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

 

Mental health struggles on the rise in kids; resources available in SWFL

The number of pediatric mental health visits is rising as more kids experience struggles during this time of social distancing and isolation. Southwest Florida is providing resources for those who need them most. Behavioral and health challenges forced Gabby Beaulieu to spend time away from school and friends in middle school. The isolation came with […]

Some COVID-19 survivors experiencing unpleasant smells

Some COVID-19 survivors can’t seem to get rid of lingering, awful smells that aren’t even there. “Long-haulers” are smelling smoke, rotten vegetables, even feces, and it may be a while before it stops – if it does. Even though everyone in Mary Heid’s family came down with COVID-19, she’s the only one to go through […]

Researchers say narrowing social-distancing gap in schools is possible

A change in pandemic rules is getting our teachers and students one step closer to normal. Researchers say a safe “social distance” in schools is now just 3-feet apart, a smooth sign on the road to reopening. A spokesperson with the School District of Lee County said Monday the district needs guidance from the Centers […]

florida variant

COVID-19 variants taking over in Florida

Florida has the most COVID-19 variant cases in the nation, according to the CDC. These cases are emerging as some use our state as their getaway from the cold and tight pandemic restictions. One expert says we can expect some protection from the variants thanks to the multiple COVID-19 vaccines that are available. But, that […]

Women reporting worse side effects from COVID-19 vaccines

One group of people is experiencing worse side effects from the COVID-19 vaccines. Men and women react differently to a variety of drugs, but as more vaccine doses get into arms, women have reported more severe reactions to the shots. Migena Gace had hesitations about the coronavirus vaccine back in September. “I’m not going to […]

Survivor urges people not to postpone cancer screenings during pandemic

Nationally, cancer screenings dropped anywhere from 86% to 94% during the pandemic. A woman in Fort Myers we spoke to says catching cancer early could save your life because it saved hers. Sharon Pollock is a survivor of colon cancer, and her husband’s actions might have saved her life. “My husband kind of got on […]

sonic renderings

A new way to clean your greens before making a salad

When you dig into a leafy green salad, you obviously expect it to be clean, but bacteria are known to stick around even after washing the veggies. Luckily, there is a new way to clean your greens. The sounds the bubbles make are at such a high frequency that people or bats can’t hear them; […]

Pill that treats COVID-19 shows promise in early testing

A new COVID-19 breakthrough is showing promise – and would be an easy pill to swallow. More than a year into the pandemic, doctors and patients still have few treatment options. It’s like looking for a needle in a haystack. “You have cells in a dish that are infected with a virus. And then you […]

covid in hospitals

The pandemic: One year later

One year later and we’re still in a pandemic. More than one million people have tested positive in Florida since the pandemic began. Now, the focus has shifted to herd immunity and vaccinations. Hospitals have made changes to help beat this virus. Capie Pankow is a Registered Nurse in the Progressive Care Unit at HealthPark […]

Some US bishops discourage Catholics from getting J&J vaccine

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops is raising moral concerns over the Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccine because it’s produced using a cell line derived from an aborted fetus. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops is labeling the newest vaccine “morally compromised,” and recommends Catholics not choose the Johnson and Johnson vaccine if they […]