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.
The third annual Free Oral Cancer Screening event will also provide free PSA screenings on Saturday, April 28 in the Walgreens parking lot.
Gulfport Patch will be at the annual Boca Ciega Yacht Club Fun Day in Gulfport on Saturday, April 28 from 1 - 4 p.m. Come for free hot dogs, drinks and sailboat rides!
There are a lot of events this weekend in Gulfport! Here's what you need to know today.
Oral Cancer Screening, "Breaking Legs," So Studio Tour tickets on sale and more in "5 Things to Know Today."
What are you doing this weekend? Check out our weekly "Patch Minute" for ideas on how to spend your time in the sun in Gulfport, St. Pete and the beaches.
If you eat at participating restaurants in Gulfport or (and some others in the Tampa Bay area) a part of the proceeds will go to HIV/AIDS service organizations.
Dinning Out for Life, "Breaking Legs" at the Catherine Hickman Theater, Win $500 for Mom on Patch and more in "5 Things to Know in Gulfport."
This Saturday more than 100 volunteers will finalize new roofs, update fences, apply new paint, landscape and more in the first ever Rebuilding Together Tampa Bay volunteer event in Gulfport.
Swing Dance Lessons, Live Concert and more at the Gulfport Casino Ballroom tonight! Check out our daily post "5 Things to Know in Gulfport."
The Gulfport Police Department Citizens' Police Academy will run from June 12 to July 31, but people are urged to apply now because the class is limited to only 14 spots.
Gulfport Fresh Market, Patch Food Drive, Free Oral Cancer Screening, Gulfport Police Department Accreditation Efforts and more in "5 Things to Know Today."
Attention local businesses! You can help celebrate Older Americans Month this May by offering special discounts for seniors 50 and over.
The Boca Ciega High School Girls' Flag Football team is proving to be unstoppable as they head into a game tonight against Northeast High School, the team they beat 31-25 in triple overtime on March 22.
With cash in their hands, more than a dozen shoppers braved the heavy rain and invaded Kozy Kazual Wears during Gulfport's first Cash Mob.
St. Petersburg Attorney Andy Strickland received a citation for smoking on the beach during his second peaceful protest on Saturday. Strickland wants to challenge the ban in court.
World Books Night Tonight, Volunteer for Rebuild Together Tampa Bay, Patch Food Drive and more in "5 Things to Know in Gulfport."
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.
We love when our readers share their opinions. Of course, we appreciate it when people agree to disagree, post important questions and share personal stories.
". . . On My Mind" is a burst of "in your face" comedy, contradictions and emotions. Expect the unexpected by Three Muses & A Fool Productions in Artists Alley.
