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 Hayden has been with Triumph Academy since 2000, and has a passion for working in non-public schools. She has taught special education K-12 and worked with at-risk students in a variety of educational settings, both public and private. She has also served as a child find specialist, special education coordinator, assistant principal, and high school administrator in Utah for over 26 years. Joette holds a B.A. in elementary education and special education and a M.Ed. in education from Southern Utah University with an endorsement in administrative leadership.

 

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

Briant Hall, Special Education Teacher

Briant has been a dedicated teacher since 1992, specializing in Special Education, Math, and Science. His teaching journey began in the picturesque landscapes of Hawaii, where he honed his skills and developed a passion for making complex subjects accessible to all students. After 10 years, Briant relocated to Utah, bringing his wealth of experience and enthusiasm for education to a new community.
For 17 years, Briant has been particularly focused on working with at-risk youth (7 years at Triumph Academy), providing them with the support and guidance they need to succeed both academically and personally. His empathetic approach and commitment have made a significant impact on many young lives.
Outside of the classroom, Briant finds joy in reading and performing, often immersing himself in a good book or engaging in creative expression. He is also an avid hiker, frequently exploring the great outdoors with his loyal dog by his side. Family time is precious to Briant, and he cherishes moments spent with his loved ones.
His passion for teaching and his commitment to his students continue to drive him to make a positive difference every day.

Julie Thurgood-Johnson, Special Education Teacher

Julie Thurgood-Johnson is one of the SPED teachers at Triumph Academy.  She also teaches Math, English, and Fine Arts. Julie grew up in Syracuse, Utah, but was born in Oregon. She was adopted by her mom and dad at seven months. They then moved back to Utah. Julie graduated from Dixie College (Utah Tech University) with her Associate of Science in 1998. She then went back to college in 2015 and finished her Bachelor of Science in Education with a SPED endorsement from Utah State University in 2018. Utah State University’s SPED program was in the top 20 nationally.

 

Julie was on the Dean’s List and graduated with honors. In February of 2019, she started working at Triumph Academy.  Julie enjoys traveling and teaching genealogical DNA classes in her spare time. She also helps adoptees find their biological families through DNA. Julie recently started working on Cold Case Murders and the Doe Project.

 

She also helps raise money for Box Elder High School and School District through their foundation board. Julie’s kids raise pigs for 4H and the county fair every year as they are heavily involved in 4H.


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 Triumph Operations and Academy athletics. 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 is from Salt Lake City Utah but now calls Taylorsville Utah home.

 

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. “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 6 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, but he is currently most excited about Rugby, every kind of Football (indoor/outdoor/flag/touch/nerf/mud/backyard/street/pro), and of course the sports his children are playing. He also loves basketball, golf, volleyball, weight lifting, and all other sports.

 

“I feel like I’m making a difference and giving our youth 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