I've always been told this was the perfect job for me because people are forced to listen to me talk. And trust me, I do it a lot!

Call it a gift, or call it a curse (my husband would probably choose the latter!). It's who I am, and who I've always been.

I can talk to anyone, about anything, at anytime...even at 3:00 in the morning when I wake up! And, I'm very excited to wake you up every morning.

Originally from St. Louis, I went to high school at St. Joseph's Academy, and graduated from the University of Missouri with my Bachelor of Journalism.

News is my passion because I always want to be in the know. I love that my job allows me to be well-versed in everything from politics to the latest health studies to sports.

Speaking of sports, you wouldn't really know me unless you understood my incredible love for the St. Louis Cardinals. To put it in perspective, after learning to say mom and dad, the next words I learned to speak as a child were "Ozzie" and "Willie."

When my husband Zach and I got married in June of 2004, we took pictures at Busch Stadium. Our infatuation with the Cardinals is something we've passed onto our son, Cooper who we welcomed into our family in January of 2006.  His entire room is decked out in Cards memorabilia, and he can usually be found in Redbirds garb.  If that doesn't tell you where my loyalties lie, nothing will!

Back to broadcast, I knew it was the chosen career path for me because it married some of my favorite things - writing, educating others, and performing. I've always had a passion for writing, and telling people's stories. I truly believe everyone has a story to tell, and I would like to tell your story. As for the performance aspect, I have been a dancer my whole life and, to me, being a news anchor is just another aspect of performing.

My love for dance has translated itself into charity work here in Columbia. I am the advisor for Center Stage - a not-for-profit dance school that gives free lessons to underprivileged children in Mid-Missouri. Aside from Center Stage, my job offers me wonderful ways to support other charities like the Central Missouri Food Bank, United Way, and MDA.

I have been very blessed in my life with wonderful people and experiences. And, being a part of the KOMU News Today team is just another thing I count as a blessing. I truly believe to whom much is given, much is expected, and I hope I can live up to all the gifts that have been bestowed upon me.

I would love to hear from you. Please email me with any story ideas or just to chat... because you know it is my favorite thing to do!