54th Staff
Wendy Pendleton - Owner
Wendy started in childcare by opening an in home daycare nearly 30 years ago. Her philosophy has always been to have a daycare that makes it possible for EVERY SINGLE student to succeed. She is so excited to have 2 operating centers that take care of so many children.
Wendy has an active CDA and endorsements in: Guidance & Emotional Wellness, School Readiness, Theories & Best Practices and Special Needs.
Outside of daycare, Wendy loves spending time with her loving Husband, 5 children (& partners) and 3 grandchildren.
Stephanie Drawe - Director / Cook
Stephanie started working here in 2013. She has been a teacher in all the different age groups and loves spending time with any classroom. She loves summer time and being able to take the school age kids on field trips.
Stephanie has her National Administrator Credential (NAC) and has taken many childcare courses over the years.
Stephanie loves spending time with her husband and three children playing games, watching movies, and going bowling.
Alyssa Peters - Asst. Director / Toddler Head Teacher
Alyssa joined our team 5 years ago and has worked in childcare for 7 years. She has over 120 hours in childcare classes and is working towards her CDA.
She loves being with the toddlers and creating fun learning activities for them. She also loves creating friendships with children's families to help children and parents feel comfortable and loved.
Alyssa is a HUGE UofU fan and has been a football season ticket holder for over 10 years!
She loves being with her husband, son and daughter.
Tyanne Umpleby - Asst. Director / Cook
Tyanne has been with us for 3 years. She started as a head teacher in the older toddler room and now works as an Asst. Director and part time cook. She loves spending time with the children and listening to their stories and ideas.
She has her Bachelors of Science in Psychology & Family Studies and has taken many child care courses.
Tyanne is Canadian visits her family up there each year. She has been married for over 10 years and has 2 boys, 2 small dogs, and 2 chameleon.
Susan Petterborg - Infant Teacher
"Grandma Sue" has been with Bear Essentials since 2008. She spends her time in the infant/toddler rooms but has also worked in all the other classrooms. She has watched so many children grow from infancy to graduating our center after elementary school. She truly loves all the children and always has smarties to share in her pocket.
In her free time she loves spending time with her husband, children and grandchildren.
Alexis Jensen - Head Preschool Teacher
Alexis has been in childcare for over 15 years. She has been with us for 7 years. She specializes in pre-school and kindergarten readiness. She is currently attending SLCC to finish her degree in Family Health Studies and Child Development.
She loves exposing her preschoolers to famous artists and poets. She loves working with this age group to help them have the best possible start as they head to kindergarten.
Alexis' husband Derik often volunteers in her classroom and helps with summer field trips. On her free time she read, watches movies and spends time with family.
Melanie Hutsell - Head Infant Teacher
Melanie started in childcare 3 years ago when she joined Bear Essentials. She has taken many childcare course and is working on some infant certifications.She loves working in the baby room and is a great head teacher.
On her free time she loves to craft and watch horror movies.
Melanie's son is "the apple of her eye" and her best friend.
Stephanie Davis - Infant Teacher
Stephanie has been with us for 13 years. She currently works in the infant and toddler classrooms. She is currently working on getting her
McKelle Welker - Toddler Teacher
