Professional Experience

2017 to present: Morning anchor, WINK News. 2012 to 2016: Reporter, weekend anchor, WINK News. Previously worked at KAGS-TV in College Station, Texas, and KHOU-TV in Houston. Also managed the visual and interactive media department for a Houston urgent care company.

News Philosophy

My news philosophy is fairness and giving everyone the ability to have their voice heard. I believe in telling every story as fair and as accurate as possible and being able to be the voice for those who otherwise would not be heard.

Hobbies, Interests & Community Service

Serves on the committee for the American Cancer Society's City of Palms Park Relay for Life. Also likes to dabble in photography.

Education

Sam Houston State University.

Likes best about Southwest Florida

I love many things about Southwest Florida, but most of all, I love all the beauty. As an avid still photographer, I love finding new places to take pictures of nature.

Hometown

Houston.

Money Monday: 5 pillars of finance

April is Financial Literacy Month and it represents a great time to brush up on the important principles required to build a strong financial future. Here to help us brush up on some of the basics of finance is Stefan Contorno, senior vice president and partner of Touchstone Wealth Partners UBS – Bonita Springs. Watch […]

Money Monday: Latest inflation report

The latest inflation reading shows that the prices consumers pay for everyday items surged to their highest level since the early days of the Reagan administration. Here to help provide insight into this report is Stefan Contorno, senior vice president and partner of Touchstone Wealth Partners UBS – Bonita Springs. Watch the full video above.

UF researchers on negative effects of ‘doomscrolling’

Swiping and swiping, negative news article after negative news article, for minutes or even hours. It’s called “doomscrolling,” and you may be surprised to catch yourself doing it, but it’s not uncommon, and the cycle is hard to break despite the negative effects it may have on you. Jeff Gump admits he sometimes gets sucked […]

Money Monday: Women’s path to financial independence

According to a recent survey by UBS Wealth Management, there has been an increase in the number of women who are interested in taking control of their finances. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, it is an important time to highlight the additional steps that women can take when it comes to their wealth. Here […]

What to know about Daylight Saving Time

Only a few more days left of early sunsets. Daylight Saving Time is this weekend. You will have to spring your clocks forward an hour on Sunday. That hour is important to people in Florida and a growing number of people across the country who want to make Daylight Saving Time permanent. In 2019, Florida […]

Looking back at the Surfside condo collapse 6 months later

Tragedy struck Florida on June 24, when the Champlain Towers South condominium building in Surfside collapsed, killing 98 people. Einat Glen wanted to do more than pray through the pain she felt, but she wasn’t qualified to search for missing people. She did the next best thing, volunteering to help at the family reunification center. […]

Your employer may offer mental health benefits you don’t know about

Your mental wellbeing is at the forefront of extra healthcare benefits at work. You may have free counseling sessions available to take advantage of right now, all paid for by your job. But there are concerns about privacy and opening up to people at work. Maribeth Lichty has been a mental health counselor for more […]

Gentle’Men Against Domestic Violence Take a Stand event held in Collier County

A group of people is spreading out through Collier County to save lives. The Gentle’Men Against Domestic Violence Take a Stand event is happening in Collier County. They are trying to prevent abuse and help victims with a way out by leaving door hangers, or paper flyers, with information on the Naples Shelter for Abused […]

Students with special needs find 'Best Buddies' through SWFL schools program. (Credit: WINK News/Melinda Lee)

Best Buddies nonprofit awards Champion of the Year at Friday night gala

On Friday night, Southwest Florida nonprofit Best Buddies will announce its Champion of the Year at an annual gala. Best Buddies helps those with intellectual and developmental disabilities find jobs, meet friends and works to help them live independently in society. The Campions of the Year are locals who raise money for the organization and […]

Collier County men make 1,200 mile bike trek to spread domestic violence awareness

The Collier County Sheriff’s Office partners with businesses and individuals to be their eyes and ears in the community. One Naples man learned how to spot the signs of domestic abuse, then used his bike to spread that message from Naples to Washington, D.C. Colin Estrem not only speaks out against domestic violence; he and […]