After graduating from Viewmont High School, she enrolled in the University of Utah, where she continued her vocal study.
After graduation, she enrolled in the Santa Fe opera apprentice program, further developing her coloratura skills in roles as Marie (La Fille du Régiment) and Gilda (Rigoletto).
In 1999, Shafer won the Metropolitan Opera National Council of Auditions, Utah district.
After a performance in Mozart's Mitridate, re di Ponto singing the role of Princess Ismene with the Santa Fe Opera in the summer of 2001, Shafer was the recipient of the 2002 Recognizing Individual Artistry Award, an honor given annually by the Thomas Foundation.
Other roles include Johanna Barker in Sweeney Todd, Tytania in A Midsummer Night's Dream, Nanetta in Falstaff, Hero in Berlioz's Beatrice and Benedict, Zerbinetta in a concert performance of Ariadne auf Naxos, Blonde in The Abduction from the Seraglio, Adele in Die Fledermaus, and Magnolia in Show Boat for a gala benefit for Carnegie Hall.