Trafton

Academy
Teaching Eagles to Fly!

Faculty and Aides
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.

Principal
Susan Day
I am very excited about this school year and am honored to be given the opportunity to be part of continuing the Trafton tradition of excellence.

Assistant Principal
Harold Moore
I joined the Trafton faculty in 2012 after retiring from the Tangipahoa Parish School System. I enjoy serving as assistant principal and 8th grade mathematics teacher. My wife, Marsha, and I have two sons, Brett (Trafton Class of 2001) and Daryl (Trafton Class of 2008).

Pre-K3
Melissa Parkinson

Pre-K4
Debbie Schiffler
After graduating from Southeastern Louisiana University with a degree in elementary education, Dr. Gene McDonald, principal of Trafton, offered me the opportunity of joining the Trafton “family”. This opportunity began my teaching career giving me the pleasure of teaching my first class of fourteen pre-kindergarten students as they began their adventure in formal education. Thirteen years later, I am still a part of Trafton’s family!

Kindergarten
Gayle Miller
My name is Gayle Miller. I am Trafton’s kindergarten teacher, a 4th generation “Hammondite” and one of the proud co-founders of Trafton Academy. I love watching the children grow and develop throughout the year. Seeing the “light bulb” go on when they finally understand is exciting. Learning the “Trafton way” helps to prepare the children not only for first grade but for the rest of their school career.

1st Grade
Trina Danz
I joined Trafton Academy in 2013 and am very excited to be teaching First Grade! My husband and I have 2 wonderful children, both of whom attend school here at Trafton. I love spending time with my family. We are avid campers and love going on adventures and making new memories. When I have the time, I enjoy reading. I graduated from Southeastern Louisiana University and have a BA in Elementary Education Grades 1-8. I also hold certification as an Early Interventionist Birth-Five years of age. I have taught Pre-K, 1st, and 2nd grade. Trafton will give your child a positive learning environment. It is such an honor to be part of the Trafton tradition.

2nd Grade
Shelley Brent
I received my Bachelor’s Degree from Southeastern Louisiana University and my Master’s Degree from LSU after which I was an educator in St. Tammany Parish for 40 years. I joined the Trafton faculty in 2010 as the second grade teacher. My teaching career has been very fulfilling, rewarding, and *fun*! I strive to make all children feel special, and in turn, they make me feel special.

3rd Grade
Rikki Morris

4th Grade
Marsha Moore
I joined the Trafton faculty in 2015 serving as fourth grade teacher. My husband, Harold, and I have two sons, Brett (Trafton Class of 2001) and Daryl (Trafton Class of 2008). I graduated from Southeastern Louisiana University in Elementary Education. In the past, I have taught grades first, second, and fourth after which I retired from the Tangipahoa Parish School System. I’ve enjoyed teaching fourth grade since joining our "Trafton family". I look forward to teaching many more years at Trafton and welcome any questions you may have while visiting our campus.

5th Grade
Diane Wiginton

6th Grade
Tammy Terry
My name is Tammy Terry, but to my students, I’m known as Ms. Tammy. I have taught 6th grade at Trafton since 2008. I attended Southeastern Louisiana University where I earned Bachelor’s degrees in Marketing and Management. After completing my undergraduate degrees in 1991, I went on to obtain a master’s degree in Business Administration. After many years, I decided that I wanted to teach children! I went back to Southeastern and graduated with a Master’s in Art and Teaching. My daughter, Shelbi, is a graduate of the Trafton Class of 2008 and my son, Jonathan, is a graduate of the Trafton Class of 2016. Trafton has been home to our family for many years. My family and I love Disney!! You’ll find a few Disney characters and quotes hanging around our sixth grade room!

7th Grade
Alonna Forrest
My name is Alonna Forrest, and I am happy to be part of the faculty at Trafton Academy. This year, I will be teaching 7th and 8th grade Spelling, 7th grade Reading, 7th grade American History, and 8th grade Louisiana History. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in History from LSU, and I am certified to teach grades 5-12. Before coming to Trafton, I began my teaching career in Holden, teaching 6th-8th grade Social Studies, Spelling, and enrichment courses in study skills and test preparation. After a few years as a stay-at-home mom, I returned to teaching. My son is a student at Trafton Academy and will graduate with the Trafton Class of 2023.

8th Grade
Trevor Rogers

Technology Director
Cheryl Maio
My name is Cheryl Maio. I was born, raised, and educated in the state of Rhode Island. I have one terrific son named Edward. I was fortunate enough to have apprenticed under renowned Professor Russell Kolton, of Rhode Island School of Design College. I owned a graphic arts advertising company for over 25 years. It was rewarding, challenging, and incredibly fulfilling. Even now, when I return to Rhode Island, it is still a thrill to see my logo designs on various signage throughout the area. Upon moving to Louisiana in 2002, I went to work for St. Tammany Parish Schools. Over the years, my “titles” have included Computer Technology Coordinator, Second Grade Specialist, Study Island Administrator, Specialized Technology Facilitator, TAP Mentor, and Faculty In-Service Presenter. I joined the wonderful Trafton family in 2010. In 2012, I was appointed Computer Lab Coordinator. Soon after, I also began coordinating Trafton's Accelerated Reader program. The Trafton Computer Lab is an environment designed for the highest level of learning. Our lab is a place where all students can learn, grow, and excel with our teachings ranging from basic computer technology to the latest cutting edge programming, animation, and design.

Athletic Director
Miguel Becerra
In 1991, I joined the staff of Trafton Academy as part-time Physical Education instructor. Since then, I have happily accepted other duties such as Athletic Director, upper grades Spanish instructor (I am bilingual!), and serving as head coach of several sports here at Trafton. Both of my daughters attended Trafton, one having graduated high school and now attending college. My other daughter will graduate with the Trafton Class of 2018. I am proud to credit both Trafton and St. Thomas Aquinas cross country/track and field teams with many state team titles. I am also NIAL League Director and hold two positions in the AAU (SAAU Track and Field/Cross Country Chair and AAU Executive Committee Cross Country Liaison). My love for athletics and our Trafton students have greatly inspired me. I look forward to many more years of success and welcome other students to join our Trafton family.

Technology Director
Cheryl Maio
My name is Cheryl Maio. I was born, raised, and educated in the state of Rhode Island. I have one terrific son named Edward. I was fortunate enough to have apprenticed under renowned Professor Russell Kolton, of Rhode Island School of Design College. I owned a graphic arts advertising company for over 25 years. It was rewarding, challenging, and incredibly fulfilling. Even now, when I return to Rhode Island, it is still a thrill to see my logo designs on various signage throughout the area. Upon moving to Louisiana in 2002, I went to work for St. Tammany Parish Schools. Over the years, my “titles” have included Computer Technology Coordinator, Second Grade Specialist, Study Island Administrator, Specialized Technology Facilitator, TAP Mentor, and Faculty In-Service Presenter. I joined the wonderful Trafton family in 2010. In 2012, I was appointed Computer Lab Coordinator. Soon after, I also began coordinating Trafton's Accelerated Reader program. The Trafton Computer Lab is an environment designed for the highest level of learning. Our lab is a place where all students can learn, grow, and excel with our teachings ranging from basic computer technology to the latest cutting edge programming, animation, and design.