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ABC Dayton - NEWS TEAM

Amber Watson: Reporter

Amber  Watson AMBER WATSON  is proud to call Dayton home. This award winning journalist is a great addition to the Dayton's News Source team.  

Amber received her B.A. from the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg. She then continued her studies at Lindenwood University where she received a Master of Arts in Broadcast Media.

Amber has a passion for journalism, "I enjoy hearing peoples stories and many of those stories have inspired me."

Amber is a two time AP award winner and she brings that experience, professionalism, and passion to Dayton's News Source.  One of her most memorable stories is when she did an in-depth report on homelessness. 

"I met a woman with a college degree who was living on the street. She talked about how street life was rough, being a victim of rape and physical abuse while adjusting to living without a home.  That story had a huge impact on me because I feel it helped erase an image some may have on homelessness and how one misfortune can alter your entire life."

One of Amber's favorite quotes is from Benjamin Franklin,

    "An investment in knowledge pays the best interest." 

As a reporter, that's just how Amber approaches each news story.

"One of the greatest things about this job is I never stop learning. Through my stories, my goal is to educate the public, empowering them with knowledge and the tools to be proactive within the community."

Amber looks forward to getting to know her neighbors and is excited to explore the Miami Valley.   She recently picked up the hobby of cycling and is ready to hit the area bike trails.

You can see Amber's reports weekday mornings from 4:30am to 7am on ABC 22 Good Morning & from 7am to 9am on FOX 45 In the Morning. 
Amber would love to share your stories.  If you have an interesting story idea feel free to send Amber an email.

Andrew Michael: Meteorologist

Andrew Michael ANDREW MICHAEL is our weekend Meteorologist for Dayton's News Source and part of our First Warning Weather Team. Andrew a native of the Miami Valley was born and raised in Southern Darke County. His love for weather began at the age of three, when his father tried to get him to pronounce Cumulonimbus, a thunderstorm cloud, which is a mouthful for a toddler. From then on the love for weather grew, from doing the weather for Arcanum High School announcements during his younger years, to co-founding the weather department at Buckeye TV while attending The Ohio State University, where he got his degree in Atmospheric Science. Andrew is also a current member of the American Meteorological Society.

You can catch Andrew's forecast weekdays on ABC 22 Good Morning from 4:30am to 7am and on FOX 45 In the Morning from 7am-9am. When not on camera, you can count on him to be out chasing the storms and getting video to help out the First Warning Weather team out in the field.

Andrew loves the changing weather that Ohio has to offer: from snow storms to sunny skies to tornadoes, and is excited to come home to the Miami Valley to live, work, and play. Speaking of playing, Andrew loves Ohio sports, and is a huge Buckeyes, Reds, and Browns fan. He enjoys being outdoors, golfing, going for a morning run, and visiting his family on the farm.



Chris Cerenelli: Reporter

Chris  Cerenelli CHRIS CERENELLI is thrilled to be back in the Buckeye State.  Chris grew up in Youngstown and that's where he first got the TV News bug.  First attending Youngstown State then later traveling to Nashville to complete his education at Belmont University.  Chris is an experienced journalist that values the art of story telling and understands that being a reporter is a tremendous responsibility. Therefore, he takes his job very seriously.  He brings that dedication and commitment to the Dayton's News Source Team.  Chris delivers the stories that affect your life and reflect the community "Where You Live."

Chris is also a sports nut and somewhat of a weather geek.  A former weather forecaster, Chris has always been fascinated by weather and has chased a storm or tornado or two.  His other passion Italian food, he loves a great Italian restaurant.  So, when Chris is not reporting on news throughout the Miami Valley or cooking for himself you may catch him around town sampling some of Dayton's finest Italian fare.

Watch Chris reports at 6, 6:30, 10, & 11 on ABC 22 /FOX 45 Dayton's News Source.


Don Hammond: Anchor / Reporter

Don Hammond DON HAMMOND is an anchor reporter for Dayton's News Source.
His previous assignment for Sinclair Broadcast group was in Washington D-C as the Bureau Chief.

Don was born in Ohio and grew up in the Dayton Cincinnati area and began in news broadcasting in 1979 at a small radio station in Fairfield, Ohio. During his career he has specialized in defense related topics with an emphasis on military veterans.

Hammond has served in almost every aspect of the TV news operation; as a photographer, editor, director, reporter and anchor. His resume reflects news anchor positions in Cleveland, Biloxi, Dayton, San Antonio and Sacramento.

Don is a former soldier with the 25th Infantry Division. He later became an Airborne Jungle expert qualified member of the Armed Forces Radio and Television Service.

Among other awards in radio and TV he has received a prestigious Keith L. Ware Army broadcast award, a team Emmy and an Army Commendation Medal for putting a fire out on top of an ammo dump.

Hammond is also a former Army wrestler that won a state of Hawaii Greco Roman wrestling title in 1976.

Elyse Coulter: Reporter

Elyse Coulter Elyse Coulter is excited to call Dayton home! She grew up in Youngstown, Ohio, and traveled south to Columbus, where she studied Journalism at The Ohio State University. She is a proud Buckeye! OH-IO!

Elyse comes to the Miami Valley from Winchester, VA. There she was the morning anchor and reporter. She found her passion for news while she worked at WSYX/WTTE in Columbus, Ohio. There she was the part-time writer, but also learned how to shoot, edit and filled in as a reporter.

Outside of work Elyse enjoys staying active and sight seeing. Elyse loves meeting new people and loves hearing from viewers. If you ever see her out don't hesitate to say hello!

You can see Elyse's reports at 6 and 6:30 on ABC22/Fox45.

Jackie Couture: Reporter

Jackie  Couture JACKIE COUTURE has seen human nature at its best and worst. That's what makes her such a passionate journalist.  From politics and health news to crime and extreme weather Jackie brings reporting experience and unique story telling to Dayton's News Source. 

A graduate from Emerson College in Boston this New England native is excited about experiencing the milder winters by comparison here in the Miami Valley.  "While working in Portland, Maine I've done many reports on extreme weather that has turned peoples lives upside down," said Jackie, "Though, one of my most memorable stories is covering the death and legacy of the late Massachusetts Senator Edward Kennedy."

Outside of work Jackie stays active. She enjoys sightseeing and traveling. Jackie and her fiance' Ryan can't wait to explore the many different areas "Where We Live."  Jackie loves meeting people from all walks of life and having the opportunity to share their stories with others.  Jackie would love to hear from you!

Watch Jackie's reports at 6, 6:30, 10, &11 on ABC 22 / FOX 45 Dayton's News Source.


Jeffrey Booth: Meteorologist

Jeffrey Booth JEFF BOOTH is meteorologist and full member of the American Meteorological Society and the National Weather Association. He has received his seals for both organizations... Jeff comes to Dayton's News Source by way of Hawaii, but don't let his Hawaiian shirt fool you Jeff Booth is definitely an Ohio native... and unlike most, Jeff has had several experiences that forced him to get hooked on weather.

"Growing up in the Midwest, I used to root for the heavy snowfalls that would shut down the schools, so I could spend the day on my sled. Those were the first events that got me watching the skies. By the time I was eleven my interest had turned to tornadoes and by the 5th grade, violent storms were the subject of my science fair project. I actually "made" a tornado using dry ice and a fan" (unfortunately, I perfected the demonstration just AFTER they handed out the grades, so I got a B+).

Jeff began his broadcasting career co-hosting a public access show in college and worked in several radio stations before deciding to work in TV News and Weather in 2002. Over the years, he's covered all types of weather conditions, from crippling ice storms to hurricanes. Jeff can't wait to be back home to cover the crazy Ohio weather for you right here in the Miami Valley.

"Living in Hawaii on the island was fun but, there is nothing like being back home!"

Jeff started reporting the weather on a part-time basis in the hills of West Virginia at WOAY-TV. "I think what drew me in was the fact that weather affects everyone regardless of who they are or where they're from." "So, I decided to go back to school and study meteorology." After finishing school Jeff took a job in Lima, Ohio at WLIO-TV and got his first taste of morning news as a morning weather anchor. Then in late 2004, he accepted a job at KGMB9 as the weekend weather anchor and quickly moved up to become their morning meteorologist.

Jeff, his wife and two kids are excited to be coming back home to Ohio and Jeff can't wait to start delivering the forecasts for you at Dayton's News Source... Some of the things people don't know about Jeff are that he's a big Star Wars fan, a mediocre surfer, and an experienced potter although, "I don't play with mud very much anymore."

You can catch a sneak peak of Jeff Booth the week of May 10th on Dayton's News Source... Jeff will be coming to us from Hawaii giving us some cool, unique insights about him, Hawaii, and of course weather.

Then beginning June 1st Jeff will be right here in the Miami Valley bringing you the forecast each weeknight at 6, 6:30, 10, and 11 on ABC 22 /FOX 45 Dayton's News Source.

Liza Danver: Reporter

Liza  Danver LIZA DANVER is an award-winning journalist and Miami Valley native. 
After graduating with honors from Ohio University, Liza went on to be an Anchor/Reporter in Peoria, IL; Evansville, IN; and Indianapolis, IN.  But after years, away from the Buckeye State, shes happy to finally be returning home.

Liza's experience and reporting skills are a welcome addition to the Dayton's News Source Team.  Liza has been recognized by the Society of Professional Journalists and Associated Press for Best Breaking News coverage.  She also received the prestigious Edward R. Murrow award for uncovering sexual discrimination in a youth football league.

In her spare time, Liza enjoys spending time outdoors, cooking for friends and family, and (when she can get down south) Scuba diving!  She especially loves hiking with her dog, Bailey.

You can see Liza's reports weeknights at 6pm, 6:30pm, 10pm, & 11pm on ABC 22 / FOX 45 DAYTON'S NEWS SOURCE.

Luke Notestine: Anchor

Luke Notestine LUKE NOTESTINE is a Carroll High School graduate and a Beavercreek native.  Early on Luke developed a passion for sports teams throughout southwest Ohio. Luke enjoys being able to do the job he loves in his hometown.  After graduating with a B.A. in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Luke headed north and began covering stories in the bitter cold temperatures of Northern Michigan. 

One of his favorite events to cover in Michigan was the Downhill Skiing State Championships.   To get from place to place, Luke had to ride snowmobiles all day long.  He also learned the importance of four wheel drive and he became an expert in driving through extreme winter weather, as it snowed for nine months out of the year in Northern Michigan.

Luke is a utility player for the Dayton's News Source team. Not only is he a sports reporter/anchor but you can also see Luke around town with a camera in hand getting video and collecting information as he covers the news of the day. 

When Luke is not working, you can find him eating his favorite foods, working off the calories in the gym, playing golf and soccer, or dominating his friends and family in Ping Pong (the real life version and on Nintendo Wii).  You can catch Luke's sportscasts and feature stories on weekends and sprinkled throughout the week on ABC 22 and FOX 45 Dayton's News Source.

Meghan Mongillo: Anchor / Reporter

Meghan  Mongillo Meghan Mongillo feels lucky to be a part of this exciting and interesting profession. She's a people person who enjoys striking up conversations with folks from around the community. And for this Ohio native, being in the know is key:

"I enjoy telling the stories that matter most, the stories that are important to you."

Meghan is pretty familiar with Southwest Ohio. She comes to Dayton's News Source by way of Cincinnati where she was a reporter and morning news anchor. After 5 years in Cincinnati, she's developed a passion for the Reds and Bengals and garnered experience that will help her bring a different perspective as a co-anchor on our morning news team

Meghan grew up in the small town of Columbiana, OH, just south of Youngstown, and is the oldest of four girls. She attended Robert Morris University in Pittsburgh, PA where she graduated Cum Laude with a degree in Communications and was a four year starter for the Women's Volleyball Team. She still enjoys playing and coaching volleyball, but she's got a another side too; she also likes reading Better Homes and Gardens, baking cookies, and decorating her house each holiday.

Meghan's most memorable news story is one that she not only covered, but also took part in:
"I was reporting live from a crime scene where a young woman had been raped and robbed. As we were breaking down our equipment to leave, I noticed a pair of earrings on the ground.
The investigators had already left, so I scooped them up with my script (careful not to touch them - I watch too many cop shows) and took them to the Sheriff's Office. It turns out they belonged to the victim and had the suspect's DNA on them! I later testified at the trial and the man was convicted."

Meghan is happy to be in the Miami Valley and a part of the morning news team. Hopefully she can put a smile your face each morning too. You can see Meghan at the anchor desk and on the couch weekdays from 5-7am on ABC 22 Good Morning and from 7-9am on FOX 45 In the Morning.

 

Nathan Baker: Sports Anchor / Reporter

Nathan Baker NATHAN BAKER hails from Union, OH where he graduated from Northmont High School. He attended Bowling Green State University in 2003.

Nathan began his career as a news reporter at WLIO an NBC affiliate in Lima, OH. His career turned towards sports after taking a sports anchor position at the WOHL/WLMO station in Lima. Shortly after taking the position, Nathan became the sports director. Nathan joined Dayton's News Source in April 2006 as the weekend sports anchor and reporter.

He is excited about being in Dayton and loves covering his two favorite pro teams: the Reds and the Bengals. Nathan likes to spend his spare time with his family and friends. He is also an avid golfer, outdoors man, and loves watching any and all sports.

Rhonda Moore: Reporter

Rhonda Moore RHONDA MOORE is a Reporter for Dayton's News Source and a part of our morning show team.  She is a Dayton native and graduated Cum Laude with a B.A in Mass Communications from Wright State University. Rhonda started her career at Dayton's News Source as an Assignment Editor then she became a Producer & Reporter. Rhonda later moved on to work as a news and sports Reporter/Anchor in Memphis, Tennessee.
Rhonda is proud of her  "exclusive" interviews with Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas and former South African President Nelson Mandela.  She has also interviewed many other famous politicians, entertainers and athletes consisting of;

Colin Powell, Former President Jimmy Carter, Barbara Bush, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Michael Jordan, Shaquille O' Neal, Andre Agassi, legendary Cowboys coach Tom Landry, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, Michael Irvin, "Too Tall" Jones, Jay Novacek. Susan Sarandon, Tony Bennett, Billy Ray Cyrus, B.B. King, Earl Woods (Tiger's dad), John Travolta, Angela Bassett, Fabio and Harry Belafonte.

While in Memphis Rhonda reported on the Jonesboro Arkansas school shootings and the West Memphis murders that made national news and became an HBO documentary.  

In 2001 Rhonda returned home and rejoined ABC22 / FOX45 and became part of the Dayton's News Source team. Rhonda covers it all from Breaking News to Community Events.  Be sure to check out Rhonda's "Your Community" feature on FOX 45 In the Morning where she highlights all of the exciting events happening around the Miami Valley ... Want Rhonda to talk about your event?  Click on the "community" section on our website and add your event to our calendar.

Rhonda is a member of the Greater Dayton Association of Black Journalist and is very active in the Miami Valley. She often serves as the mistress of ceremonies for many events and participates in an annual journalism "boot camp" teaching high schools students about broadcast journalism. Outside of work Rhonda enjoys playing tennis, jogging, rollerblading, and watching sports. (especially football) She claims to be the Dallas Cowboys #1 fan. 


Shannon Sims: Anchor / Reporter

Shannon Sims SHANNON SIMS Before coming to television, Shannon was an aspiring classical concert singer.  She grew up in the Bay Area then later studied classical vocal performance at Howard University in Washington D.C. and at the Manhattan School of Music in New York City.  Shannon also traveled throughout Italy studying and pursuing her love of music.  It was in Bloomington, Indiana where Shannon got her start in broadcasting as a radio announcer. She quickly made the switch to television news and the rest is history. 

Before joining the Dayton's News Source Shannon was an Anchor/Reporter in Norfolk, Virginia.  She also honed her talents in Spokane, Washington and San Francisco, California. 
Shannon is an experienced reporter/anchor and brings those reporting skills and high energy to our team.

When Shannon isn't working, she enjoys mentoring children as a volunteer for REACH, where she spends time encouraging the joy of reading.  Shannon is a member of the National Association Black Journalist and has volunteered on a number of projects sponsored by the NAACP.

You can see Shannon on the Anchor desk weekdays during our 6pm, 6:30pm, 10pm & 11pm newscasts. 

 


Wale Aliyu: Reporter / Producer

Wale Aliyu WALE ALIYU is excited to be a part of the Miami Valley community and the Dayton's News Source Team.  Although he has always lived in the mid-west, living in Dayton is a new adventure. Wale grew up in Columbia, Missouri and graduated Cum Laude with a Convergence Journalism degree from the University of Missouri.  Wale has worked for numerous news gathering websites and also has experience working in print and radio.

As the New Media Producer for Dayton's News Source, Wale is always on our station's Facebook page interacting with residents from around the Miami Valley.   Feel free to jump on line and join the conversation Wale may even read your comments on the air!

When Wale is not working, he enjoys playing basketball, performing poetry, and he loves to dance. Wale is also a member of the Dayton Church of Christ.

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