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

Sanibel businesses fighting to recover and find their new normal

The island that was one of the many places hit the hardest after Hurricane Ian is dealing with the fact that they are recently opened. Sanibel is still a place where it feels like the hurricane was just days ago in some spots, and in others, it feels like the island is miles ahead of […]

school bus

Lee County school bus driver caught on camera driving dangerously

A school bus driver got kicked off the job after a mom caught them, on camera, in the middle of two lanes. That mother exclusively told WINK News she saw kids inside the bus. She then followed the bus all the way from Palm Beach Boulevard to Orange River Elementary School. Lee County schools will […]

FEMA announces it will allow trailers in flood zones on final day to apply for assistance

On Thursday, FEMA was in Fort Myers to announce special consideration for temporary housing units in flood hazard areas. Since the recovery started, one of the biggest delays has been getting trailers to those who need them. FEMA leadership was giving tours of two of FEMA’s “Direct temporary housing program units” in North Fort Myers. […]

Cabbage Key still going strong despite Hurricane Ian’s nearby impact

Captiva Cruises has been closed since Hurricane Ian, but on Thursday, it will reopen. The boats are usually able to bring people to Cabbage Key, but lately, they have not been able to. Bob Rando owns Captiva Cruises and a 45-foot catamaran. Capt. Dave Smiley took WINK News reporter Emma Heaton to an island that […]

Gov. DeSantis promises $3.5B in funding for Florida waterways

Punching in on promises made years ago. Governor Ron DeSantis made the trip to Bonita Springs Tuesday to announce more money to help Florida’s water. DeSantis spoke about the issue he promised to address during his first term in office, but there are still several issues Floridians are worried about. There is beauty underwater in […]

Collier County Sheriff’s Office celebrates 100th anniversary

The Collier County Sheriff’s Office celebrated 100 years of service on Monday in Everglades City, which is home to the county’s first courthouse. Sheriff Kevin Rambosk believes it’s an honor and a privilege to protect the people of Collier County and paid tribute to the first sheriff to do so one hundred years ago. In […]

Woman accused of killing Charlotte County deputy in DUI crash denied bond for second time

Cassandra Smith, accused of killing Charlotte County Deputy Christopher Taylor in a November DUI crash, was denied bond for a second time on Friday. Judge Geoffrey Gentile denied Smith bond the first time because the November DUI arrest was not the first time law enforcement said she was caught drinking and driving. An attorney who […]

Byron Donalds nominated for Speaker of the House amid standoff over Kevin McCarthy

The House of Representatives is still trying to vote for a Speaker of the House for the upcoming legislative session. With no decision made, the House voted to adjourn until 8 p.m. on Wednesday. Republicans took control of the house this week. Despite having weeks to decide on a new house leader, the GOP can’t […]

Ron DeSantis begins second term as Florida’s governor with confident speech

Governor Ron DeSantis starts off his second term as Florida’s leader with confidence. During his inauguration, he talked about what he’s accomplished for the state over the past four years and the importance of freedom, referring to Florida as the land of liberty and sanity. Governor DeSantis walked down the steps of the Florida capitol, […]