Describe yourself in three words. Perfectionist, compassionate, introverted. (People are always surprised by that last one!)
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? A journalist/television news anchor — seriously!
What famous person would you most like to meet? I met her! Jane Pauley. They say to never meet your idols, but she was so kind and gracious.
What is your favorite part of your job? The fast pace, storytelling and mentoring younger journalists.
What was your first job? I was a DJ at a radio station when I was 16.
What is your greatest accomplishment? Personally, my 27+ year marriage and raising two intelligent, kind, independent, resilient daughters. Professionally, being part of a team that won an Emmy award.
If Hollywood made a movie about your life, whom would you like to cast as you? A 1990s Meg Ryan or Jennifer Lawrence.
What would you choose as your last meal? Caesar salad, filet mignon and crab legs, and bread pudding.
Who would you invite to your dream dinner party (living, dead, famous, real or fictional)? Diane Sawyer, Jane Pauley, Katie Couric, Connie Chung and Barbara Walters.
What three items would you want with you if you were stranded on a desert island (other than food and water)? A solar-powered generator so that I could use the other two things — my Kindle and charger, and a heating pad (I’m always cold).
If you could travel anywhere, where would you go? I’m very much a homebody but would love to visit Europe.
If you could solve one major problem, what would it be? Our health care system.
What’s one thing you can’t live without? My family.
If you could give your 15-year-old self advice, what would it be? Don’t take yourself so seriously.
What’s your biggest fear? I have an irrational and unreasonable fear of mice.
Name one person who has inspired you in your life. My husband. He supports me, challenges me and makes me so proud.
What skill would you like to master? Keeping a plant alive.
If you could turn any activity into an Olympic sport, what would you win a medal in? Reading. I’m on book 107 and counting for 2024!
What fad do you wish would come back or stay gone forever? Big hair and bangs of the ‘80s can stay gone. Aqua Net, anyone?
Who was your first celebrity crush? Kirk Cameron when he was on “Growing Pains.” Oh, and Christian Slater.
What is the strangest thing you’ve ever eaten? Octopus or pig ears. Both were at a restaurant called The Purple Pig in Chicago.
If you could send a message to the entire world, what would you say in 30 seconds? It costs nothing to be kind.
When was the last time you tried something new? This winter I’ll be teaching a class at Huntington University.
When was the last time you cried and why? Our daughter’s wedding in September. They were happy tears!
What trait or habit in yourself do you deplore? I worry far too much about what other people think of me.
Do you have any guilty pleasures? What are they? Peeps.
What is something that never fails to make you laugh? My brother. He’s the funniest person I know!
What book has had the greatest impact on you? “Living, Loving & Learning” by Leo Buscaglia.
What is the first movie you ever saw in a theater? “Bambi.”
What do you actually do at your job? Write and edit stories, deliver the news on the air.
What do you love most about Fort Wayne? So many things! It’s been fun to witness the growth over the last two decades.
What is your dream job? I’m working my dream job!
What is your biggest pet peeve? Poor grammar.
What does your workout regimen consist of? Walking/running on Peloton Tread 4-5 times per week
What profession would you never try? Underwater welding.
If you hosted a talk show, who would be your first guest? Oprah
What is one important skill you think everyone should have? The ability to think critically and analytically.
What is the most productive time of day for you? Mid-morning.
If you could know the answer to one of life’s mysteries, which mystery would you choose? Understanding life after death.
What is your earliest memory? When I was about 3 ½ , I fell face-first into a just-poured concrete sidewalk.
