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

A look at black history in Lee County schools

Just in the past few months, the Lee County School Board welcomed its first African American board member. “For students to be able to see someone that looked like them,” said Gwen Gittens, who became the first black person on the school board. Watch the video above to see how Lee County school district has […]

Man catches a shark. (WINK News photo)

FWC will vote on new land-based shark fishing rules

A government agency will hold a vote on new rules to protect sharks and beachgoers. If implemented, it will change how fishers catch these marine animals. Reeling in a shark, straight from the shoreline is a magical moment that some want to capture. “Just for that picture session and just to show everybody,” said Bruce […]

New owners of orange grove vanished; leaving mess, destruction behind

Before Hurricane Irma struck Southwest Florida, Bob Johnson and his wife sold one of the few you-pick orange groves left to a young couple. After the storm, the couple vanished. The old orange grove on Misty Morning Lane, off Corkscrew Road, may look run down now, but the branches along the ten-acre lot hold history. “Their […]

Property for sale sign in Fort Myers Beach. (WINK News photo)

Foreign investors provide a boost to the Southwest Florida economy

It may seem like a majority of people living in Southwest Florida are from somewhere else. Just ask your next door neighbor or the people living down the street. The tropical climate and prices make the Southwest Florida region attractive to foreign investors. Like many enjoying Fort Myers Beach right now, Joerg Ifler originally came […]

Paper straw used by a restaurant patron. (WINK News photo)

Would bringing back plastic straws ruin local beaches?

Water, sand and sun — what’s missing? Plastic straws littering the beach. But will a push to bring plastic back ruin paradise? Saving our environment is important to Rachell Kaltak who’s son, Arlin, does not need a straw to enjoy his saccharine snow-cone on their family vacation. Kaltak and others do like Janet Roth said the […]

Flight board at Southwest Florida International Airport. (WINK News photo)

Brutal cold boosts revenue of Southwest Florida businesses

Kitty Medica tried to fly home to Chicago Wednesday, but now she is missing her boyfriend’s birthday – even though her flight at Southwest Florida International Airport is rescheduled for Thursday. “The weather is the same in Chicago tomorrow, basically,” Medica said. “I decided I should just wait.” Noel Sterchele is one of the lucky ones. […]

Seven the dog. (WINK News photo.)

New bill would make animal cruelty a felony crime

A new leash on life. Seven the dog still loves people. But that may be hard to believe if you know her past. The 3-year-old pit bull was shot multiple times by a Lehigh Acres man before she was taken in by Big Hearts for Big Dogs Director Trinity Hansen. “We heard her story and […]

Red Tide Impact. WINK News photo.

FGCU seeks $9 million for red tide research

Captain Billy Norris is finally booking charter trips again now that red tide is keeping away from his boat in Bonita Springs. It was just months ago that piles of stinky dead fish on the beaches scared business away. Red tide has had a massive impact on Southwest Florida. It forced researchers from Florida Gulf […]

Air traffic controller tower at the SWFL International Airport. Photo via WINK News.

Unpaid air traffic controllers plead for an end of the government shutdown

Inside the Southwest Florida International Airport, security lines keep moving, even though the Transportation Security Administration workers are not getting compensated. “They need to pay their mortgages, they need to buy their food, they need to pay stuff for the kids,” said Noreen Traxler, a passenger. “I just think it’s a shame.” Air traffic controllers continue to […]

Harry Chapin food pantry open today at RSW for Federal employees

A mobile food pantry to help federal employees who are struggling to make ends meet during the federal government shutdown was held Friday at the Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW). A second mobile pantry will be held at the same location from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 25. The Harry Chapin Food Bank, […]