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

FGCU study on fish kills yields results

New research out of Florida Gulf Coast University shows dead fish help to fuel red tide. The dead fish were turned into fertilizer but not before they were studied. “The one thing we wanted to look at was are those nutrients available to red tide? How many nutrients are there? And the second part of […]

Halloween Spooktacular

Community gathers for Halloween Spooktacular in Naples

Southwest Florida is celebrating Halloween this weekend. Down in Naples, dozens enjoyed the Halloween Spooktacular. This event, along with many others, was canceled last year ie to the pandemic. Now many families are excited that the event is back this year. Many people came out in costume to enjoy Halloween Spooktacular along Fifth Avenue in […]

swamp buggy parade

Swamp Buggies: Naples’ longest-running tradition returns

A long-running tradition in one Southwest Florida city saw hundreds of people flocking to the area. The Swamp Buggy Parade is one of Naples’ favorite traditions. The four-wheel truck that is carrying a two-wheel manmade machine is a Swamp Buggy. This is a 73-year-long tradition in Naples. Teresa Heitman is the Mayor of Naples. “The […]

toys for tots charlotte county

Charlotte County Toys for Tots looking to help more families this holiday season

For many, the pressure is on to get holiday shopping done as soon as possible. However, experts warn that supply shortage could keep shelves emptier than usual for this time of year. However, prices will continue to increase. These price increases could hit hard for families that are already struggling to make ends meet.  The […]

Sheriff asking for RPO’s as new details are released in Harns Marsh shooting plot

We are learning more scary details about the plans from a stopped-school shooting plot at Harns Marsh Middle School. 14-year-old Phillip Byrd and 13-year-old Connor Pruett studied and analyzed the 1999 Columbine massacre as inspiration for their own plot. In their mug shots and in their handcuffs Connor Pruett and Phillip Byrd look young, but […]

Man arrested after barricading himself inside a Fort Myers McDonald’s

A man is now in jail after shooting at law enforcement then barricading himself inside of a McDonald’s. Lee County Sheriff’s deputies say Marlon Illescas is the man who fired shots at officers and fled into McDonald’s. Now, WINK News has learned that Illescas, 41, was trying to start a fire while he was in […]

LCSO: Suspect in custody after standoff at Fort Myers McDonald’s

A suspect is in custody after shooting at police and barricading in a Fort Myers McDonald’s where he hid for about two hours on Saturday afternoon. Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno said the suspect, who has been identified as 41-year-old Marlon Illescas, was taken to a local hospital with minor injuries. Illescas is facing seven […]

lemurs

Pet sitter kills lemur while owners are away

A pet sitter killed a ring-tailed lemur while its owners were away. The sitter supposedly got upset after the lemur broke their television and destroyed a room in their house. Afterward, the sitter paraded the crime around for days. The Cape Coral Police Department says the person who is responsible for the lemur’s death barged […]

Proposed church in Golden Gate Estates passes first hurdle

Plans for a contested church in Collier County are moving forward. On Thursday it got through one hurdle, but it still has another to go. It’s a familiar argument. Not in my neighborhood, but instead of a new building or store or highway, what people in Golden Gate Estates are fighting over is a new […]