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

 

Facts, not fear: How to stay calm with escalating talk of coronavirus

Spreading facts, not fear. That’s what medical experts are trying to do with COVID-19. Although the risk remains low to most of us, concern about the virus is widespread. We spoke to a mental health expert for advice on how to stay calm since signs of escalating concern over the virus can be found across […]

Lee Health says they were prepared ahead of time for coronavirus, county taking extra steps

Lee Health held a news conference Saturday afternoon at Gulf Coast Medical Center to provide the community updates on Lee County’s coronavirus (COVID-19) cases. Dr. Larry Antonucci, Lee Health president & CEO, and Dr. Stephanie Stovall, infection prevention, provided information. Lee Health says they were prepared ahead of time to fight the virus and are […]

New coronavirus cases in Florida cause concern in SWFL

Several officials are speaking out on Monday following the announcement by Gov. Ron DeSantis declaring Florida in a state of emergency. The designation was issued as the dreaded new coronavirus is officially in the Sunshine State and the COVID-19 strain is not far from Southwest Florida. The declaration comes after two presumptive positive cases of […]

Public health screening. (Credit: CDC via MGN)

What’s the difference between the coronavirus outbreak and flu season?

We are in the middle of the flu season and the possibility of a COVID-19 pandemic. Right now, there are clear differences between the two medical maladies. Most people WINK News spoke with know their chances of getting the coronavirus virus in Florida are pretty slim. But that does not mean things couldn’t change and […]

New program would help give tools those who need rehab after insurance runs out

Regaining your strength, skills and confidence after a debilitating accident or illness can take a long time. Your insurance money could run out before you’re done, however, there’s now a new effort to cover that gap. Michael Augustine went from enjoying the newlywed life to this: “Just after Hurricane Irma, I lost my legs; started […]

Florida SouthWestern

Florida SouthWestern nursing students train to recognize coronavirus, flu

At Florida SouthWestern State College, nursing students learn how to cope with emergencies. As flu season gets in full swing and the coronavirus spreads, they’re making sure students are equipped for anything that comes their way. Shortness of breath, coughing, and body aches. Those are the symptoms a patient could be suffering who has coronavirus… […]

Parent says early autism screenings are important; SWFL resources exist

Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida schedules free autism screenings throughout the year, a resource lots of parents don’t take advantage of. We spoke to a Southwest Florida family who says early detection would have made a world of difference. Amber Zollinger’s son Grayson is a happy and active 5-year-old who lives with autism. “He […]

Bottles of medication at a pharmacy. (CBS News photo)

Push for bill mandating clear labeling on medications containing gluten

Do you know what’s in your medication? Most drugs don’t come with nutrition labels and it’s a problem that hurts people with gluten allergies like celiac disease. Now, there’s a new push to require nutrition labels on medication. Eating out can be dangerous for Elizabeth Paquet, but at a south Fort Myers restaurant called Fathoms, […]