Prior to joining MSU, she was a San Francisco-based actor for 12 years. She is one of only four female fight directors in the world certified by the Society of American Fight Directors. Traister is also head coordinator for SAFD’s National Stage Combat Workshop. She is an SAFD-certified teacher in eight weapons including: unarmed; rapier and dagger; single sword; smallsword; broadsword; sword and shield; knife and quarterstaff.