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

 

cyanobacteria

Researchers working on new test to detect cyanobacteria in humans

Blue-green algae play a role in human health and we see what it does to our water. A diagnostic test at a doctor’s office may still be far off but researchers are working on developing a test to detect cyanobacteria in humans. Olivia Ringland celebrated her first day of summer break from school by taking […]

Study: COVID-19 can cause male fertility complications; no evidence vaccine does

The coronavirus can live in men’s reproductive organs for seven months after contracting it. According to a new study by a Florida doctor, this can cause complications for couples hoping to get pregnant. University of Miami researchers are working to determine how COVID-19 manages to avoid the immune system and live in men’s reproductive organs […]

Researchers working on new immunotherapy that targets breast cancer cells

Researchers believe more than 43,000 women will die from breast cancer this year but a team of researchers is working on an innovative new immunotherapy that activates the body’s natural killer cells into attacking breast cancer cells. “I found a lump and I ignored it. I was breastfeeding, so I thought it was just a […]

Prescription drug prices on the rise for millions of older Americans

Prices are going up for hundreds of brand-name prescription drugs widely used by older Americans, and the trend shows that if it continues, many will no longer be able to afford the drugs they need. Many people are already struggling because of the pandemic, so rising drug prices may force some to choose to go […]

tai chi instructor

Study finds tai chi more effective than weight training and cardio

When it comes to maintaining good cholesterol levels, a study finds tai chi more effective than weight training and cardio. WINK News speaks to a tai chi student and an instructor about why this exercise is so beneficial. Stephen Piccone turned to tai chi for his health. “The aging body is taking its toll with […]

COVID-19 patients turn to smell training for recovery of senses

Many COVID-19 patients who have recovered are still struggling with a loss of taste and smell. A technique called “smell training” has brought back the sense for some of those people, and you can even do it from the comfort of your own home. For Brian Ox, 2021 started off with him contracting the coronavirus. […]

Cognoa stats

FDA approves new tool to aid in diagnosing autism

The FDA recently approved a tool to aid pediatricians in diagnosing autism in the primary care setting. Diagnosing the condition earlier could lead to better treatment. At 12-months-old, Maryanne DeVivo starting having concerns about her daughter, Adrianna’s, development. “Adriana was completely nonverbal. She didn’t understand I was Mom and my husband was Dad. And she was […]

Dementia illustration

Chronic pain could be warning of dementia later in life

Most of us can’t go a day without feeling some kind of pain, but that could be an indication you may develop dementia later in life. A new study finds people’s pain levels increased at least a decade before the diagnosis. Deb Jobe of Bradenton battled chronic pain for years, but leading up to her […]

Osaka’s struggles with mental health hit home for other athletes

The woman expected to win the French Open dropped out of the tournament for her mental health. Naomi Osaka’s decision to pull out of the competition came after tournament officials fined her $15,000 for not speaking to the media following her first-round match on Sunday. The four-time major champion, 23, announced on Twitter before the […]

CDC releases data on blue-green algae impacts to humans and animals

Blue-green algae are toxic to humans and animals. The CDC has released the first round of nationally sourced data collected through its national reporting system One Health Harmful Algal Bloom System. The system provides an eletronic platform for state officials to submit information on illnesses to humans and animals due to exposure to blue-green algae. […]