801-413-6047

Bear Essentials Academy 

54th Location

2145 West 5400 South

Taylorsville, UT 84129


Daycare Phone: (801) 955-6145

Meet Our Owner and Administrator

Our committed team is here to support and motivate your child every single day.

Wendy Pendleton

Owner/Director

Started in 1994

Rachelle Carrol (Shelly)

Administrator

Started in Feb 2017 

Meet Our Directors


Stephanie Drawe

Director, Driver, School Age Teacher

Started in Nov 2013

Alyssa Peters

Assistant Director, Panda Bear Head Teacher

Started in April 2018

Melanie Hutsell

Assistant Director, Cook

Started in June 2020

Meet Our Infant Teachers

Cassandra Rios

Teddy Bears Head Teacher

Started in April 2025

Elsie Fuli

Infant Teacher

Started in April 2025

Allysen Durtschi

Infant Teacher

Started in April 2023

Kaylynne Wabel

Infant Teacher

Started in Feb 2023

Megan Curtis

Infant Teacher

Started in Nov 2023

Breanna Curtis

Infant Teacher

Started in June 2024

Meet Our Head Teachers

Cassandra Rios

Teddy Bears Head Teacher

Started in April 2025

Mckelle Welker

Koala Bears Head Teacher

Started in Aug  2011

Alyssa Peters

Assistant Director, Panda Bear Head Teacher

Started in April 2018

Alexis Jensen

Preschool Teacher

Started in Sept.2014

Wendy Jones-Winn

School Age/Driver

Started in Aug 2008

Meet Our Assistant Teachers

Stephanie Davis

Opener, All Rooms

Started in Jan 2009

Susan Petterborg

Assistant Teacher,

Started in Sept. 2008

Savannah Schaus

Assistant Teacher, Floater

Started in Aug 2023

Aniyah Campbell

Assistant Teacher

Started in April 2026

Angelina Tovar

Assistant Teacher

Started in April 2026

Meet Our Classrooms

Teddy Bears and Koala Bear B

Koala Bears B

Panda Bears

Polar Bears and Grizzly Bears

Why Choose Bear Essentials Academy?

Discover the reasons to entrust us with your child’s care and growth.

Educatied Teachers

At our school, every teacher completes over 20 hours of continuing education annually. We believe that great educators never stop learning, and our teachers are dedicated to growing both personally and professionally. The methods and techniques used in our classrooms are informed by the latest research and evidence-based practices, ensuring the highest quality learning experience for every child.

Experienced Caregivers

At Bear Essentials Academy, your child’s safety and well-being are our highest priorities. All of our staff members are certified in CPR and First Aid. In addition, each team member is required to maintain a current Food Handler’s Permit and participate in ongoing early childhood development training throughout the year.

Many of our staff members have been part of the Bear Essentials Academy family for more than 10 years. Their experience, dedication, and continued professional development allow them to provide a nurturing environment and deliver an enriching curriculum that supports each child’s growth and learning throughout the day.

Educational Focus

Creating a secure space for children to discover, explore, and learn with confidence. 

Our mission is to provide every child with the highest quality care at a reasonable rate in a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment. We are dedicated to ensuring that each child feels loved, valued, and empowered to learn, grow, and succeed.

Through kindness, compassion, and service to others, we encourage children to develop strong character, confidence, and a sense of responsibility to their community. Because children are our future, we are committed to teaching lifelong values that inspire respect, self-belief, and the pursuit of their dreams.