Central Florida location now open, run by Avalon Park resident.
By Jacob Engels
Last week, we got a chance to speak with Tiffany Brittain, who is overseeing a new Abrakadoodle Learning Center that will serve Central Florida. Ms. Brittain, an Avalon Park resident, said she is thrilled to inspire creativity in the community and that the Central Florida location will serve Avalon Park, Baldwin Park, Conway, Golden Rod, Lake Nona, Orlando, Oviedo, Waterford Lakes, and Winter Park. Check it out –
First, tell us a little bit about yourself –
I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resource Management from the University of Maryland and have several years of experience as an arts administrator with non-profit arts organizations in South Florida and Washington, D.C. Also, I’m a former dancer with experience in the performing arts to include Modern, African and Latin dance forms. I really enjoy travelling as a way to experience the arts and culture of people around the world and has spent time in Europe, South America and India. After returning to Florida from Virginia with my husband and young daughter, I wrote a personal mission statement in which I decided that it was my priority to work in an environment that allows me to express my own creativity; inspires others to be creative, and have a positive impact on the community.
What the heck is Abrakadoodle?
Abrakadoodle is the perfect blend of education and art. Our educators understand how children learn and utilize developmental appropriate practices to teach the foundations of art to children. Abrakadoodle offers classes for the very young. In addition to the ability to work with elementary age students, our teachers understand the development of preschoolers and focus upon activities that foster the development of fine motor skills, language, problem-solving and more. Our curriculum includes the work of both master and contemporary artists. Our “Artists of Distinction” program features artists who are living and actively engaged in their work. Abrakadoodle teams with the very best art product developers. Through our partnership with Crayola®, we use only the safest and highest quality products in our classes.
What inspired you to build a business around that concept?
As an arts administrator, an avid arts enthusiast and a passionate child advocate; the decision to join the Abrakadoodle franchise was not a difficult one. The Abrakadoodle mission is “to enhance the lives of children by creating an educationally rich learning environment that ignites their imaginations and leads them to discover their own unique creativities, talents and abilities.” Given their mission and the quality of their programs, I am proud to be a part of the Abrakadoodle franchise. It is truly a blessing to be able to be passionate about your work.
Tiffany Brittain of Abrakadoodle Orlando
What type of services does Abrakadoodle offer?
Abrakadoodle offers three primary types of art programs for children ages 20 months to 12 years old:
- Abrakadoodle’s Art In Our World™ program is designed to be integrated into a school’s curriculum serving as the school’s main art program. This curriculum has been designed to exceed the National Standards for Visual Arts Education.
- Enrichment programs offered as extracurricular activities after-school and at sites throughout the community.
- Specialty programs including camps, in-school field trips, workshops and special events.
Where do you hold Abrakadoodle classes?
Currently, we have classes for the community scheduled to occur in Avalon Park, Oviedo and Winter Park however we are adding new sites very quickly. Because of the comprehensive nature of our Art In Our World™ curriculum, we have several schools that have expressed an interest in integrating our programs into their existing curriculum. Our program offers a cost-effective solution to keeping a vigorous art program within a school’s curriculum at a time when so many schools are having to scale back or eliminate their art programs all together. We are looking forward to working with schools across Orlando to help keep the arts alive in our schools.
How can people learn more about Abrakadoodle?
Our Facebook page (facebook.com/AbrakadoodleOrlando) is the best place to go to see what we are doing throughout the Orlando community. On our Facebook page, there are photos, event announcements, class schedules, registration links and great articles about the importance of arts education in the development of children. You can also visit our website at www.abrakadoodle.com/FL11 or call us at 407-287-6698.
Jacob Engels, is the Founder of East Orlando Post. Along with the Post, he owns several other business and is currently enrolled at Valencia College. Jacob has lived in Avalon Park since it’s founding and enjoys playing with his black Labradoodle Jasper, listening to indie rock, and seeking out new business ventures. He can be reached at info@eastorlandopost.com
