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 first responders recount their return to the island after Hurricane Ian

Losing a fire station, overcoming obstacles they’ve never faced, and feeling helpless are just a few things the Sanibel fire chief and firefighters recall about the moments and days after Hurricane Ian. WINK News sat down with some of those first responders who walked us through what the island looked like when they first arrived […]

Hurricane Ian decimated neighborhood in St James City; spares one home

A couple in Saint James City considers themselves lucky after Hurricane Ian left their house in relatively good condition while destroying nearly everything around them. They only had minimal damage to their home from a piece of plywood going through the side. Although undeniably feeling blessed, the couple simultaneously feels the sting and sorrow for […]

Fort Myers Beach woman watches as her home is demolished after Ian

A woman watched as her home was demolished before her eyes. Hurricane Ian shifted the Fort Myers Beach home off its base, so she had no choice but to tear it down. More than two months after the storm, the Oyster Bay Mobile Home Park doesn’t look much better. With every drop and pull, Sharon […]

Lehigh

Rollover crash on SR-82 in Lehigh Acres

A Tuesday morning rollover crash temporarily shut down westbound SR-82 at Alabama Road in Lehigh Acres. According to the Floria Highway Patrol, two cars were involved in a crash that ended with one, a Chrysler 300, rolling onto its roof. A child inside was recovered from the vehicle, but FHP did not say the child’s […]

First ‘Unite Florida’ RV given to Lee County family

The first Unite Florida RV was delivered to Saint James City over the weekend giving people what they need after Hurricane Ian. It was given by the state to Courtney Slavens and her family in Bokeelia. Slavens and her family were denied a trailer by FEMA. For Slavens and her family, it’s an astonishing and […]

Debris pile fire out on Sanibel

A fire that sparked in a debris pile on Sanibel is out. Sanibel Fire and Rescue District Capt. John DiMaria said the pile on Island Inn Drive likely smoldered for hours until the flames surfaced at 6 a.m. on Friday. Firefighters could extinguish the flames, contained to one debris pile, in just a few hours. […]

Metal box in middle of I-75 causes semitruck crash in Lee County

A large metal box in the middle of northbound I-75 caused a Friday morning crash that backed up traffic for hours in Lee County. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, a semitruck was traveling north in the outside lane of I-75, approaching the Palm Beach Boulevard overpass around 5:30 a.m. A large metal container was […]

Two in Cape Coral arrested after child consumes THC gummies

Two people are behind bars after police say a 6-year-old got into weed gummies at a Cape Coral home and ended up in the ICU. Cape Coral police say Keri Garcia and James Sneider face child neglect charges. The child had trouble waking up for school and was cold to the touch, according to an […]

Poinsettia Christmas tree to return to Fort Myers Beach

A holiday staple is starting to take shape on Fort Myers Beach. The community is taking on the task of building the poinsettia tree in the middle of the debris in Times Square. It hurts Lindsey McDermott to see Fort Myers Beach after Ian. “This is very emotional and a lot to take in,” McDermott […]

Businesses opening on Sanibel and Captiva after Hurricane Ian

Business owners on Sanibel and Captiva are finally able to open their doors which is some great news they’ve waited a while to hear. Two months after Hurricane Ian hit Sanibel and Captiva Islands, many people would describe the areas as a wasteland causing multiple places to close. Matt Asen, the owner of The Timbers […]