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.

TV show “Cold Justice” looks to help solve Fort Myers cold case

It’s been three years since a woman was shot and killed in her Fort Myers apartment. And her killer is still on our streets. The Fort Myers Police Department could soon be getting some help in solving this cold case. “Cold Justice,” a True Crime TV series, wants to produce a segment to help track […]

Harry Chapin Food Bank says food insecurity down in SWFL

A local nonprofit says fewer people have to worry about where their next meal will come from. Community support is helping beat hunger in our area. But advocates also say accessibility for all communities is still a priority, especially in Southwest Florida. One reason for the current local decrease in people experiencing food insecurity in […]

Traffic in Fort Myers. (Credit: WINK News)

Worst Southwest Florida traffic spots

WINK News wanted to know which Southwest Florida areas you thought were the worst for traffic and what our leaders should do about it. More than 140 of you shared your ideas. Now, we are digging deeper. We are on Colonial Blvd. near U.S. 41, which is one of the busiest spots several of you […]

DeSoto community rallies around family after firefighter dies of stroke

The DeSoto County community is mourning the loss of a firefighter. The fire-rescue department is looking to raise money for his family. On Monday, April 15, Firefighter and EMT Brad Gregrich, 30, suffered a massive stroke. He died Saturday. “We all kind of looked at each other like we can’t believe this,” said Robert Schmidt, […]

Naples nonprofit celebrates female first responders, educates young women

Young women in Collier County had the opportunity to learn what it’s like to serve, protect and help their community in a time of need. Naples nonprofit League of Courageous Women held its Special Operation: Female First Responders event at Collier County Sheriff’s Office training division Saturday to celebrate women who serve our communities. “It’s […]

Retired athletes and nonprofits inspire SWFL kids to lead

Retired professional athletes in partnership with nonprofit organizations spoke in front of a crowd of nearly 200 Southwest Florida students at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at FSW Friday. The goal was to make sure students went home with food over the weekend and to tell them they are already leaders, no matter […]

Specks of algae in water. (Credit: WINK News)

Conditions are ripe for blue-green algae to reemerge

Little specks of algae have been showing up at the Davis Boat Ramp in Fort Myers Shores. While at a distance, the water looks clear, when a person comes closer the specks of green algae come into view. As Southwest Florida moves towards the summer months, people are worried that we will see a lot […]

Expensive medical bill. (Credit: WINK News)

State bill would let people choose less expensive medical facilities

New hospitals and fewer regulations, but some said a new bill could put your health at risk. A trip to the hospital means dollars out of your pocket when you are likely to need them the most. But what if you did not have to stay at a full-service hospital even for a surgery? Pamella […]

Community leads procession in 75th annual Dunbar Easter Parade

Thousands of people gathered to celebrate a local Easter tradition. The 75th annual Dunbar Easter Parade included the Easter Bunny, floats and candy Sunday. “Everyone says the parade was better when they were younger,” said Martin Byrd, president of the Dunbar festival committee. “It doesn’t matter how old you are; it’s always better now, and […]

Bikers donate toys to child patients Easter weekend

When you think Easter, the image of the Easter Bunny comes to mind. This weekend, the famous rabbit is getting some help from some local bikers. More than 400 members of the Harley-Davidson club gave out toys at Golisano Children’s Hospital in Lee County Saturday. “They are so tickled when you start that up,” said […]