SHANNEN HAYES
Publisher/Managing Editor
Shannen started her career in the news industry in an Indiana newsroom typing engagement and wedding announcements, obituaries and the community events calendar. She soon became a general assignment reporter covering all types of news in her community. She relocated to Sanibel Island in 2010 and was editor of an island newspaper before founding the Santiva Chronicle in early 2014.
CHUCK LARSEN
Associate Publisher/Photographer
In addition to taking still photos, Chuck is a licensed FAA remote aircraft pilot and takes drone aerial photos. He assists with the management and operation of the Chronicle. His interest in journalism began as an Editor of his high school newspaper. He was News Director of his hometown radio station at 20. He has a master’s degree in Journalism from Michigan State University. He also operates October Moon Television, a consulting firm representing profit participants of prime-time television series.
SHELBY LARSEN
COO/Staff Reviewer
Shelby has a B.A. in Television-Radio Communications and a M.A. in Education from Michigan State University, a J.D. in law from Ohio State University, a LIM law degree from New York University, and a M.Div degree in theology from Fuller Theological Seminary.
She enjoys movies and television shows and has a unique perspective on the creative process.
KYLE SWEET
Sweet Shots Photographer
Kyle came to Sanibel and The Sanctuary Golf Club in 2003 and has worked in the capacity of Golf Course Superintendent for the past 22 years. Over the years, Kyle has gained a great appreciation for the islands and has gained education beyond the golf industry, recently becoming a Certified Florida Master Naturalist. The camera has been an interest of Kyle’s since high school and he enjoys capturing wildlife and landscape images all around the islands and sharing those in the Santiva Chronicle, photography exhibits and other publications throughout Southwest Florida.
FORMER INTERNS AND GUEST CONTRIBUTORS
Their work still appears on SantivaChronicle.com
REANNA HASSE
Intern Features Reporter
Reanna is a junior at the University of Central Florida studying journalism. She received her A.A. at St. Johns River State Collage through dual enrollment her senior year of high school. She’s from Jacksonville, Fla., and her favorite way to spend her free time is to go to the beach.
ARIADNA AMPUDIA
Intern Reporter
Ariadna Ampudia is a sophomore at the University of Central Florida studying journalism and criminal justice. She’s originally from Sunrise, Florida. Ariadna’s interests include spending time with family and friends, reading, and listening to music. She hopes to become an investigative reporter and plans to use her time at the Chronicle as a learning experience and to create connections with the communities of the Sanibel and Captiva Islands.
FRANCESCA RAMIREZ
Social Media Intern
Francesca is a freshman at the University of Central Florida studying business marketing. She’s originally from Miami, Fla., lived in New Mexico for seven years, and now resides in Orlando. Francesca enjoys going to the beach and working out. She hopes to become a social media marketer and wants to use this time as a way to gain experience and expand her knowledge on the business.
REESE HOLIDAY
Intern General Assignment Reporter
Reese is currently a Sophomore in the Journalism program at the University of Central Florida. Growing up in Fort Myers, he has visited the Sanibel and Captiva Islands numerous times and appreciates the tightly knit community that surrounds them. With aspirations to become a professional journalist one day, he is excited to bring current stories to light and to be a part of local journalism.
TERESA VAZQUEZ
Intern Features Reporter
Teresa is completing her B.A in Print/Digital Journalism with a minor in Digital Media at the University of Central Florida. Previously she received her A.A in Pre-Nursing at the Miami Dade Honors College. Teresa‘s interests include building puzzles, listening to music and writing down every story that pops into her head.
BARBARA JOY COOLEY
Guest Contributor
Barbara Joy Cooley is a retired science writer who worked for Battelle Memorial Institute and The Ohio State University. Originally from Ohio, she is a community activist who has lived on Sanibel for decades. Her interests include spending summers in Paris, swimming, walking on the beach, and cooking. She also serves on the board of trustees of the Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ.