I am a multimedia journalist. I've worked for local NBC and CBS affiliates, documentary companies and contributed video and content for an Emmy Award winning website. I began my career in journalism when I was 19 years old, working as a news production assistant for KELO TV in Sioux Falls, SD. In the past 7 years I worked my way up from running prompter to anchoring the evening news. I spent time with KELO-TV in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, KVLY-TV & KXJB-TV in Fargo, North Dakota. I've reported on tornado stricken towns, state and federal murder trials, and record-breaking snowstorms. I've been to Washington D.C. for special assignments. My work has been featured on the CBS Morning Show and has caught the attention of the Oprah Winfrey Show.
I spend my free time with my husband Robert and 12-year-old Persian cat Snow White. We enjoy almost everything outdoors including beach volleyball, camping, hiking, mountain biking, jet skiing and tubing in the summer and winter. I have the bruises to prove it!
I recently moved to Florida and I look forward to reporting and learning about the community inside and out.
Your Beliefs
At Patch, we promise always to report the facts as objectively as possible and otherwise adhere to the principles of good journalism. However, we also acknowledge that true impartiality is impossible because human beings have beliefs. So in the spirit of simple honesty, our policy is to encourage our editors to reveal their beliefs to the extent they feel comfortable. This disclosure is not a license for you to inject your beliefs into stories or to dictate coverage according to them. In fact, the intent is the opposite: we hope that the knowledge that your beliefs are on the record will cause you to be ever mindful to write, report and edit in a fair, balanced way. And if you ever see evidence that we failed in this mission, please let us know.
Politics
How would you describe your political beliefs? Are you registered with a certain party?
I am a registered Independent and have been since I turned 18. I vote according to issues and candidates' qualifications, beliefs and voting record. Given that, I'm a firm believer of freedom of speech, the right to bear arms and am a strong supporter of the United States Military and Veterans of our country's wars and conflicts.
Religion
How religious would you consider yourself?
I believe in God and a greater being and purpose, but I do not currently attend church or belong to any religious organizations.
Local Hot-Button Issues
What do you think are the most important issues facing the community? Where do you stand on each of these issues?
I'm new to the Gulfport community and look forward to covering local politics, community development and city growth.
We want to see your photos! We know we live in paradise and part of that is enjoying a beautiful sunset everyday. We want you to send in your sunset photos from around the area and every Sunday, we'll share it on Gulfport Patch.
Red Light Cameras, Petitions Handed in, Pedestrian Injured and more in this week's top stories on Gulfport Patch.
Come out for the Gulfport Veterans Parade, "JELVIS" in Concert, Weekend Forecast and more in "5 Things to Know This Weekend."
Happy Veterans Day! Thank you, to all those who've served our country and to those who continue to serve. Check out how businesses are saying "thank you" with free meals and discounts.
Happy Veterans Day, City Hall Closed Today, Weekend Events, Sunny and more in "5 Things to Know Today."
Here is a list of local government offices that will be closed on Friday.
Happy Veterans Day! Thank you, to all those who've served our country and to those who continue to serve. Check out how businesses are saying "thank you" with free meals and discounts.
Gulfport resident Frank Verdino handed in a stack of signed petitions to the City Clerk Thursday, Nov. 10. A group of citizens hope the referendum question, if passed, will let voters to decide whether to outsource the police dispatch center.
A 55-year-old Gulfport man was walking on Gulfport Boulevard when he was hit by a car near 57th Street S.
"Operation Santa" for 2011 Begins, Heroes Weekend Kicks off with Free Concert, 20% Chance of rain and more in "5 Things to Know Today."
"Don't stress; it's only a test." That's what FEMA wants you to know about today's Emergency Alert System test at 2 p.m. The first nationwide test of the public warning system should last three and a half minutes.
"Don't stress; it's only a test." That's what FEMA wants you to know about today's Emergency Alert System test at 2 p.m. The first nationwide test of the public warning system should last three and a half minutes.
"Don't stress; it's only a test." That's what FEMA wants you to know about today's Emergency Alert System test at 2 p.m. The first nationwide test of the public warning system should last three and a half minutes.
"Don't stress; it's only a test." That's what FEMA wants you to know about today's Emergency Alert System test at 2 p.m. The first nationwide test of the public warning system should last three and a half minutes.
"Don't stress; it's only a test." That's what FEMA wants you to know about today's Emergency Alert System test at 2 p.m. The first nationwide test of the public warning system should last three and a half minutes.
Plan for Heroes Weekend, So49 Meeting, High of 78 and more in "5 Things to Know Today."
Patch in the Veterans' Parade, Fresh Market, Clothing Swap, High of 79 and more in "5 Things to Know Today."
The following information is provided by the Gulfport Police Department's call log. The calls that are listed represent calls that resulted in an arrest, citation issued and/or report by an officer.
The following people were arrested in Gulfport, from Oct. 31- Nov. 6. The information is provided by Gulfport Police and the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office.
High near 79, Donate Yard Sale Leftovers, Get Ready for Heroes Weekend and more in "5 Things to Know Today."