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It's been my pleasure waking up Southwest Florida now for nearly 11 years! July 7, 2008, will be my 11th anniversary and the question I get asked the most is, "How easy is it to get up so early to do your show?" answer: It's not! Getting up at 3:30am, splashing ice cold water on my face...you should try it some time! And when that dern alarm clock goes off I tell it, "you're lying!" and usually hit the snooze bar an average of 5 times a morning (or until my husband pushes me out of bed!)
How did you get your start in radio?
I started my days in radio in Venice, Florida in 1985 as an intern at a small radio station after being discovered spinning records in a night club. I worked for 3 and a half years cleaning the offices for $0 money just to be in the radio station. I remember watching the morning show of 2 guys thru a huge window and wondered if someday that could be me. Now I've got my own huge window and feel like I'm living a dream! My first paid radio job happened in Sarasota when the Program Director took a gamble on a girl with no experience, and gave me the 7p-midnight shift at the top 40 station. "Now I'm living in fast forward".....to Naples and Fort Myers...I worked at 2 stations in the Naples area, Spark 91.5 and Lazer 93. That lasted a few years then it was off to Fort Myers and Classic Rock 99.3 on Fort Myers Beach. I did the classic rock thing for nearly 4 years then it was a jump to Giant ! Country 101.9, now best known today as Gator Country 101.9!!
Favorite things?
Spending time with my family and traveling to places I've never been. And shopping for shoes...I may not have outfits to go with the shoes, but hey, I've got nice shoes!
Tell us about your personal life, are you married?
Yes, to a wonderful man named Mike who has two beautiful daughters, Jessie and Lauren , who attend Estero High. I have 3 nephews, Michael, Jake and Julian, and 2 neices, Rachal and Christina. I unfortunately cannot have children, but have been blessed with the laughter of children from not only my immediate family, but my extended radio family. Thank you for sharing with me the gift of a smile from a child.
What do you collect?
Dust. I'm good at collecting dust. Actually, sports memorabilia. I've got an NFL helmet autographed from several Hall Of Famers, baseballs, bats and baseball cards. I think the item that's the most valuable is the Mickey Mantle rookie card.
Favorite sports team?
I like many: Football-The Green Bay Packers (Yes, I've been to Lambeau with a beer in 1 hand and a brat in the other...yum!)
Baseball-The Minnesota Twins. plus the added bonus is we've got their minor league team, The Fort Myers Miracle
Hockey- The Florida Everblades (I once dated SWAMPY)
Nascar- I'm a Dale Jr. fan and Todd Bodine in the Craftsman Truck Series is one of the nicest guys I've ever met!
First cuss word?
Can't say here, but I learned it from watching the movie "Blazing Saddles" when I was 12 years old. My dad washed my mouth out with soap ( the BIG gold bar of Dial soap! )
Proudest Radio moment?
Reuniting a mom with her twin sons after nearly 30 years. There was a bitter divorce and the father took the boys and moved away where she couldn't find them. We hired a private detective and found them, and now she has a wonderful relationship with her sons and is a very proud grandmother too!
What would you be doing if you weren't in radio?
I'd be the Captain of my own bass fishing tournament team!
What is your dream job?
"Head Coach in the NFL!"
To be at Gator Country 101.9 as long as I have, is truly a blessing that I don't take for granted. With the talented folks I've had the pleasure of working with over the years and the countless listeners, we've been rewarded with several honors: CMA nominated, CRB (Country Radio Broadcasters) nominated, winner of the NAB Crystal Radio Award, voted "Best of SW Florida" and most recent, WINNER! of the 2008 ACM (Academy of Country Music) best in the Medium market category.
Thanks for your continued support of the charities that are close to my heart: Breast Cancer Awareness, the March For Babies, and awareness against abuse to women and children.
TOGETHER we make things happen!
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