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

Downtown Fort Myers

New eye in the sky downtown Fort Myers begins Friday

There are measures keeping people safe in downtown Fort Myers, but one of the big changes begins Friday. Lee County Sheriff’s Office’s mobile surveillance center is in place to pinpoint trouble and crime happening in the area. Thursday night at Celsius nightclub on Main Street, Fort Myers police officers chased down Kendrick Hubbell. That’s because […]

Kelly Simpson

New details in arrest of a Charlotte County teacher accused of hiding missing teen

There are new details about the events that led Charlotte County sheriff’s deputies to arrest a Charlotte County English teacher for hiding a missing teen. According to a report from the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office, The teen left home on August 12 after an argument about him stealing $100. The person who reported the teen […]

Electric vehicle

Helping you understand the electric vehicle tax credit

The federal government wants to incentivize you to drive clean. You could get a $7,500 tax credit if you buy an electric car by January 1, thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act. If you buy, will you collect? Yes, some electric car buyers will collect the $7,500, but most will not, including many of the […]

Red tide

Red tide toxins can affect your brain, Florida study finds

Red tide not only impacts beaches and wildlife but your health as well. A new study shows that blooms can affect your brain. Two hundred fifty volunteers from five Florida counties, including Charlotte, Lee and Collier, participated in the study. During the water crisis in 2018, dead fish rose to the water’s surface. Even dead […]

DeSantis

Gov. DeSantis gives endorsement for Lee County school board

Governor Ron DeSantis took an unusual move by giving an endorsement for the non-partisan Lee County school board race. DeSantis publicly endorsed Armor Persons and Sam Fisher in July for a spot on the Lee County school board. And in August a committee that supports the Governor, Friends of Ron DeSantis, sent out mailers to […]

deputy award

FHP troopers, LCSO deputies awarded for actions after deputy was shot

Deputies and troopers were honored for putting their lives at risk to save others on Wednesday. In March, Deputy Rafael Jaquez was shot after deputies stopped a car with the wrong tags in Lehigh Acres, and the suspect opened fire. Days later, Jaquez was released from the hospital and given a promotion to detective. Detective […]

SWFL political party leaders react to Mar-a-Lago search

The nation watched as former President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago property became grounds for the execution of an FBI search warrant on Monday. “I just can’t think of any example that reaches this level,” said UCF political scientist Aubrey Jewett. Jewett said he had never seen anything like this happen to a former president in our […]

addiction

DeSantis announces new substance addiction program

Governor Ron DeSantis spoke on Wednesday about a new state-operated program for treating substance use disorder. The program will be the first of its kind in the United States, according to Governor DeSantis. When Mitchell Watson hears the word addiction he thinks back to 2008 when his addiction to opioids began. “It was a 10-year […]

Democratic

Checking claims made by Democratic Governor candidate Nikki Fried

Nikki Fried, a Democratic candidate for Governor, made a campaign ad bashing current Governor Ron DeSantis running in Southwest Florida. Some of the claims Fried makes are about inflation, assault weapons, and abortion limits. Put the blame on Governor DeSantis and one of Fried’s Democratic opponents. WINK News reviewed edited pictures for a different political […]