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.

 

Opening statements given in 2017 Cape Coral crash killing a woman

The jury has been sworn in and opening statements wrapped up in the case of a man accused of driving recklessly, leading to a Cape Coral crash that killed a woman in 2017. Surveillance video shows the moments before the crash. Kenneth Graves’ car, seen in the video, is moving at a fast speed. The […]

Mugshot of Chaodan Wang. (Credit: Collier County Sheriff's Office)

Officers arrests a suspect in a multi-national illegal prostitution operation

An online sex trafficking ring was busted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. But the lead agents said one of the masterminds was on the run and bringing trafficking victims to Southwest Florida. “Naples is an attractive area for trafficking because it’s such an affluent community,” said Linda Oberhaus, CEO of the Shelter for Abused […]

Appeals court overturns Lee County man’s manslaughter conviction

It’s rare, but an appeals court decided to order a new trial for a local man convicted of manslaughter. Meanwhile, the family of the victim remains in seclusion after the decision caught them off guard. We spoke to a lawyer to gain insight to the court’s decision. The family of victim Fritz Timmermann is left […]

Lee County votes in favor of changing a map designating mining

The long-running controversy over proposed changes to mining rules in Lee County is over. After months of debate, public hearings and Wednesday public comments, the motion carried 3-1 with Commissioner Frank Mann dissenting. The decision, made Wednesday morning, may end the fight over mining in Lee County, where many have spent more than a year […]

Mugshot of Wisner Desmaret, 30, (Credit: Lee County Sheriff's Office)

Judge seeks local expert to opine on Desmaret’s competency to stand trial

Escorted into the courtroom surrounded by deputies, Wisner Desmaret remained quiet for the short discussion Monday on whether he is competent to stand trial for the murder of a police officer. The state attorney wants the death penalty for Desmart for the July 2018 shooting that killed Fort Myers Police Officer Adam Jobbers Miller. Two […]

Judge sets October date for Teresa Sievers murder trial

The judge has set a date for the start of the Teresa Sievers murder trial. Mark Sievers is the man accused orchestrating the of killing of his wife, Teresa, along with long-time friend Curtis Wayne Wright Jr, and Jimmy Ray Rodgers. The judge ruled Friday that the trial will begin October 1, with jury selection. […]

Near the site of where the dog was found in bad conditions. (Credit: WINK News)

Lawn service worker finds dog malnourished with lacerations to genitalia

You will hear and see plenty of dogs in a Cape Coral neighborhood. “I have a dog myself,” Greg Kleist said. “I would never in a million years treat my dog like that.” But on Tuesday, a lawn service worker came across a heartbreaking scene on SW 22nd Ln. It was a dog underfed and […]

Mugshot of Luuly Quang, 62. (Credit: Lee County Sheriff's Office)

Authorities remove more than 40 puppies, cats from a Lehigh Acres home

An animal neglect bust in Lehigh Acres. Lee County Sheriff’s Office deputies confirm dozens of pets living in poor conditions in a Lehigh Acres home. One by one, they are bringing these small dogs out of the house. The sheriff’s office said 28 dogs and 13 cats were inside. The suspect, Luuly Quang, 62, faces […]

Proposed Cape Coral noise fines could cost you up to $500

If the music in your car is too loud or you’re throwing a party, you may get cited for being too noisy. Believe it or not, an officer would not have to hear it either. A local city is proposing a new noise ordinance with those set rules involved. The City of Cape Coral said […]

Concerned citizens fight for rights of Caloosahatchee River

The Caloosahatchee River is essential to Southwest Florida, helping bring water across our area. A group wants to give the water body rights, so it can be better defended and protected. A group of concerned citizens want the Caloosahatchee gets rights approved for it, allowing people to file lawsuits on behalf of the river and […]