BREAKING NEWS Rafael strengthens into Cat 1 hurricane

Professional Experience

  • WSPA, Spartanburg, SC — Video Editor, June 2006 - June 2007
  • WTWO/WAWV, Terre Haute, IN — Production Specialist, Sept. 2011 - July 2012
  • KTVL, Medford, OR — News Producer, August 2012 - August 2013
  • KMID, Midland, TX — News Producer, Feb. 2014 - Feb. 2015
  • WSLS, Roanoke, VA — News Producer, March 2015 - Sept. 2016
  • O&O FOX News, D.C. Bureau — Freelance Producer, 2017
  • KVLY, Fargo, ND — Multimedia Journalist, Dec. 2017 - Dec. 2019
  • WINK, Fort Myers, FL - Health and Medical Multimedia Journalist, Jan. 2020 - Present

News Philosophy

The more you know about your community, the stronger and healthier it can become! That’s why I believe in local news - energizing and empowering a community is valuable. It can lead to meaningful change and a deeper understanding of your neighbors (allowing you to help them overcome the challenges they face, and share in their successes).

Hobbies, Interests & Community Involvement

Let’s lace up those sneakers, throw on some sunscreen, and get outside! Whether it’s hitting the pavement for a jog, strapping on a helmet and biking a new trail, or strolling through southwest Florida’s great outdoors - that’s where I want to be. Another interest? Cats! Don't ask me about mine unless you're prepared for a lengthy slideshow.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications at The University of North Carolina - Asheville

Master’s degree in Elementary Education at the University of Maryland - College Park

Likes best about Southwest Florida

I am blown away by all of the unique creatures and beautiful plants!

Hometown

Gaithersburg, MD

 

Expert says people can support one another amid stressful election year

It’s been a stressful election season, but it doesn’t need to take a toll on your relationships. People are taking a stand and publicly promising to not let politics hinder their friendships or family ties. We looked at what you can do to help in your own situation. Poll watcher Jacquelyn Wildermuth in Lee County […]

University of Miami tests ‘game-changing’ COVID-19 breath analyzer

There’s a new simple COVID-19 test in the works and this one is cutting down wait time and it’s painless – a breath analyzer. Dr. Michael Mina, MD, PhD is an Assistant Professor of Epidemiology at Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health and a core member of the Center for Communicable Disease Dynamics […]

Some COVID-19 survivors face long-term recovery, physically and mentally

The ICU saves lives but it can also come with a cost. When some patients leave intensive care, they’re also leaving skills and abilities behind that can sometimes take years to get back. What does it mean for COVID-19 survivors? There are long lines at the CenturyLink Sports Complex testing site as people wait and […]

Classroom

Mental health cases on the rise among SWFL youth

So many teens and young adults are struggling with their mental health in Southwest Florida right now, and one treatment center says the need is exceeding their capacity. Doctors say parents can identify when kids need mental health help. The signs of her daughter Chloe’s depression built up so slowly that Adrianne Weisberg says it […]

FGCU needs asymptomatic volunteers for COVID-19 study

Florida Gulf Coast University is going to use the blood of volunteers to help find a way to stop the spread of COVID-19. The university is looking for thousands of volunteers who have not shown any coronavirus symptoms and have never tested positive for COVID-19. The blood could help determine the spread of the virus […]

Eating more soy-based foods could lower risk of dementia, according to new study

Something many people worry about as they get older is developing dementia. Now there may a way to reduce your risk by eating one thing. Statistically, one-in-nine people over the age of 65 get diagnosed with dementia. It’s something that touches many families. Dr. Jaclynn Faffer, the president and CEO of Naples Senior Center, said […]

Advancements allow for more breast cancer patient options for treatment

Breast cancer survivor Chris Willets is taking control of a scary situation by making the difficult decision to have a double mastectomy. Advancements in science and technology are giving patients more options for treatment. Willets had no breast cancer history in her family, and never any scares or concerns – until January. Mammogram, ultrasounds, and […]

SWFL clinical trial underway to relieve COVID symptoms

A new trial to relieve symptoms of COVID-19 is taking place in Southwest Florida. Vanguard Clinical Research is conducting the therapeutic trial of an oral medication used to relieve symptoms for people with a mild to moderate infection. Not all participants have to have the coronavirus to participate. Some people never even know they have […]

early voting Lee County

How to stay safe at the polls as early voting opens

Monday marks 15 days until election day. Hundreds lined up here in Florida for the first day of early voting. But, with the pandemic raging on, how can you stay safe while casting your vote. Alex Seger says she’s voted in every single presidential election since she registered, so this year is no different. But […]

COVID-19 vaccine doesn’t mean quick return to normal, experts say

Getting back to normal as quickly and as safely as possible is the plan, but right now, three out of the four COVID-19 vaccine trials are on temporary holds due to safety concerns. However, Pfizer said it could be ready by November, but experts say a vaccine doesn’t mean things will go back to normal […]