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 have the scoop on where to go to watch lighted boat parades in South Pinellas County. From Gulfport to Madeira Beach and St. Pete, we'll fill you in on what to know before you go.
We have the scoop on where to go to watch lighted boat parades in South Pinellas County. From Gulfport to Madeira Beach and St. Pete, we'll fill you in on what to know before you go.
Thirty suspicious fires in five years. Crime Stoppers of Pinellas County puts out the call for the public to help!
The Gulfport Post Office was built in 1952.
"Don't mind me," Joseph B. Lehn writes. What an awesome caption for this photo in our "Pics & Clips" gallery on the homepage!
Handmade Christmas ornaments by YOU! Check out this new event in our calendar!
Supporters collected more than 550 signatures to keep the Post Office in Gulfport.
More than 250 people have signed a petition to keep the Post Office in the Gulfport Beach Bazaar. Supporters have until Tuesday afternoon to add their signatures.
A live cooking demonstration is planned for the Gulfport Tuesday Fresh Market during it’s “First Tuesday” evening hours on Tuesday, December 4th. By Daniel Hodge
Mark your calendars for the annual Christmas Boat Parade this Saturday! Check out the parade route here.
Peek-a-boo, I see you . . . kinda of! Good Morning Gulfport! Check out this cute photo uploaded in our "Pics & Clips" neighborhood gallery.
Want to book a scuba diving trip or learn to dive? The Gulfport Dive Center is your one-stop shop for new and experienced divers.
She was 18, he was 23, 70 years later, the happy couple celebrated their wedding anniversary at the Gulfport Senior Center.
Let us help you plan your week! From the annual Gulfport's Christmas Tree Lighting to extended hours at this week's Gulfport Fresh Market - you'll want to add these events to your calendar.
Thank you for uploading your events, announcements and photos to Gulfport Patch! Today, we're featuring an announcement from The Gulfport Pirates.
We want to see your photos! We know we live in paradise and part of that is enjoying a beautiful sunset everyday. Starting today, we want you to send in your sunset photos from around the area and every Sunday, we'll share it on Gulfport Patch.
Just sign up for the free newsletter and you’ll be able to keep up with what’s going on around town.
Did you miss this week's top stories? Catch up on what you missed in this week's "Week in Review."
We've chosen our next cover photos for the Gulfport Patch Facebook page!
What are you doing this weekend in Gulfport? Here's what you need to know before you head out the doors!
