News Release

Sterling, VA, August 11, 2015– Abrakadoodle is bringing its award-winning creative, mobile art programs to benefit children and adults with the addition of its newest franchise unit Northeast Georgia. Abrakadoodle, with its global franchise headquarters in Sterling, Virginia welcomes this latest unit that joins Abrakadoodle-Atlanta. New owners Jamie and Eric Rodrigues of Gainesville, GA 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. They will be offering integrated art programs during the school day at the Maranatha Christian Academy this fall and hope to offer similar programs at charter schools in the community. 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 Northeast Georgia to include Forsyth, Gwinnett and Hall counties and the cities of Gainesville, Suwanee, Cumming, Oakwood, Sugar Hill, Buford, and Flowery Branch.

“We are proud to welcome veterans Jamie and Eric to our award-winning Abrakadoodle franchise system,” said Rosemarie Hartnett, CFE, President and Co-Founder of Abrakadoodle, Inc. “Together, they bring wonderful leadership qualities, networking, organization and communication skills that will help them establish a strong program.”

Atlanta native Jamie joined the military at a young age, serving in such capacities as working in an operating room and most recently as a liaison for the Family Readiness Operation, where Jamie worked with families and communicated needs and issues with the command. She was recognized with several volunteer awards in Fort Jackson. Jamie made good use of her photography skills during her assignment, connecting families using social media. She met her husband Eric in 2003 when they were both stationed in San Antonio, Texas. Jamie medically retired from the Army following a neck injury. The couple has a 10-year old daughter Savannah. Jamie commented, “I value Abrakadoodle’s child-centered approach to learning with a focus on creativity. My objective is to be a positive force in the community.”

Jamie is supported in her new franchise by her husband Eric D. Rodrigues, a retired Army Captain. Eric earned a bachelor’s degree in Human Development from Cal Poly in 1999. He was stationed in Germany, Bosnia and Iraq, as well as various US locations. With the downsizing in the military, Eric took advantage of an Army transition program to learn about entrepreneurship opportunities. Eric connected with Matt Thornton at The Entrepreneur’s Source (TES) and said, “He did a really great job of matching us up with this franchise.” Eric plans to manage operational aspects of the Abrakadoodle business. To learn more about art programs or to bring Abrakadoodle classes and activities to your location, please go to www.abrakadoodle.com/ga-northeast-georgia/ or contact Jamie Rodrigues, Education Director at jrodrigues@abrakadoodle.com or Eric Rodrigues, Managing Director at erodrigues@abrakadoodle.com or 470-252-5108.

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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