Our Team
Meet the dedicated and passionate team at Young Scholars Academy, a preschool and daycare center in Draper, Utah. Our staff includes highly qualified educators and caring support personnel, all committed to providing a nurturing and educational environment for young children. Each team member brings unique expertise and enthusiasm to ensure that every child receives personalized attention and experiences enriching learning opportunities daily.
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Ms. Patty Frehner
Director
“Ms. Patty” is the dedicated Director of Young Scholars Academy in Draper, UT, a role she has evolved into with passion and precision since founding the school with her husband in 2016. With an extensive background in human resources management and early childhood development, she oversees the day-to-day operations of the academy, which includes managing budgets, supervising staff, developing curricula, and ensuring compliance with state regulations. Her commitment to creating a nurturing and educational environment is evident in her hands-on approach to leadership, often being the first to arrive and the last to leave. Under her guidance, the academy has grown from a small home-based preschool to a thriving educational institution with multiple specialized classrooms. Ms. Patty’s leadership not only focuses on educational excellence but also on creating a safe and loving environment for both the students and the staff. Her philosophy is rooted in the belief that early education is fundamental to lifelong learning and she is committed to instilling a love for learning in all her students.
Contact: 801-571-8822 | info@myyoungscholarsacademy.com
Location: 177 West 12300 South #107, Draper, UT 84020
Specialty: Leadership in educational management with a focus on early childhood development and creating a holistic learning environment.
Mr. Bryon Frehner
Office Manager
Bryon S. Frehner brings over 20 years of managerial experience as the Office Manager at Young Scholars Academy in Draper, Utah. With a Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design and Illustration, Bryon skillfully handles the critical operational aspects of the academy, including enrollments, accounting, and payroll. His expertise is further enhanced by continuous professional development through annual training classes mandated by the Utah State Office of Child Care, ensuring his skills remain sharp and compliant with the latest educational standards and practices. Bryon’s thorough understanding of administrative duties and his dedication to the smooth operation of the academy make him an indispensable part of the team.
Contact: 801-571-8822 | info@myyoungscholarsacademy.com
Location: 177 West 12300 South #107, Draper, UT 84020
Specialty: Administrative management with a focus on enrollments, financial operations, and compliance with state childcare regulations.
Ms. Brittney Larc
Lead Teacher
Ms. Brittney Larc brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role as a Lead Teacher at Young Scholars Academy in Draper, UT, where she has been educating young minds for the past 9 years. With a Bachelor of Arts in Human Development and Family Life, Brittney has specialized experience working in ABA-based preschools for children with developmental delays, both in Orem, Utah, and Dublin, Ireland. Her teaching philosophy is enriched by her personal joys: laughter, adventure, and family. As a mother of three daughters, Brittney incorporates her nurturing spirit into the classroom, fostering a warm and inclusive learning environment. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, hosting parties, indulging in Snickers, savoring delicious smoothies, and practicing embroidery.
Contact: 801-571-8822 | info@myyoungscholarsacademy.com
Location: 177 West 12300 South #107, Draper, UT 84020
Specialty: Specialized education for developmental growth in young children, with a focus on creating engaging and supportive learning experiences.
Ms. RyAnn Welch
Lead Teacher
Ms. RyAnn Welch, a passionate and dynamic Lead Teacher at Young Scholars Academy in Draper, UT, has been nurturing young minds since 2021. With a solid foundation in early childhood development from her extensive coursework and practical experience beginning in high school, RyAnn specializes in creating educational experiences that cater to the holistic development of preschool-aged children. Her teaching approach is centered on love, patience, and understanding, ensuring that each student’s emotional and academic needs are met. She employs diverse teaching methods to accommodate all learning styles, making learning accessible and fun through art and interactive activities. RyAnn is also committed to maintaining clear and consistent communication with parents to support each child’s growth and transitions effectively.
Contact: 801-571-8822 | info@myyoungscholarsacademy.com
Location: 177 West 12300 South #107, Draper, UT 84020
Specialty: Fostering emotional and academic development through a personalized and welcoming educational approach, emphasizing creative expression and hands-on learning.
Ms. Maria Donado
Spanish Teacher
Ms. Maria Donado serves as the Spanish Teacher at Young Scholars Academy in Draper, UT. With over 20 years of experience in education, she has worked as an elementary school teacher, principal, and teacher trainer. In recent years, she has also shared her expertise as a dance instructor, emphasizing safety, posture, and movement while helping students shine in performances. Maria brings the same dedication and creativity to her Spanish classes, where she fosters a supportive environment that encourages curiosity, confidence, and a love of learning. Her teaching philosophy is rooted in meeting each child’s unique needs and building trust in the classroom. Recognized with multiple Teacher of the Year awards, Maria continues to inspire students through her commitment to education. When she’s not teaching, Maria enjoys dancing, reading, camping, and exploring culinary arts.
Contact: 801-571-8822 | info@myyoungscholarsacademy.com
Location: 177 West 12300 South #107, Draper, UT 84020
Specialty: Spanish language instruction, child-centered teaching, and fostering confidence through creative learning experiences.
Ms. Daniela Acuña
Lead Dance Instructor
Ms. Daniela Acuña is the Lead Dance Instructor at Young Scholars Academy in Draper, UT. She has trained extensively in a local dance studio, developing strong technique and a passion for creative movement. Daniela began her teaching journey by assisting other instructors, gaining valuable experience in working with children and creating an encouraging classroom atmosphere. With her Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish, Daniela is also able to incorporate bilingual elements into her lessons, helping her connect with students and families from diverse backgrounds. She is committed to fostering a love of dance in each child, encouraging self-expression, confidence, and joy through movement. Outside the studio, Daniela enjoys spending time with her three sisters and brings that same warmth, patience, and nurturing spirit into her teaching.
Contact: 801-571-8822 | info@myyoungscholarsacademy.com
Location: 177 West 12300 South #107, Draper, UT 84020
Specialty: Dance education with an emphasis on creativity, confidence-building, and bilingual connection.
Ms. Grace Rodriguez
Substitute Teacher
Ms. Grace Rodriguez, with a background in Dentistry and Endodontics, has transitioned her career toward early childhood education, driven by a profound passion for child development. After 10 years as a general dentist and endodontist, and further education in human development while being a stay-at-home mom, Grace now serves as a Substitute Teacher at Young Scholars Academy in Draper, UT. She focuses on fostering early language acquisition and cultural appreciation through dynamic and engaging Spanish lessons. Grace incorporates songs, interactive activities, and storytelling to immerse children in both English and Spanish, helping them build a strong foundation for bilingualism. Dedicated to her community, Grace and her husband also engage in feeding the homeless monthly, especially on special days and holidays.
Contact: 801-571-8822 | info@myyoungscholarsacademy.com
Location: 177 West 12300 South #107, Draper, UT 84020
Specialty: Early childhood education with a focus on introducing children to the Spanish language and fostering cultural awareness through immersive and interactive lessons.
Ms. Stephanie Fowler, MA, CCC-SLP
Speech Pathology Consultant
Stephanie Fowler, a dedicated Speech Pathologist with 20 years of experience, specializes in pediatric speech therapy for children three years and older at Communication Journeys, LLC in Draper, UT. She holds a Master’s degree in Communication Disorders from the University of Houston and a Bachelor’s from the University of Colorado. Stephanie’s expertise encompasses treating Speech Sound Disorders (SSDs), including articulation disorders, phonological disorders, and Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS). Her approach is centered on practical solutions to improve daily communication, advocating early intervention over the “wait and see” approach to enhance communicative success and confidence in children. Stephanie’s passion is evident in her commitment to integrating families into the therapy process, ensuring children progress and thrive in their social environments.
Contact: 281-743-1698 | CommunicationJourneys@gmail.com
Location: 13132 S Levoy Circle, Draper, UT 84020
Hours: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, 8am-5pm
Specialty: Pediatric speech therapy focusing on Speech Sound Disorders, early intervention, and family-inclusive therapy strategies.