Professional Experience

2021 - present: WINK News morning anchor
2019 - 2021: WINK News weekend anchor/reporter
2018 - 2019: WINK News reporter
Previously worked as a weekend anchor and reporter at KMIZ in Columbia, Missouri.

Awards and Recognition

2019 Suncoast Regional Emmy Award nomination for reporting on a "Bomb Squad Search at a Home in Cape Coral."
Two Heart of America Gold Awards from the Kansas City Press Club for a special report on "Surviving a Mass Shooting" and for several reports on human and sex trafficking in mid-Missouri.

News Philosophy

Be a voice for the voiceless.

Education

Ohio University, E.W. Scripps School of Journalism

Hometown

Canonsburg, PA

Hobbies and Interests & Community Involvement

I love soaking up the sun. You can find me relaxing at the beach or at the pool with a good murder mystery book. I enjoy working out and recently became a certified Les Mills Body Pump instructor. Being just a short flight away from so many beautiful countries and territories in the Caribbean, I love exploring new areas and cultures. Animals are my favorite. I am a volunteer at the Gulf Coast Humane Society and help other rescue organizations with events and fundraisers. I also volunteer with Best Buddies Southwest Florida and the Children's Advocacy Center.

Family and Pets

My husband and I are proud parents to two black cats named Isaac and Cleo.

Likes best about Southwest Florida:

The weather and beaches. We live where people vacation.

 

Mother, daughter arrested after 2 dogs die, 2 found in poor condition

A trip to the vet ended with a mother and daughter in handcuffs. Sunday, Lee County Sheriff’s Office arrested Kay Celek and her 17-year-old daughter in Cape Coral for neglecting their four dogs. Two of them died, but the other two are now receiving much-needed care. When the two owners brought 1-year-old dog, Bailey, to […]

lee county animal cruelty

Lee County deputies find dog covered in feces and urine

A woman has been arrested for aggravated animal cruelty after being accused of locking her dog in the bathroom. The dog had been so badly neglected, she had chemical burns on her leg from her own urine. Lee County Sheriff’s deputies found a one-year-old dog named “Queen” trapped inside an apartment, in the corner cowering […]

Longtime leader of St. Matthew’s House retires

A longtime CEO who served the community for decades is retiring after 17 years. The St. Matthew’s House board of directors announced Vann Ellison’s retirement last week. For years, he worked with other nonprofits to help people all over Southwest Florida, from the homeless to the hungry to those suffering from addiction. Those who worked […]

Supporters of principal accused of paddling student show up to school board meeting

Exclusive video of a 6-year-old paddled at Central Elementary School in Clewiston took center stage at The School Board of Hendry County meeting Tuesday night. Hendry County District Schools does not allow corporal punishment. Dozens of people showed up wearing “Central Strong” T-shirts and told us they supported the principal who was recorded paddling a […]

Firefighters put out fire at home in Lehigh Acres, no one injured

Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District responded to a house fire on Corinne Drive in Lehigh Acres Monday. According to the the fire district’s tweet, firefighters responded to the home after the report of the fire was received just before 6 p.m. Crews found the fire in the garage of the home, which had […]

Food banks preparing for hurricane season

Getting ready for hurricane season, and while we’re still in a pandemic, this year’s season could look different when it comes to getting help. Food banks say they learned a lot from past hurricanes, and that’s to be overprepared. If the pandemic has taught the Harry Chapin Food Bank anything, it’s to be flexible, take […]

Mother wants people to come forward in shooting that killed her son

A 19-year-old Fort Myers man died after he was shot in Cape Coral early Saturday. Cape Coral Police Department identified the victim as Kevin Girard Palmer. There has been no suspect apprehension or arrest for the shooting at this time. Police responded to a home in the 100 block of SE 6th Street at around […]

Lee County preparing for hurricane season

Florida-born and raised, Leslie Sapp has seen plenty of hurricanes. But, Irma in 2017, was the worst, Sapp said. “It was the worst one I’ve ever seen in it because they said category 4,” Sapp said. “Doesn’t matter on category. Only matters where you’re at.” Sapp said Irma took half his roof and destroyed countless […]

Investigators search for dog’s abusers after being found with many deep cuts

Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers is asking the public to help find the owners of a dog who appeared to be neglected, abused and abandoned. Friday, a pitbull mix was found by a local resident in the area of Pinehurst Avenue and Pembroke Street in Lehigh Acres. Brandy Snyder had an unexpected four-legged visitor when she […]