Professional Experience

July 2018 to present: Reporter, WINK News. Previously worked as a resident reporter at WVVA in Bluefield, W.Va.; at ABC 7 Chicago as a news planning intern; at Dateline NBC as a story development intern; and at the Northwestern University's Medill Justice Project as a multimedia investigative reporter.

Awards & Recognition

Hearst Foundation Journalism Award for Enterprise Reporting.

Assistant produced 2-hour, Dateline episode hosted by Keith Morrison, “At the Bottom of the Pool,” aired Oct. 13, 2017.

Kappa Tau Alpha National Honor Society - lifelong membership exclusively for students in top 10 percent of their graduating class in journalism programs across the country.

National QuestBridge Scholar - awarded to the country's most talented, determined, and self-motivated students from low-income populations who demonstrate outstanding academic ability despite financial challenges.

News Philosophy

We consume news when we are gripped by the emotions making us all human — these are the stories that knock us off our feet. Tell the stories not easily seen that must be experienced through the emotions we all feel.

Hobbies, Interests & Community Involvement

Running and cycling! I love all of the fitness-inspired events South West Florida holds to benefit others.

Education

Bachelor of Science in Journalism, Northwestern University, Medill School of Journalism, Magna Cum Laude.

Likes best about Southwest Florida

I am so grateful for the hundreds of days you can spend outdoors with friends and family.

Hometown 

Keystone Heights, Florida.

Community completes ice bucket challenge for ALS in Cape Coral

A community failed to make the Guiness Book of World Records this weekend, but it succeeded in gathering to bring awareness for ALS — Lou Gehrig’s’ disease. And everyone succeeded in warming the hearts of a woman and her family, who continue to make it their mission to bring awareness to ALS while she lives […]

Thousands of floating dead fish in Lely Resort

A massive fish kill was discovered by locals at Eagle Lakes Community Park in Lely Resort Saturday. Witnesses told us they were walking in the park near the lake and noticed a large silver mass lining the bank. As they got closer, they were surprised to see thousands of dead fish floating in the water. […]

Cape Coral jewelry store hit by crooks amid recent sprees

Marilyn Monroe sang “Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend.” Well, they’re also a big target for thieves. Surveillance images from Noe’s Jewelry in Cape Coral of crooks tampering with electric boxes at the business last weekend. Lola’s Creations in North Fort Myers said it had to upgrade security as thieves upgrade their tricks. In fact, […]

Driver arrested in hit-and-run involving a bicycle

Lee County Sheriff’s Office responded to a crash involving a bicycle and a truck in Tice Monday. Crime tape is up at the crash near homes  and a CVS pharmacy along Palm Beach Boulevard and Ortiz Avenue. The driver of a truck was arrested at the scene after trying to flee.         […]

Kids having lunch. (Credit: USDA Summer Breakspot)

USDA Summer Breakspot provides free meals to students

USDA Summer Breakspot provides free meals to students. The United States Department of Agriculture teamed up with local school districts to serve up summertime meals to children. For Fort Myers mom Ashley Smith, Monday’s lunch in the park provides a significant relief at the start of a busy summer where she is caring for two […]

LCSO on the scene. (Credit: WINK News)

One person shot along Pondella Rd in North Fort Myers

Lee County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a shooting that injured one person along Pondella Road in North Fort Myers Sunday morning. K9 units and investigators gathered evidence, blocking the roadways along Pondella Rd. and U.S. 41. the scene is clear. Neighbors are worried about the dangerous activity but happy to see LCSO investigating. “I feel […]

LGBTQ community celebrates Naples Pride 2019 at Cambier Park

June is Pride Month. It’s a time when the LGBTQ community celebrates its achievements and contributions to the world. And community members in Southwest Florida came together to celebrate their pride this weekend. The Naples Pride 2019 festival was held at Cambier Park in downtown Naples Saturday. Organizers said donations from this year’s festival will […]

Suspected bank robber slips note to teller. (Credit: WINK News)

Banks are replacing human tellers with bots to avoid robberies

How do you stop a bank robber? Banks now have a plan to put suspected bank robbers, like Anthony Masters, out of business. Investigators said Masters slipped a note and threatened bank tellers at four different locations. Banks are slowly rolling out new technology they believe will stop robbers. But their plan will affect how […]

Locals enjoy Fort Myers Beach without losing sight of Memorial Day

Hundreds of people camped on shore with lots of boats in the water on Fort Myers Beach Monday during Memorial Day. Even with all the fun, many visitors told us they’re not losing sight of the meaning behind the holiday. Watch the full story above with the report by Anika Henager.

Cape Coral unveils monument honoring Merchant Marine and Navy Armed Guard

A new monument in a city in Lee County will honor unsung heroes from World War II. A memorial was unveiled for the U.S. Navy Armed Guard and U.S. Merchant Marine at Four Mile Ecological Preserve in Cape Coral Saturday. “We’ve always played a role in our nation’s history ever since our nation was founded,” […]