Professional Experience

March 2021 to present: Weekend Anchor & Reporter at WINK News. Previously worked at KTWO-TV in Casper, Wyoming as a weekday morning anchor.

News Philosophy

“I became a journalist to come as close as possible to the heart of the world.” -Henry R. Luce

Hobbies, Interests & Community Involvement

Walking my dog Scarlett along the water, going to the beach, traveling both in and outside of Florida.

Education

Bachelor of Arts from Texas Christian University, Bob Schieffer School of Journalism with a minor in political science - Cum Laude

Likes best about Southwest Florida

The sunshine, beaches, and endless amount of things to do!

Hometown

Palos Verdes, CA

Mind your mind: An initiative to aid the mental health of Southwest Florida

There is a new push in Southwest Florida to help people put their mental health first. It is part of the David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health initiative called “mind your mind.” It’s no secret that mental health across the country has plummeted during the pandemic, but as we enter year three, experts say in […]

Red Cross working to bring smiles back to those impacted by Sunday’s tornadoes

Something as simple as a sandwich or a coffee can make all the difference in a crisis. Those are the things hardworking Red Cross volunteers brought to storm victims on Tuesday. When disaster strikes, Claudia Pisa packs her bags and goes. On Sunday, she got the call to come to the Century 21 Mobile Home […]

Monument honoring first responders unveiled in Charlotte County park

A new monument is up to honor all those who work on the front lines. The first responders memorial shines in all its glory at the Veterans Memorial Park in Port Charlotte. Ordinary people doing extraordinary things. That is how lots of people describe first responders. But how do first responders describe themselves? They’re just […]

blue dog bar and grill Matlacha

Staffing shortages hit businesses hard on Matlacha

Small businesses are being forced to either change their operations or close altogether. Two popular restaurants have already closed, and another is ending its takeout ordering process due to COVID-19. The Blue Dog bar and grill is more than just a tourist hot spot on Matlacha. The locals love it too. So, seeing folded chairs, […]

Doctors weigh in on what employees should do if they test positive for COVID

Not every workplace offers its employees “sick days.” And as omicron spreads, this may present an issue for workers who may be developing COVID-19 symptoms. Plus, with testing lines so long and appointments hard to come by, it provides a dilemma for employees. Should they show up sick or take time off or work from […]

Trial begins for the man accused in a deadly 2020 Cape Coral Bridge hit-and-run

A man charged with killing a man on a scooter in a hit-and-run crash is now on trial. 20-year-old Clody Gonzalez Vera is accused of leaving 21-year-old Austin Manke to die on the Cape Coral Bridge in February 2020. At least two witnesses say they saw a wrecked car, matching the description of Gonzalez Vera’s […]

Leaders in Fort Myers push for more security after string of smash-and-grab robberies

Within the last month, WINK News has told you about several smash-and-grab robberies in Southwest Florida. Now, Fort Myers city leaders want to get ahead of crime and protect you and your property. The tragedy of 9-year-old Brooklyn Grace Spears touched the hearts of many, including Fort Myers City Councilman Liston Bochette. Spears was hit […]

COVID-19 testing increasing before Christmas

The number of people getting tested for the novel coronavirus is on the rise, reflecting the surge in cases throughout the country. In Miami, for instance, you can see long lines stretching for blocks, and people had booked up appointments at the CenturyLink site in Fort Myers until around 12:30 p.m. Thursday. On Wednesday, around […]

Driving safely during the holidays

If you are driving this holiday season, be careful: Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day is one of the most dangerous times to be out on the road due to people drinking more, having less sunlight and being more tired while driving. Christmas and New Year’s Eve are considered especially dangerous, with more drunk-driving fatalities than […]