Abrakadoodle Franchise Owners

Abrakadoodle Franchise Owners have a variety of backgrounds but all share a love of children and a commitment to quality education. Meet some of our owners here:

See Dawna on video!

Dawna Kelly is a former Microsoft manager with a flair for building key relationships.  She has built a strong program in the Detroit MI marketplace through a network of educational services including an amazing program operating in the charter school system. She has built a talented team of teachers who deliver top-quality services to more than 3500 children each month.


Dave Coates is a former chemical engineer who wanted to be involved with his community in Texas. He is known for both his flexibility and unrelenting focus on customer service. He is President of the non-profit Frisco Association for the Arts. Dave will tell you that, “Abrakadoodle is s well-run organization with the flexibility to pursue multiple sources of revenue.”

See Shay on video!

Shay Hata is a former marketing manager.  She runs a robust program in the Minneapolis area including classes, camps and parties. Shay is always interested in learning what her parents want in terms of programming.  She seeks parent feedback so that she can meet and exceed her customer’s expectations.  She loves bringing her top-quality programs to kids!

Sue Walia has a background in retail fashion merchandising and investment banking. She has built a great team of teachers who have lots of fans in the Northern Virginia marketplace.  Sue would tell you that Abrakadoodle – “…it’s the best thing I’ve ever done….  Although I have had some challenges in my personal life, my business has been so positive.  I receive so much personal satisfaction and joy in working with the children.”

Read a Feature Story About Geraldine

Geraldine Smythe has over 15 years combined experience in sales, marketing and the arts, having founded her first company at age 19 in her high school home town between college semesters. She is an excellent “big picture” strategist  and is not afraid of taking calculated risks. She is skilled at forging key relationships within the community.  With Abrakadoodle, she can work with people she likes, build strong, lasting relationships and choose her own creative path. 

Disclaimer: None of the communication made through this website should be construed as an offer to sell any Abrakadoodle franchise in, nor is any such communication directed to the residents of any jurisdiction requiring registration of the franchise before it is offered and sold in that jurisdiction. No Abrakadoodle franchises will be sold to any resident of any such jurisdiction until the offering has been exempted from the requirements of, or duly registered in and declared effective by such jurisdiction and the required FDD has been delivered to the prospective franchisee before the sale in compliance with applicable law. If you have any questions concerning the registration status of Abrakadoodle franchises in your jurisdiction, please contact our Headquarters at 703-860-6570.