Professional Experience

  • January 2024 to present: WINK News Night Beat Anchor
  • April 2023 to January 2024: WINK News Anchor/Reporter
  • June 2021 to 2023: WINK News Reporter and Video Journalist
  • Previously worked as Reporting/Production Intern, Production Assistant, Associate Producer, Producer at WBBH in Fort Myers, 2019 to 2021

News Philosophy

I am committed to delivering news that uplifts and informs. I believe in leading with compassion, recognizing the human stories behind every headline. By showing grace in our reporting, I aim to foster understanding and empathy among our viewers.

Ethics and objectivity are at the core of my journalistic approach. I strive to present facts fairly and accurately, ensuring that all voices are heard and respected. My goal is to create a trusted platform where audiences can engage with news that inspires hope and positive change.

By prioritizing integrity and compassion in my reporting, I seek to not only inform but also to empower our community, highlighting stories of resilience and progress. Together, we can illuminate the good in the world while acknowledging the challenges we face.

Hobbies, Interests & Community Involvement

  • ​My faith guides my life and work. I have a passion for staying active and love exercising outdoors, whether it’s hiking, running, pickleball, lifting weights, or enjoying nature.
  • Connecting with new people brings me joy, and I cherish the stories they share.
  • I’m also an animal lover. I have a cat named Olive and often care for my brothers golden retriever.

Education

Bachelor’s in Journalism, Minor in Interdisciplinary Studies from Florida Gulf Coast University

Likes best about Southwest Florida

What I love most about Southwest Florida is the abundance of sunny days that brighten our lives year-round. The vibrant community here, characterized by warm, welcoming people, creates a true sense of belonging. I enjoy the picturesque palm trees swaying in the breeze, the beautiful beaches, and the thrill of surf and sand that make every day feel like a vacation. This blend of nature and community truly makes Southwest Florida a special place to call home.

Hometown

Aurora, CO

Litter and panhandlers along I-75 South getting onto Immokalee Rd

There’s no evidence of who’s responsible for the mess on the highway. Still, the Florida Department of Transportation told WINK News it’s their responsibility to clean up the litter on the highway and its exits. Panhandlers, shopping carts filled with trash, pillows, coolers, chairs, and lots of litter scattered pell-mell along I-75 South exit 111 […]

Plans to ease traffic on Immokalee Road

Trying to make traffic flow smoother and avoid as many back-ups on Immokalee Road as possible. A Collier County spokesperson told WINK News the county recently completed a congestion study on Immokalee Rd. Then commissioners approved a list of recommendations designed to make traffic and safety concerns better for drivers. Some of the added safety […]

Hundreds face phone connectivity issues in Estero, nearby communities

Hundreds of neighbors are frustrated with phone connectivity issues in Estero and other neighboring communities along Corkscrew Road, most revolving around Verizon and AT&T. Concerned citizens — concerned — over cell phone service. “Really, I would classify it as probably brutal service,” said Cyndi Childs from The Preserve at Corkscrew. “I can’t take cell phone […]

Gov. DeSantis proposes changes to death penalty requirements

There is a push from Governor Ron DeSantis to reconsider capital punishment in Florida and what it would take to sentence someone to death. DeSantis is upset that the Parkland shooter,  Nicholas Cruz, got life in prison instead of death for the murders of 17 people at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in 2018. A […]

Remembering Sanibel Firefighter James ‘Jimmy’ Anholt

Remembering a man for the service he dedicated to his life for decades. James Anholt worked in the Sanibel Fire and Rescue District from 1970 until he retired. Anholt passed away earlier this year, but not before leaving a lasting impact on those closest to him. James Anholt, Jimmy, to those he loved and loved […]

SWFL nonprofits expect to be impacted by the end of the AmazonSmile program

A donation program that sent thousands of dollars to Southwest Florida charities over the course of a decade is ending. AmazonSmile allows shoppers to pick an organization they want to send money to by making eligible purchases. The people who work in nonprofits have not one but two missions. The first is to help people. […]

Florida bill would make all students eligible for private school vouchers

A new bill filed in Tallahassee, if passed, will allow all students in the state of Florida to receive private school vouchers. All students would be eligible, regardless of income or whether they are in public school or are being home-schooled. Some lawmakers call this bill the start of a new era of Florida education. […]

Debris in St. James City waterways picked out piece by piece

Nine months to a year is the timeline to clean up all of the trash littering our water from Hurricane Ian. For a lot of people in Saint James City, the debris is a reminder of the storm and all the destruction it caused. The debris in the water is being cleaned up one piece […]

Attorney analyzes Lee County commissioner’s assistant name dropping during arrest

We are learning more about the public servant who name-dropped two major public figures during a DUI traffic stop. Christine Deramo was pulled over earlier this month. She is Lee County Commissioner Cecil Pendergrass’ assistant. Lee County Sheriff’s Office deputies say she tried to use his name to avoid going to jail. WINK News finally […]