Professional Experience

2014 to present: Anchor for WINK News This Morning. Previously worked at KMGH-TV in Denver, WSJV-TV in South Bend, Ind., and KOMU-TV in Columbia, Mo.

Hobbies, Interests & Community Service

Enjoys participating in marathons and triathlons.

Education

The University of Missouri.

Likes best about Southwest Florida

As an island girl at heart, I'm thrilled to be back by the beach. While there are so many fantastic things about Southwest Florida, one of my favorites is Captiva, which holds a special place in my heart because that is where I celebrated my marriage.

Hometown

I don't have one. I've never lived anywhere longer than four years.

Family

Husband and two young children.

Memorable Assignments

Covering the movie theater shooting in Aurora, Colo., and historic floods that destroyed parts of Colorado.

Interesting Fact

As the daughter of U.S. Navy parents, I've lived in 10 states, Guam and Sweden.

Lighthouse nonprofit helps 10-year-old Naples girl live with eye disorder

  The Naples Winter Wine Festival, a charity wine auction that raises millions of dollars for children in Collier County, kicks off on Thursday before Saturday’s auction. The group behind the festival, the Naples Children and Education Fund, gives grants to nearly 50 nonprofits in the area, and the Wells family is just one with […]

golisano children's hospital

Naples Winter Wine Festival invests in children’s post-Ian mental health

  The 2023 Naples Winter Wine Festival is coming up on Saturday, and the Naples Children and Education Foundation is behind it. All the money it raises during the upcoming auction will go right back to children in Collier County. When emergencies hit, NCEF will be ready to step in and help. Hurricane Ian was […]

Naples Winter Wine Festival to benefit Valerie’s House, bereaved children

  The Naples Winter Wine Festival kicks off this week, and 2023 focused on raising money to support children’s mental health. One of those groups helping Southwest Florida kids is Valerie’s House, a nonprofit that provides support for children grieving the death of a loved one. The first things you notice when you walk into Valerie’s […]

2023 Naples Winter Wine Festival to raise money for children’s health

  The 2023 Naples Winter Wine Festival begins on Saturday, Feb. 4. During last year’s festival, nearly $22 million was raised within 4 1/2 hours to help the children of Collier County. Here’s a look at how and why the group behind the festival makes it happen. “It is the largest charity wine auction in […]

Cape Coral woman records family history in decades of Christmas cards

Many families have Christmas traditions, whether caroling, making cookies or going to church on Christmas Day. One Cape Coral woman’s tradition made the family Christmas card popular before it was a trend. 88-year-old Harriet Specht loves everything about Christmas—the traditions, the togetherness, the fun, the presents and the lights. But there’s one thing she loves […]

Architect rethinks how to build safe coastal homes in SWFL after Ian

In the wake of Hurricane Ian, many have wondered if homes along the coast should even be rebuilt. But one architect believes people will want to live with ocean views no matter what, and that it’s possible to have them if built correctly. Architect Joyce Owens is renowned for designing homes in sync with Southwest […]

Gulfshore Business honors Southwest Florida’s 40 under 40

A group of professionals who are working to make Southwest Florida a better place have something else in common. They were all honored as Gulfshore Business’s 40 under 40. The 40 under 40 were narrowed down from hundreds of nominees. Judges hand-select each of the honorees and have to narrow the list to 40. That […]

FutureMakers Coalition creates job pipeline for Hurricane Ian survivors

We go to the beach for the sun, sand and saltwater, but it’s the people who bring life to Southwest Florida’s beaches and their livelihoods are on the line. Fortunately, FutureMakers Coalition has a job pipeline ready to help hospitality workers. From live music to donating sales, businesses like Fort Myers Brewing Company and Buckett’s […]

Which SWFL foundations can use your Giving Tuesday donations

If you’re thinking about donating on Giving Tuesday, there are many Southwest Florida families in need and two community foundations that accept donations and can turn money around quickly. One is the Collier Community Foundation. To date, it has handed out $2 million to 54 organizations, one being the Pan-Florida Challenge. Usually, it distributes backpack […]

Southwest Florida artist chosen for Gulfshore Life’s Men of the Year

Many can relate to losing something priceless during Hurricane Ian. Maybe a family heirloom or pictures. But think about artists and their life’s work swept up in water in minutes. Hurricane Ian devastated Chad Jensen’s gallery Method and Concept. Jensen is one of the few people who can describe the remnants of Hurricane Ian and […]