Professional Experience

I joined the WINK News team in June 2020. I am a general assignment reporter, soaking in more than just sunshine every single day!

I started my reporting career in Panama City Beach, Florida, at WJHG/WECP. There, my love for storytelling expanded as I learned the true impact of great journalism.

Four months into my time in the Panhandle, Hurricane Michael ravaged the area, showing me the importance of local news and the crucial need for journalism after a devastating event. My reporting helped people get the resources they needed after the storm, such as food, clothing, and shelter.

Given my experience covering a major storm, Hurricane Ian was like deja vu. Immediately after the storm, I knew how crucial it was to tell the stories of survival and connect people with the right resources to rebuild their lives.

The best feeling in the world is when my stories can bring a helping hand to someone in need.

My time in Southwest Florida has led me to cover various topics. From being a lead reporter on the Gabby Petitio case to covering the highly anticipated Florida elections, but not before navigating the challenges of reporting during a global pandemic.

There's a reason why I'm soaking up more than just sunshine! Every day I am lucky to learn something new about the environmental, political, and deeply personal stories of the Sunshine State.

Awards and Recognition

My work in the field led me to win a Florida Associated Press award for my coverage after Hurricane Michael.

I've emceed nearly half a dozen community staple events.

I have been written up in the Florida State University Nomadic Nole magazine for my accomplishments as a proud Seminole alumnus.

Hobbies, Interest & Community Involvement

I enjoy cooking and trying new recipes! I also have an aloe plant I’m really trying to keep alive. More than anything, I love getting outdoors and exercising with my dog Maggie Mae.

Likes best about Southwest Florida

I love just being down south! I love the warm weather, the beaches, and being near friends and family.

Estero man recovers from shark bite, recalls alligator attack

An encounter with a predator is rare, but a man in Southwest Florida now has two experience with formidable creatures in the water. He told us his close encounters are not scaring him onto the shore. Justin Stuller in Estero has been bitten twice while out on the water. He survived a recent shark attack […]

State won’t extend deadline for Bright Futures Scholarship

The state will not extend the deadline for students to qualify for Bright Futures Scholarships, despite the fact COVID-19 canceled a handful of chances for graduating seniors to take the SAT. Parents and students now must make some tough decisions. The state decision is a blow for Mary Fox and her daughter “Having to supplement […]

Alfie Oakes continues to oppose mask mandate with signs calling out commissioners

A businessman is making sure his opinion on the mask mandate in Collier County is heard loud and clear. Alfie Oakes, the owner of Oakes Farms, posted signs at his businesses, calling three Collier County commissioners “socialists” and telling code enforcement not to enter. Oakes has been outspoken against many aspects of the coronavirus pandemic, […]

Preparing for hurricane season is looking a lot like preparing for the pandemic

For months, since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, consumers have seen bare shelves in the places where supplies like water and toilet paper used to be. But in the past few weeks, stores seemed to be more fully stocked. “Since the COVID we’re pretty much prepared you know? We got storm shutters already that […]

Collier County teachers push for delayed in-person school return

To start the week, Collier County teachers lined up outside the school district to support the delay for in-person learning. We went to a car parade outside the Collier County Public Schools administrative building Monday, where well over 150 teachers drove their cars through the CCPS parking lot to show their support for online learning. […]

How comfortable are Collier County businesses with the new mask mandate?

Wednesday is the first day you must wear a mask when you go inside buildings in Collier County. We know it’s a heated issue. More than 200 of you showed up to debate the order on Tuesday. Now that the rule is in place, how comfortable are businesses with enforcing the rule in their stores? […]

Salon owners say masks are crucial

Studies have shown that masks are our best defense against spreading COVID-19 and scientists an doctors have been stressing this. But they are especially important to wear if you are in close proximity to other people, like at some businesses. That is why many business owners are insisting that customers wear masks. “This isn’t about […]

Dance teacher makes video for students in place of usual live performance

Of course, many activities and extracurriculars have had to go digital because of social distancing due to the coronavirus pandemic. “After the whole COVID, whenever we had to switch to zoom classes, it was a big change,” said Quinnlan Conrey, one of the dancers with Dance Impact. Usually, these dancers practice their routines for months […]

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Investigation continues after 2 offensive posts made by LCSO Facebook account

Lee County Sheriff’s Office has gained negative attention after two inappropriate posts were recently made someone using its official Facebook account. LCSO continues its investigation Thursday to learn who used its Facebook account to post vulgar and offensive responses to comments women made on its official page. When we spoke to a sheriff’s office spokesman, […]

Doctors can’t be sure about COVID-19 vaccine, but say trials are promising

The race to develop a vaccine for the coronavirus is also raising concerns over safety. In a second poll we ran, more than 16,000 people answered, and 65% said they would not get a COVID-19 vaccine immediately. We spoke to doctors Wednesday about whether they think it will safe to administer a vaccine once it’s […]