Professional Experience
2023-Present: Anchor/Traffic Anchor, WINK News
2021-2023: Reporter/Anchor, WINK News
2020-2021: Reporter, WINK News
2017-2020: Reporter/Anchor, KPVI News in Pocatello, ID
News Philosophy
I work every day to report the news accurately, compassionately, and with urgency. More specifically, as your morning Traffic Anchor, I want to make sure all Southwest Floridians are informed and prepared every morning as they head out the door and onto our roadways.
Education
I received my Bachelor of Communication in Broadcast Journalism at the University of Miami. I graduated in 2017. Go Canes!
Birthplace
I was born and grew up 30 minutes outside of Washington, D.C., in Gaithersburg, MD.
Hobbies, Interests & Community Involvement
I've played volleyball my entire life, and Southwest Florida is a perfect place to continue pursuing that passion! I've loved being a part of several local beach volleyball teams in Fort Myers. I also, of course, love hanging out by the beach and pool, enjoying Southwest Florida's beautiful ecosystem and wildlife at the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, and more!
Family & Pets
My family still lives in the Washington D.C. area, but I have my two adorable 5-year-old cats, Jack and Ollie, to keep me company!
Favorite thing about Southwest Florida
You can't beat the weather and the people! We live in such a beautiful and welcoming community, and I'm so glad to call Southwest Florida home.
blue coral apartments

More affordable housing could be coming to Collier County

There’s a push to create affordable housing in an area of Southwest Florida that is known to be pricey. Hundreds of new apartments could be coming to Collier County very soon. Some of those units will be set aside for teachers and first responders. But, the question from many is if these units will actually […]

Collier County school district postpones homecoming dances

An annual highlight for many high school students in Southwest Florida has been postponed. Collier County Public Schools is canceling the homecoming dance to stop the spread of the coronavirus. Homecoming week is close, but there won’t be any homecoming dances at CCPS schools after the school district postponed them all. “Well, I think that […]

SWFL woman remembers her father’s bravery on 9/11

As we prepare to mark 20 years since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, family members of the fallen brace for another tough day. “It’s every single year it’s replayed, and I’m literally watching my parent being murdered every single year, and that’s just something that will never get easier,” Francesca DeVito said. DeVito lost her […]

Island Walk Community homeowner fights to install solar roof

Frank Zhou remembers Hurricane Irma well. He wants to be ready for the next time Southwest Florida takes a direct hit and wants to install a whole solar roof. “It was miserable, especially with kids. We have two kids and you cannot cook, no AC at night,” Zhou said. “With a solar roof, you can […]

Woman shares story of her COVID-19 hospitalization on ventilator

It’s rare that we get to hear from someone who has survived after being put on a ventilator during their battle with the coronavirus. We spoke to a woman who survived her trying experience with COVID-19 in the hospital. Patricia Hamel fought to get off a ventilator this past March and won. She’s 32 years […]

Missing buoys cause concern for boaters and swimmers

Many boaters and swimmers are now concerned for their safety as they say they are missing important markers in the water. Now they’re wondering if anything will be done to replace the buoys on Lowdermilk Beach. Except for a single buoy still on the water, there’s nothing to tell people where the swimming ends and […]

Lowdermilk Beach on Labor Day

Busy beaches on Labor Day could result in COVID case spike

Yet another holiday in the pandemic and both vacationers and staycationers are packing Southwest Florida’s beaches. However, many health officials worry that the crowded beaches on Labor Day could lead to another spike in COVID-19 cases. Many who were out on the beach on Monday said they felt comfortable and safe. You could witness the […]

Family heartbroken by inability to comfort grandmother in hospital with COVID-19

There are many families that have loved ones hospitalized due to the coronavirus, and they can’t see them or provide comfort to them. We spoke a family that is heartbroken they might never see their loved one again. Shirley Phillips is 81 years old. She was living at her nursing home not long ago. But […]

COVID surge continues to overwhelm NCH intensive care unit

COVID-19 cases are surging and one Southwest Florida hospital is really struggling. Doctors and nurses at NCH Healthcare System are overwhelmed. For nearly two weeks now, NCH’s intensive care units overflowed with COVID-19 patients. On Wednesday, there are 61 people with only 45 beds. Across its hospital, NCH is caring for 209 patients who tested […]

Employees shaken up after violent armed robbery at Pizza Hut

A Sunday morning armed robbery left the employees of a Pizza Hut location, and an entire shopping center in Iona, scared and nervous. The person who robbed the Pizza Hut held employees at gunpoint, tied them up and pistol-whipped them. On Tuesday, WINK News spoke to one of the employees of the restaurant. While he […]