Army Veteran Opens Newest Abrakadoodle Art Education Franchise Serving Bowie-Annapolis, MD

STERLING, Va. - Nov. 14, 2013 - PRLog -- Abrakadoodle Remarkable Art Education, which in 2013 surpassed one-million students in its creative art programs, is expanding its reach to children with the addition of its newest franchise unit in Bowie, Maryland. An Army veteran with tremendous experience communicating with diverse people and cultures, Cecilia Hazelton will be providing a wide range of art education programs to include visual arts classes, camps, workshops, as well as in-school field trips, special events and arty parties at schools, community centers, and other community locations sites that serve children. Ms. Hazelton will be kicking off her new business with holiday workshops. She will be serving communities to include: Annapolis, Bowie, Davidsonville, Edgewater, Glenn Dale, Greenbelt, Kettering, Landover, Mayo, Mitchellville, New Carrolton, Palmer Park, Parole, Seabrook, Springdale and Woodmore.

“We are delighted to welcome Cecilia to our award-winning Abrakadoodle franchise system,” said Rosemarie Hartnett, CFE, President and Co-Founder of Abrakadoodle, Inc. “We are proud to welcome a veteran to our vibrant franchise network. Cecilia is passionate about creativity and the arts, and she brings outstanding communications and management skills, which I believe will help ensure her success in a community that embraces the arts and creativity for its youth.”

Cecilia Hazelton of Bowie most recently spent three years in crisis management at the State Department, which entailed travel to 49 countries and made use of her eight years of experience in the US Army, where she was a soldier specializing in weapons of mass destruction protection and soldier career management. Ms. Hazelton said, “My parents always inspired me to think outside of the box and to embrace creativity. Abrakadoodle is a business that will enable me to work with kids and to inspire them to develop creativity and problem-solving skills that will serve them well in their lives." Cecilia was born and raised in Pennsylvania. Her dad was instrumental in helping her to discover the arts. Cecilia assisted her dad in his photography, and they sang duets in church. She also plays the cello. Cecilia earned a bachelor’s degree in communications from Millersville University. Ms. Hazelton purchased a home in Bowie this year, which places her nearby her large family located in the Washington Metropolitan area. “I felt that a home-based business was perfect for me and the people at Abrakadoodle are great,” Cecilia commented. “I feel like I will be doing something that does not feel like work, and I am excited to be a part of a positive, creative company that makes a difference in the lives of children.”

To learn more about art programs or to bring Abrakadoodle classes and activities to your location, please go to http://www.abrakadoodle.com/md08/ or contact Cecilia Hazelton at chazelton@abrakadoodle.com  or call 301-464-0700.

Abrakadoodle was the first American franchise company to bring a comprehensive, standards-based art education program to children in the U.S. Abrakadoodle embraces art in its broadest scope – from public art to all types of painting, sculpture, drawing, animation, paper and fabric art, digital photography and more. Abrakadoodle students develop a fine arts vocabulary as they learn about the styles and techniques of both classic and contemporary artists. Abrakadoodle students use an abundance of creative materials to explore the visual arts. Students often take home framed, labeled original creations that extend the learning at home, as well as boost self-confidence.

Abrakadoodle classes employ a “process art” methodology. These classes not only inspire a child’s imagination, but they also build motor, language and cognitive skills. Research suggests that getting an early start in the arts can make a real difference in the lives of children, not only in terms of increased academic achievement but also greater problem solving, leadership capabilities, and confidence.

About Abrakadoodle

Creativity is the cornerstone of Abrakadoodle’s award-winning multi-arts program for kids, which since it was established in Northern Virginia in 2002, has delivered the very best in art classes, camps, parties, events and experiences to more than one-million children! Co-founded by award-winning educator/franchise developer Mary Rogers, MA.Ed, and children’s services franchising expert Rosemarie Hartnett, CFE, Abrakadoodle sparks kids’ imaginations while they think, create, discover, problem solve and build confidence. Art classes and programs are offered to children ages 20 months to 12 years old at host sites, such as schools, community centers, parks and recreation facilities and more. With Abrakadoodle franchise locations throughout the U.S. and in six international countries and growing, Abrakadoodle is literally building a world of creative kids’ one child at a time. Find Abrakadoodle on Facebook, Twitter and on the web.