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

best buy

Large retail stores stay closed on Thursday, shoppers stay home

LEE COUNTY Several big retail chains stayed closed this Thanksgiving. So, many shoppers also stayed home. WINK News reporter Emma Heaton trekked across Lee County and didn’t see the same lines we typically see ahead of the Black Friday mad dash. Four people were lined up on Thursday night at the Best Buy at Page […]

Operation Santa helping families in need put gifts under the tree

Many parents are struggling to afford much of anything this holiday season, but the United States Postal Service’s Operation Santa is there for families in need. The program helps get presents under the tree for kids who might not get much else and it’s really easy. It all starts with a letter your child writes […]

Concerns that Dalmatians are part of string of dog thefts in Cape Coral

A devastated dog owner is searching for answers after Dalmatian puppies were stolen from her Cape Coral home. The puppies’ mother can’t stop looking for them. Now, there is concern that these dogs being stolen were part of a string of dog thefts. Mercedez Fernandez says someone stole all six of her Dalmatian puppies from […]

Restaurants try to balance online vs in-person ordering as they adapt to change

The pandemic changed the ways we eat as much as any part of our lives, and while delivery services like DoorDash or Uber Eats have helped customers, they are also putting a strain on in-person services. Money is flowing freely when it comes to mobile orders, but not so much business as a whole? With […]

SWFL COVID-19 vaccine clinics for kids 5 to 11 continue Monday

Parents can get their children 5 and older vaccinated against COVID-19 Monday. The first school clinic for this age group is open from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Hector Cafferata Elementary School, located at 250 Santa Barbara Blvd. N. in Cape Coral. At Monday’s clinic, and at clinics throughout the week, children can get […]

Snowbird influx brings supply and demand challenges to SWFL

Things are getting much busier this time of year in Southwest Florida, and the lack of workers in many industries creates further complications. What are the best strategies for consumers and business owners? It helps to remember this isn’t just happening in Florida, it’s happening everywhere. And though it may be frustrating to deal with […]

Annual boat show sails into Fort Myers bigger than ever

The annual boat show comes to downtown Fort Myers Thursday, and organizers expect 2021 to be an even bigger hit than the previous year. From small skiffs and motor yachts from Centennial Park all the way through the Calusa Convention Center and out to the Yacht Basin, there are over 600 boats representing over 130 […]

LCSO cracking down on drunk driving as holidays approach

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office is holding a press conference Tuesday morning to discuss efforts to stop impaired driving, which regularly ramps up heading into the holiday season and rose nationwide last year. Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers and Mothers Against Drunk Driving will also be there. Trish Routte, coordinator of SWFL Crime Stoppers, says the […]

Travel ban lifted for 33 foreign countries, SWFL expects surge of visitors

Expect longer commutes, longer wait times at your favorite restaurants and more seasonal residents coming to Southwest Florida, as the U.S. lifts pandemic travel restrictions on 33 foreign countries Monday. It means we can expect to see more faces from around the globe, good news for our economy—in 2019, Germany and Canada each accounted for […]

WINK Taste of the Town

Patrons and business owners enjoy WINK Taste of the Town

Many people headed to Centennial Park in Fort Myers to enjoy some of the best food Lee County has to offer. At WINK Taste of the Town, not only is their food and music but some of the proceeds go to Cameo of Lee County that helps serve low-income seniors in Southwest Florida. There are […]