A multidisciplinary music educator and opera journalist with expertise in early childhood education, vocal pedagogy, and minority advocacy. Afton's specialties bridge music and speech science in order to advance vocal health and literacy.​
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​Published works include “New Study Finds Gender Inequality & Non-Standard Work in US Opera Production,” “Trans, Non-binary, & Gender Diverse Opera & Classical Music Professionals Directory’ Launches on Trans Day of Visibility,"  “Q & A: Advocating For Women On and Off Stage With Rebecca Krynski Cox & Maria Todaro," & "Q & A: Molly Noori Discusses Her Non-Profit ‘The Chronicled Voice’ & Experiences With Chronic Illnesses."
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Afton holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music with a Professional Performance Certificate in Vocal Performance from Meredith College. She studied voice with Lisbeth Brittain Carter and Dr. Rachel Copeland, piano with Tom Lohr, and collaborative piano with Dr. Kent Lyman. She is a licensed Kindermusik instructor. In 2025, she completed a post-baccalaureate program in Communication Science & Disorders at the University of Wisconsin Eau-Claire. She is working towards a Master's Degree in Clinical Science in Speech Pathology from Western University in Ontario, Canada (2027). She holds a German Language (A1) certificate from the Goethe Institute. In 2024, Afton was nominated for the Best Music Teacher in Western North Carolina.