed, and children’s services franchising expert Rosemarie Hartnett, CFE. Abrakadoodle is the most comprehensive creativity and art education company of its kind, offering extensive visual arts classes, camps and parties for children ages 20 months to 12 years old. Abrakadoodle’s Art Splash program features creative art parties and events designed for adult “artventurers.” Abrakadoodle has received seven First Place Awards from Nickelodeon’s Parent Picks Awards for “Best Art Program to inspire your child’s inner Picasso.” Abrakadoodle also received nominations for “Best Kids Party Entertainer” and “Best Kids Party Place.” Visit www.Abrakadoodle.com.

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