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.

Naples HS football player focused despite no spectators expected at games

High school sports stadiums are going to be empty this year in Collier County. Collier County Public Schools doesn’t want spectators at games for safety reasons. We spoke to a Collier County student-athlete Thursday who just wants to play. Senior AJ Powell at Naples High School has tossed around the football with his dad for […]

New restaurants and retail shops headed to Fifth Avenue in Naples

The space that once housed Bellini and Paddy Murphy’s in downtown Naples is getting a facelift, and new restaurants and shops are on the way, but some in Naples aren’t so excited. “I came here to pay respects to this building, part of the culture on Fifth Avenue,” said Rich Muller, a long-time Naples resident […]

Woman who felt she was intimidated at polls in Collier County speaks to WINK News

Ellen Hemrick says she’s been voting for decades and has never had anything happen like the events that occurred on Friday, August 14. “I try to vote in every election that I’m able to. Every little local race, every referendum,” Hemrick said. So last week, when she went to North Collier Regional Park to vote […]

Collier County schools detail what in-person classes will look like for students

To call plans to return to school a moving target would be an understatement, but as Collier County gets closer to Aug. 31, we’re getting a better and more detailed look at what your child’s experience in the classroom will look like. When students first walk through the doors, signs of the pandemic are everywhere. […]

Local projects affected by lumber shortage, higher prices due to pandemic

Construction has been postponed at the Clam Pass boardwalk as the pandemic is slowing the construction supply chain and creating a spike in material prices, and the issue could last through the end of 2020. For 25 years, Judith Leslie has driven two hours from Deerfield Beach just to visit Clam Pass Beach in Naples. “It […]

SWFL woman speaks out about COVID-19 restrictions after losing her husband to cancer

A Southwest Florida woman is speaking out after losing her husband to cancer. She says COVID-19 restrictions played a role in his death. “It’s probably the saddest and the most helpless feeling that you can have because your husband is in a place where you cannot touch him you cannot hug him,” Mary Schouw said. […]

Collier County Public Schools releases back-to-school video

Collier County Public Schools released a “First Look At School Year” video that shows how it plans to protect students at schools during the pandemic. From masks to hand sanitizer to social distancing, the experience will be a lot different. We spoke to a parent in Collier County on Monday about how she feels about […]

There is hope for millions living with bladder control issues

Not being able to control your bladder is a problem 40 million Americans are dealing with in the country. It’s a taboo issue that people will live with for decades without considering a visit to the doctor. But we are learning about good news for those who struggle with this. “I would constantly say, you […]

Collier County teacher worried about possible return to the classroom

As students and staff start getting ready to go back into the classroom, a Southwest Florida teacher says she’s terrified to return. Teacher Lera Brial in Collier County is a breast cancer survivor with an autoimmune disorder. With 60% of students in Collier County Public Schools set to return to school in person, Brial says […]

Pandemic delays high-profile criminal cases in SWFL

Criminal cases have been stalled by the coronavirus pandemic, so there has been no due process for suspects and families left waiting for answers. We looked into the argument for safety over justice in Southwest Florida Friday. There have been some high-profile cases delayed in Southwest Florida: Jorge Guerrero is accused of killing 9-year-old Diana […]