What did you do before you were a Miner?

For more than 16 years, I developed and produced a variety of award-winning news, lifestyle, and sales shows for the NBC affiliate, KARE-TV, in the Twin Cities. While there, I also dabbled in a little entertainment reporting and had the pleasure of interviewing some amazing actors, including Meryl Streep and George Clooney. Before that, I developed my love of news as a “professional” intern at different TV and radio stations around my home state of Illinois. My first paid job in broadcasting was playing commercials during the radio broadcasts of Cubs’ baseball games (a “tough” gig, considering I’m a lifelong Cardinals fan).

What do most people not understand about the news?

It takes an amazing team of skilled and dedicated people working around the clock to put together every newscast, especially when they’re under the pressure of a deadline! From the reporters and anchors who deliver the news to the producers, writers, photographers, editors, engineers, graphics designers, directors, and assignment desk staff who support them, it truly takes a village to cover what's happening each and every day.

If you could have a dream dinner party, who would sit at your table?

Russell Crowe, Mel Brooks, Katharine Hepburn, Steven Spielberg and River Phoenix

What would you tell your 20-year-old self?

You’re too young to get married! And know that some of your wildest dreams really can ― and will ― come true. So, dream big!

What are your favorite quotes?

+ “Life’s like a movie, write your own ending. Keep believing, keep pretending…” – Kermit the Frog

+ “...Tomorrow is a new day. You shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

+ “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” – Apostle Paul, Romans 12:22