Faculty
Triumph Academy Faculty
“We embrace the team approach here at Triumph, and work on emotional, physical and academic health. These three components are the focus of each individualized treatment plan and each student is treated an individual of value and worth.”
Joette Hayden, Principal
Joette is the force behind the Triumph Academy and is credited for its existence and overall success. Joette has spent the last 15 years working with the education of at-risk youth is a variety of settings. She has taught school in a psychiatric hospital working with emotionally disturbed students, as well as teaching in residential school settings for grades 7 through 12. Joette has also spent numerous years in private education developing individualized curriculum, and over-seeing the challenges and day to day operations of the school. She attended Southern Utah University where she received a Bachelor of Science in Special Education K-12, Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education 1-8 and a Masters of Education in Administrative and Supervisory Education K-12. Joette was born in California but raised in Southern Utah and she still lives there today with her husband and 5 children.
As a dedicated wife and mother, Joette loves spending time with her family first and foremost. She is also an avid reader and can always be found with a good book or working on her own personal journal writing and scrapbooking. Joette has been a part of the Triumph team for many years now and she believes that all students can learn. “The current challenges that our youth face each day can be over-whelming and negatively impact their ability to see their own potential. It is our job to help remove these obstacles, and give them the tools to succeed both academically and emotionally”. As a veteran employee/administrator of Triumph Youth Services, Joette says that Triumph works for her because the student’s needs are always put first. “I fully understand and admire the leadership and philosophy that guides the treatment of our youth. Our youth are our future, and Triumph is preparing youth to be examples and leaders of our towns and communities”.
Jay Anderson, Teacher
Julie Johnson, Special Education Teacher
Briant Hall, Special Education Teacher
Tom Filipe, Athletics Coordinator
Tom has been with Triumph since 2001 while he attended Southern Utah University on a football scholarship. Tom started as a part time Direct Care Staff and now runs the entire Triumph Youth Services Program in addition to managing our sports programs. He is a great leader and example to our youth and the staff. Tom graduated with a double Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and Criminal Justice. Tom also received an Associate of Science Degree at Dixie College. He is a Certified Teaching Instructor for the American Red Cross, formally trained in Substance Abuse, Aggression Management, Crisis Intervention, Interviewing Techniques, Gang Awareness and Anger Management to name a few.
Tom believes that in order to create change we must first get to the root of the problem. Then it is up to us to replace that lifestyle with something positive and productive. After just a few short months of first working for Triumph Youth Services Tom changed his major to Sociology, because “I saw the positive foundations that we were building in our youth”. While working with these youth, he saw the environment these boys were coming from and felt like it was his calling to help them become successful people. “Triumph Youth Services is not a cookie cutter type program! Every youth that comes into our program is different, and we focus on a variety of different solutions that work for each individual. We take pride in what we do. We see the changes that each youth makes after coming into the program and that is what keeps us going. Triumph Youth Services is not only invested when a youth comes into the program but we are here for them for the rest of their lives.”
When asked why does Triumph Youth Services work for you? Tom said “simply put – I love what I do. I love coming to work every morning and look forward to new challenges each and every day”. Tom has a beautiful and very understanding wife with 4 beautiful children. “I love being with my family and pull strength from them.” He enjoys playing the guitar, music and cooking. He also enjoys all sports including Rugby, indoor football, outdoor football, flag football, touch football, nerf football, mud football, backyard football, street football and football. He also loves basketball, golf, weight lifting, and all other sports.
“I feel like I’m making a difference and giving our students a second chance on life!”
Lindsay Smith, Program Assistant
Lindsay has a wealth of experience in business and office related areas. She has been the Office Manager and Office Assistant for Box Elder School District, State Farm Insurance and the Social Security Administration. Lindsay is very organized and her skills are a great asset to Triumph. She received the Academic Excellence Award and graduated with honors from Box Elder High School. Lindsay has completed and certified in many business courses at Bridgerland Applied Technology Center including Business and Business Office Occupations.
Lindsay lives in Brigham City and enjoys everything that Brigham City and the surrounding areas have to offer her kids. Lindsay and her family love camping, fishing and just being in the outdoors. She also enjoys yard work and finding new ways to decorate her home.
Lindsay believes that every youth deserves an opportunity for change, and to be able to make healthy choices so that they can succeed in life. “I believe you give youth new opportunities with a lot of support while also challenging them to take responsibility and gain independence.” Lindsay states that, “Triumph Academy is a program that truly devotes its resources and gives individualized attention to the youth.” “Personally, Triumph works for me because it has given me the chance to use my abilities to help others and to become a better person by doing so”.
For General Information, Email:
info@triumphacademy.org