1928-2006

Erin W. Bramlett, B.A., M. Ed.
Florida State University:
   B. A. Early Childhood/ Elementary Education
University of North Florida:
   M. Ed. Education with specialization in reading

For over thirty years, Erin Bramlett was a professional educator in the Jacksonville area. She first taught second grade for three years at Ortega Elementary School. When there was a teachers strike, she felt the call to return to teaching and substituted for several years. Then after raising her children, she took a job at Riverside Presbyterian Day School as a third grade teacher and reading specialist from 1970 through 1982. She has also been an instructor in reading at FCCJ. She began teaching an SAT/ACT college entrance exam preparation course in 1984 and has helped hundreds of students in northeast Florida. She also taught a speed reading seminar.

In 1982, Erin Bramlett founded Educational Development Services. Her philosophy of tutoring students was to place one student with one teacher in a private room so there are no distractions or interruptions. She served as a reading consultant specializing in diagnostic evaluations and prescriptive instruction on an individual basis.

Through the years, EDS has developed a staff of tutors specialized in specific subject areas. It offers services to all ages from preschool through adult. Through dedication, encouragement, and guidance, EDS helps students cross academic hurdles. Some students come for short periods of time while others may need continuous support. Several students enjoy the comfort and security that they receive at EDS and continue on a regular basis to provide stability during their academic careers.

On July 19, 2006, Erin passed away. She leaves a legacy to follow and a philosphy to help students reach success.

Mrs. Barnard graduated from Vanderbilt University with a bachelors degree in engineering and from the University of Florida College of Law. Mrs. Barnard plans on continuing with her mother's philosophy of preparing students for success.

Nancy is Erin's youngest child of her three children. Nancy is a native of Jacksonville, attending John N.C. Stockton Elementary, Riverside Presbyterian Day School and The Bolles School. Nancy then attended Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, where she received a Bachelors in Engineering, specializing in Water Resources. After practicing engineering in Dallas, Texas, Nancy returned to Florida to attend University of Florida College of Law. Nancy graduated from law school in 1987 and practiced environmental law for 13 years.

When asked why she is continuing her mother's business, Nancy will tell you it serves so many students and helps them become successful. This business is a tremendous service to the City of Jacksonville. Nancy received training in research based reading programs that teach reading using systematic and explicit methods in phonemic awareness and sequencing in order to teach students to read. Phonemic awareness and sequencing is taught to those students who have difficulty decoding the words. Without decoding skills, a student cannot reach fluency or comprehension. This is particularly effective with students with dyslexia.

Nancy Barnard will continue Erin's philosophy and established practice of tutoring children on a one-to-one basis in a quiet non-distracting setting. The environment at EDS is conducive to learning. Each student is provided his or her tutor and sessions are conducted in a private area of the office. The student returns for repeat sessions with their respective tutor until success is achieved. Nancy has three children herself and understands the need to provide a stress free environment within which the students can learn without the pressures of the classroom and the distractions of other settings.