Professional Experience

Previous to having the pleasure of working as a reporter at Wink News in June 2018, I was a reporter at WXXV in Gulfport, Mississippi for 2 years after interning at WZZM 13 in Grand Rapids Michigan.

Awards & Recognition

Honored to have had the opportunity keep the Mississippi Gulf Coast informed from the shores during Hurricane Nate, part of the station's very first time providing wall-to-wall severe weather coverage. Also covered a story on a car crash that reopened a police investigation, and was a three-year award winner of the Radio and Television Digital News Association broadcasting scholarship.

News Philosophy

Be a voice for those that need to be heard and always listen to your community, everyone has a story to tell.

Hobbies, Interests & Community Involvement

Whether it's swimming, boating, kayaking, wakeboarding, fishing or just enjoying the beach--- my free time is most enjoyably spent near the water! And we're in just the right place. I also really like to volunteer at my church, bike ride, hike, do yoga, and eat ice cream.

Education

Majored in Broadcasting Arts at Central Michigan University, with a double minor in journalism and sports management.

Likes best about Southwest Florida

The beautiful sunshine, sandy beaches and friendly people.

Hometown

Farmington Hills, MI

Three projects planned to improve traffic on Colonial Blvd

Traffic and safety concerns are at the top of the list for us in Lee County. During a town hall meeting, people asked city leaders what they’re doing about it. Three future projects are in the works to improve traffic on Colonial Boulevard in Fort Myers. County Commissioner Cecil Pendergrass led the meeting at a […]

Crews to break ground on Topgolf in 2020 in Fort Myers

A new golf venue will bring a lot of business and jobs to Southwest Florida. Construction crews will break ground on Topgolf in 2020. It will sit along Colonial Boulevard right next to I-75 in Fort Myers. Officials said it will create total of 200 construction jobs and 300 additional job when the new golf […]

Drivers cut through FMB street to avoid traffic create safety concerns

Everyone hates the long waits to get off of Fort Myers Beach. But now, drivers have started using Connecticut Street, near the mound house, as a cut through and bypass traffic, leaving many neighbors worrying about their safety. Even though there is a sign that says “no through traffic,” neighbors say drivers don’t listen. “I […]

Outside the RV park. (Credit: WINK News)

Fighting for affordable housing in Lee County

Whether you are a first responder or a teacher, living in Southwest Florida can put a strain on your bank account. That’s the reality for a military veteran and his wife who live inside an RV. They are looking for an affordable home. Hundreds of people packed a meeting Tuesday to fight for more affordable […]

Improvements in the works for State Road 29 amid recent crashes

Drivers who frequent a dangerous stretch of road are hoping an expansion project could make it safer for them. Dark and dangerous is how drivers describe a corridor that also leads to a dangerous intersection, which has been a scene for fatal crashes. Construction is underway to expand State Road 82, and Florida Department of […]

Drivers unhappy about 7-Eleven approved on Pine Island

In January, Lee County commissioners approved the construction of a 7-Eleven gas station on Stringfellow Road on Pine Island near Nikkis Lane. Some drivers are unhappy about the planned location. People said it adds commercialization to a small-town area. “It does take a little bit of the nostalgic essence of the community around here,” John […]

State Farm says Florida No. 2 in US for dog bite injuries

Dogs are attacking people in the state. It’s happening locally, and it’s not uncommon in Florida. People told us they have even seen dogs at Pooch Park in North Fort Myers become aggressive. According to a new survey by State Farm, Florida is No. 2 in the U.S. for dog bite injuries. ”All it takes […]

Drift algae washes ashore. (Credit: WINK News)

Gross gunk from the gulf washing ashore will soon go away

Big globs of wet brown algae covering Lighthouse Beach. Lisa Wood and her daughter, Alexia, had to pick through the gunk to find sea shells to bring home from their vacation. “We wont be coming back to this beach again,” Lisa said. “When we came here it was because he had said its white sandy […]

Community calls for bus stop safety at Cape Coral meeting

The tragic death of 8-year-old Layla Aiken has sparked an emotional debate over bus stop safety in Cape Coral. A memorial for Aiken sits near the school bus stop where a truck hit and killed her last week. Community members packed the Cape Coral City Council meeting Monday night to ask the same question. “How […]

Police rule 4-year-old who fell from Sanibel building accident

A child fell three stories from a building and was taken to a nearby hospital. Sanibel Police Department ruled it an accident Monday. On Sunday, mother Melissa Cooks told us her 4-year-old son, Archie, fell more than 25 feet out a window. Fire officials confirmed the boy fell from the window of a building at […]