Professional Experience

2016 to present: Investigative reporter, WINK News. Previously worked as a producer at KPRC-TV in Houston, WKMG-TV in Orlando and WINK News.

Awards & Recognition

  • Florida Associated Press Finalist for Investigative Reporting, 2018
  • Suncoast Regional Emmy Nominee for Crime News, 2017
  • Lonestar Emmy Awards, winner for Best Investigative Story, nominee for Best Business/Consumer Story, 2016.
  • Houston Press Club, first place for TV Consumer News, 2016.
  • Texas Associated Press Broadcasters, second place for news series, 2016.
  • National Press Club Award, third place for investigative reporting, 2012.
  • IRE/NICAR, Holly Wisenhunt Stephen Fellowship recipient, 2011.
  • Suncoast Emmy Awards, winner for Crime Story, 2008. Five-time nominee, 2010 - 2014.
  • Edward R Murrow Awards, 2008 and 2009 regional winner for Investigative Reporting.

Hobbies, Interests & Community Service

Cooking, fitness, running, yoga, scrapbooking,  reading the New York Times' travel section, dreaming about places to travel and sometimes going there, watching my husband golf, taking the dog to the beach, rooting for the Steelers and Nittany Lions, and spoiling my nieces and little ‘sister’. I'm also a Big Brothers & Big Sister mentor, volunteer at PACE school for girls and WGCU's radio reading for blind and visually impaired.

Education

Penn State University

Likes best about Southwest Florida

"The people."

Birthplace

Western Pennsylvania.

Fort Myers approves unpaid $37,000 go to outside law firm

BREAKING: Fort Myers City Council unanimously approved a $37,000 purchase order Monday to pay past due invoices to law firm Knott, Ebelini and Hart. The firm employs attorney Kristie Scott and former Fort Myers Mayor Jim Humphrey, who are members of what’s known as the transition team. This increases the amount of money the firm […]

Embattled Bruno Total Home sells amid criminal investigation

A Bonita Springs company under investigation by the Florida attorney general sold its assets and client list to Davie based Air Pros. According to a public relations firm representing Air Pros, the company will honor all Bruno customer service agreements and warranties. In January, investigators with the Florida Attorney General and Cape Coral Police Department […]

Health insurance costs will rise in 2020

Employers will pay more in 2020 to keep their employees insured. “We are seeing average premium increases in the 5% to 10% range for 2020 plans,” said Gray Davis, the senior vice president for McGriff Insurance Services. Davis estimated that a business employing 100 people will pay $1 million to buy coverage. He said insurance […]

Half day at hospital doubles new mom’s bill for baby

Jordan Paul had one of the best surprises of her life last summer, waiting throughout her pregnancy to find out the gender of her baby. In June, she gave birth to a happy and healthy little girl named Brynlee. But, next, came one of the worst surprises of her life: An unexpectedly high medical bill […]

WINK News Investigates

Former military member turned murder suspect seeking asylum in Ukraine

A suspect in a 2018 double murder in Estero is currently in Ukraine, fighting extradition back to the United States. Craig Lang and co-defendant Alex Zwiefelhofer face several federal charges including murder and conspiracy to organize a military expedition to fight a foreign government. Lang is seeking asylum in Ukraine to stay with his Ukranian […]

FILE: NCH Healthcare System. (Credit: WINK News/FILE)

High deductible insurance plan leads to a $2,200 bill for a finger infection

Deb Milostan is a part-time Bonita Springs resident who was fortunate enough to retire early. Since she was too young for medicare, which is insurance primarily for people over 65 years old, she had to buy her own health insurance for the first time at 62 years old. “My main concern was making sure I […]

Cape Coral day care teacher told police she didn’t mean to hurt girl

A day care teacher seen in a video pushing and spanking a child told police that she was trying to put the child down to sleep and didn’t mean to hurt her. Diana Varela, the daughter of the owner of Kiddie Island Academy, is still working at the day care, but not directly with children, […]

Day care to DCF: Teacher who shoved and spanked toddler was “stressed”

A teacher at Kiddie Island Academy seen on video in early October shoving, spanking and pulling a 21-month old child was “stressed” according to a Department of Children and Families report. The teacher, Diana Varela, is seen on video interacting with the child in a way that DCF characterized as “aggressive, demeaning and intimidating”. Sierra […]