Our Team

Megan is co-founder and editor-in-chief of Oviedo Community News, the only independent news source for Greater Oviedo and Winter Springs. She oversees editorial content, policy and staff. She attends meetings, sends out the e-newsletter and curates conversations in the community to understand the information gaps that OCN needs to fill. She also works to create partnerships that can strengthen the bond between community and newsroom.

She has served as an award-winning community journalist for more than 20 years, including as associate editor for the East Orlando Sun and a reporter for the Seminole Voice, the Winter Park-Maitland Observer and Orlando Magazine.
In 2024, Megan was named Editor of the Year by the Society for Professional Journalism. With the Central Florida Foundation and Central Florida Public Media, she co-found the News Collaborative of Central Florida, a collective of independent local news outlets and aligned partners working toward a more informed and engaged Central Florida.
She served as treasurer for the Florida Press Club for seven years and has won awards from the Institute for Nonprofit News, the Florida Press Association and the Society of Professional Journalism. Megan holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the Perley Isaac Reed School of Journalism (now called the Reed College of Media) at West Virginia University.

Megan also loves yoga, running and playing board games with her family.

Isaac creates editorial plans, working closely with the community to identify issues that affect people’s everyday lives. He is OCN’s resident photojournalist.

He is a longtime local journalist and former managing editor of the Seminole Voice. His work has been featured in Golfweek magazine, the New York Times and Jalopnik. He has won more than a dozen Florida Press Association and Society of Professional Journalists awards and contributed to award-winning, in-depth work for the NPR member station 90.7 WMFE.

Isaac holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Central Florida’s Nicholson School of Communication and Media, and may be best known for his many roles in the annual Oviedo Cemetery Tour. He enjoys hiking, running, sailing, motorcycling, modifying cars, inventing things, baking and going on adventures into forests and up snowy mountains with his family.

Eric covers Oviedo and the surrounding areas. He attends City Council meetings, local events and profiles members of the community.

Eric is a veteran journalist, having worked as a writer, reporter and editor at both national and local publications, including Yahoo!, NFL.com, FOXSports, SmartNews, the Gainesville Sun and the Leesburg Daily Commercial. He has also worked in digital marketing, as a web producer for the Emmy-winning TV show “The Doctors” and taught digital media at the University of Southern California’s Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. Eric earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Florida.

Abe is the Local Government Accountability Report for Oviedo Community News and is a Report for America corps member. His work has appeared on NPR, ProPublica, Kaiser Health News and StoryCorps. He spent 2018 investigating post-traumatic stress disorder in first responders, and investigated why paramedics didn’t enter Pulse nightclub to bring out victims. In 2018, the Florida Associated Press Professional Broadcasters Contest awarded that series second place in the investigative category and first place in the public affairs category. Aboraya holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Central Florida. His first journalism job in 2007 was covering the city of Winter Springs in Seminole County. A father of two, Aboraya spends his free time reading and writing fiction and enjoying his second home in the Hyrule kingdom.

Reach Abe by email at abeaboraya@oviedocommunitynews.org

Kathryn covers Winter Springs, covering the city’s public meetings and important matters in the community. She is a local journalist with experience covering local government meetings and issues that impact the residents she serves. She’s a University of Central Florida graduate with a bachelors degree in print/digital journalism, as well as a certificate in public and professional writing. She previously served as the assistant news editor for the UCF student newspaper NSM Today.

When she’s not working, she likes to curl up with her cats and a good book.

Makayla is a senior print/digital journalism major at UCF with minors in creative writing and dance. In 2023, she was the editor-in-chief of UCF’s student-run magazine, Centric. She is also president of UCF’s chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists.

If she’s not writing or reporting, she’s most likely dancing; either for her minor or for her dance club, where she serves as vice president.

McKayla is a University of Central Florida graduate with a bachelor’s degree in film and a minor in theatre. She was previously part of the Marketing Committee for Her Campus UCF, and spends her time doing content creation and graphic design. When not creating content or designing, you can find her watching a film, a basketball game, reading, or acting.

Azlyn is a Senior at the University of Central Florida, majoring in print/digital journalism and minoring in women’s and gender studies. She is currently the news editor for The Charge, UCF’s student-run digital newspaper, and a freelance writer for Orlando Weekly and The Community Paper. Through her reporting, she aims to inform, inspire and continue her lifelong goal of uncovering the truth. When she’s not writing, she’s out on her next local farmers market run, thrifting or enjoying a live show from one of her favorite bands.

Demetrius is a senior print/digital journalism student at the University of Central Florida. He has written stories for UCF’s student-run publication, The Charge, and freelances for the UCF Roundtable, covering UCF sports. Demetrius values telling stories that matter to his audience, making an impact in the community. 

Demetrius spends his free time watching basketball with his friends, playing video games and watching anime. 

Sarah is a senior print/digital journalism major with a minor in sociology at the University of Central Florida. She is an active member of UCF’s chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. She was the Downtown/Online UCF beat reporter for The Charge and she now serves as the Women’s Basketball beat reporter. She has also contributed stories to The Community Paper. In her free time she likes to crochet, play volleyball on a UCF intramural team and hang out with friends.

Janet has more than 40 years of finance and accounting expertise in both corporate and non-profit organizations.  Janet has held roles as Senior Manager with Ernst and Young, Chief Financial Officer of a publicly held healthcare company, Senior Vice President of Human Capital for a division of a Fortune 50 company and Senior Vice President of a Boston-based technology firm. She is retired and currently serves on a part time basis as Senior Financial Advisor and Project Manager at the Foundation for a Healthier West Orange.

Janet volunteers at several non-profit organizations in the Central Florida community including Treasurer and Member of the Executive Committee of the Board of Orlando Shakes, Finance Committee member and Past President of the Board of Harbor House of Central Florida, citizenship instructor for Hope CommUnity Center, Treasurer of the League of Women Voters of Orange County and instructor for the Edyth Bush Institute for Philanthropy & Nonprofit Leadership. She also volunteers as a lector for St. Margaret Mary Church in Winter Park.

Janet holds a B.S. in Business Administration from West Virginia University and is a CPA.

Cathleen is a senior manager of Corporate Communications at DUDA, a 99-year-old family-owned and -operated company headquartered in Oviedo, with diversified operations in agriculture and real estate. She has been with the company for nearly 10 years. Prior to joining DUDA, she served as a marketing senior specialist for CREATION Health Employees at AdventHealth in Maitland and as a marketing specialist for Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children in Orlando. She currently serves on the Viera Stewardship District Board of Directors and previously served as president of the Agriculture Communicators of Florida. She is a member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) and the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC). Cathleen earned a Master of Arts in Mass Communication and a Bachelor of Arts in Advertising/Public Relations from the University of Central Florida. She resides in Winter Springs with her husband and their son.

Christopher, a 36-year Oviedo resident, joined Oviedo Community News’ Board of Directors in 2021. With more than 30 years of experience working in nonprofit management, Jepson’s past titles include development director for both Winter Park Memorial Hospital and Junior Achievement; development director and interim executive director for United Arts of Central Florida; and executive director for Habitat for Humanity Orlando.
Jepson was elected to the Oviedo City Council in 1998, serving one term as a councilman. For 28 years he authored a weekly opinion column for the Winter Park/Maitland Observer newspaper. Jepson said that writing this column was one of the most “personally rewarding and enriching experiences” of his life.

Megan is co-founder and editor-in-chief of Oviedo Community News, the only independent news source for Greater Oviedo and Winter Springs. She oversees editorial content, policy and staff. She attends meetings, sends out the e-newsletter and curates conversations in the community to understand the information gaps that OCN needs to fill. She also works to create partnerships that can strengthen the bond between community and newsroom.

She has served as an award-winning community journalist for more than 20 years, including as associate editor for the East Orlando Sun and a reporter for the Seminole Voice, the Winter Park-Maitland Observer and Orlando Magazine.
In 2024, Megan was named Editor of the Year by the Society for Professional Journalism. With the Central Florida Foundation and Central Florida Public Media, she co-found the News Collaborative of Central Florida, a collective of independent local news outlets and aligned partners working toward a more informed and engaged Central Florida.
She served as treasurer for the Florida Press Club for seven years and has won awards from the Institute for Nonprofit News, the Florida Press Association and the Society of Professional Journalism. Megan holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the Perley Isaac Reed School of Journalism (now called the Reed College of Media) at West Virginia University.

Megan also loves yoga, running and playing board games with her family.

Isaac creates editorial plans, working closely with the community to identify issues that affect people’s everyday lives. He is OCN’s resident photojournalist.

He is a longtime local journalist and former managing editor of the Seminole Voice. His work has been featured in Golfweek magazine, the New York Times and Jalopnik. He has won more than a dozen Florida Press Association and Society of Professional Journalists awards and contributed to award-winning, in-depth work for the NPR member station 90.7 WMFE.

Isaac holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Central Florida’s Nicholson School of Communication and Media, and may be best known for his many roles in the annual Oviedo Cemetery Tour. He enjoys hiking, running, sailing, motorcycling, modifying cars, inventing things, baking and going on adventures into forests and up snowy mountains with his family.

Jenny is a communications and marketing professional and multimedia journalist who has worked in community newspapers, magazines and public radio. She previously managed communications and marketing strategy for Orlando’s NPR station, 90.7 WMFE, and served as managing editor and reporter for the Seminole Voice and Winter Park-Maitland Observer. She currently serves as the senior director of marketing and communications for Habitat for Humanity Greater Orlando & Osceola County. She holds a master’s degree in business administration and bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Central Florida. Learn more at jennyababcock.com.

Alex’s career in journalism took off in Oviedo, where he created the Seminole Chronicle newspaper before taking the helm of the Oviedo Voice. He fell in love with the Greater Oviedo area through living there; attending community meetings, church sermons and festivals; and through many friendly chats. His tour in the Army brought that journalistic skill to Afghanistan and back, before he returned to Seminole County to raise a family. He’s a product of UCF’s journalism school and remains a loyal fan of the Knights.

Aaron is a senior public relations specialist with Addition Financial Credit Union, managing media relations and corporate communications for the organization as well as its philanthropic arm, the Addition Financial Foundation. Before transitioning to public relations, Aaron spent 17 years in local TV news at WESH (Orlando) and WJXT (Jacksonville, FL) as an award-winning news producer and an assignment editor and he remains passionate about community-focused journalism.

Aaron earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of North Florida and is a member of the Orlando chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA). He also volunteers at several non-profit organizations in the Central Florida community, including Habitat for Humanity Seminole-Apopka and A Gift for Teaching.

A lifelong Floridian and longtime Seminole County resident, Aaron resides in Altamonte Springs with his wife and two sons.

Sarah is a senior print/digital journalism major with a minor in marketing at the University of Central Florida. Her passion for journalism is driven by sharing stories that benefit the public and her community. She is the Co-President of UCF’s award-winning Society of Professional Journalists Chapter. She has written for Orlando Weekly, Orlando Sentinel and UCF’s student-run newspaper The Charge. In her down time, she loves spending time with family and friends as well as watching the Harry Potter movies and building Lego sets.

Felix is a junior at the University of Central Florida, majoring in print/digital journalism and minoring in Anthropology of Pop Culture. He is an active member of UCF’s Society of Professional Journalists. During his spare time, he pursues hobbies such as photography, reading, and creative writing.

Mason Gray is a senior print/digital journalism student with a minor in history at the University of Central Florida. He has contributed articles to The Community Paper and UCF’s student-run newspaper, The Charge. Mason’s passion for journalism is driven by his love for writing and storytelling. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with friends, playing basketball, and watching sports.

Maci is a senior at the University of Central Florida, graduating this spring with a bachelor’s degree in print and digital journalism and a minor in cinema studies. She also serves as the culture editor for UCF’s student-run publication, The Charge. Besides writing, her passions include watching films, collecting vinyl records and building Lego sets. She enjoys spending time with her family, friends and her French bulldog Bleu.

Keily is a senior print/digital journalism major with a psychology minor at the University of Central Florida. Using her voice to tell the stories of those who are unable to share it themselves is what drives her as a journalist. She is an active member of UCF’s National Association of Hispanic Journalists and is an editor at Her Campus. She has written for The Community Paper, The Apopka Voice, and UCF’s student-run newspaper The Charge. In her free time, she enjoys swimming and exploring new adventures.

Jenna is a senior print/digital journalism major with a political science/pre-law minor at the University of Central Florida. The journalist in her lives for exploring the world and learning as she goes. She loves getting to know people and absorbing knowledge. Over the years, she has written for multiple publications such as UCF’s student newspaper NSM Today, the Sanford Herald, Central Florida Lifestyle magazine and Z88.3 F.M.

Juergen is a senior at University of Central Florida, graduating this fall with a Bachelors degree in print journalism and a minor in film. He enjoys photography, Formula 1, soccer and model trains. If he isn’t working on a story he is in the darkroom developing his film.

Aanya is a junior at Seminole High School. She’s the executive editor of an online student publication, The Sunday Diplomat, and was also a part of her school newspaper for a year, which ignited her passion for journalism. She enjoys going on walks, reading, and being involved in the Oviedo community, where she lives. She wants to pursue a career in law and politics.

McKayla is a University of Central Florida graduate with a bachelor’s degree in film and a minor in theatre. She was previously part of the Marketing Committee for Her Campus UCF, and spends her time doing content creation and graphic design. When not creating content or designing, you can find her watching a film, a basketball game, reading, or acting.

Lauren is a senior print/digital journalism major at the University of Central Florida. She is minoring in marketing and presently serves as the news editor of the student newspaper NSM Today. Her articles have been published by NSM and the Ocala Gazette. She is also a member of UCF’s Society of Professional Journalists chapter. In her free time she loves to be outdoors through hiking or playing pickleball.

Emily Dougherty is a senior at the University of Central Florida majoring in print/digital journalism and minoring in women and gender studies. She’s the assistant life editor for UCF’s student-run newspaper, NSM Today, and a member of UCF’s Society of Professional Journalists chapter. As a graduate of Oviedo High School, she is excited to report on her own community.

In her free time, she enjoys going to coffee shops, attending concerts and spending time with her friends.

Taylor is a senior print/digital journalism major at the University of Central Florida. She is also pursuing a sports business management minor and a certificate in criminal profiling. She currently writes for UCF’s student-run publication, NSM Today.

When she isn’t working, she watches scary movies with her cat, Milli.

Maria is a junior print/digital journalism major at the University of Central Florida. She’s minoring in criminal justice and psychology. She moved from Russia after graduating from high school to pursue a degree and to learn about different cultures. Her articles have been published by UCF’s student-run publications NSM Today and Centric Magazine.

When Maria is not chasing a new story, she likes to explore new places in her community and play tennis.

Kathryn covers Winter Springs, covering the city’s public meetings and important matters in the community. She is a local journalist with experience covering local government meetings and issues that impact the residents she serves. She’s a University of Central Florida graduate with a bachelors degree in print/digital journalism, as well as a certificate in public and professional writing. She previously served as the assistant news editor for the UCF student newspaper NSM Today.

When she’s not working, she likes to curl up with her cats and a good book.

Gabriella is a junior at the University of Central Florida, majoring in print/digital journalism and minoring in digital media. She has been a student journalist for UCF’s student-run newspaper, NSM Today, since 2021. She is a member of UCF’s Society of Professional Journalists and Zeta Phi Eta, the national professional fraternity in communication arts and sciences. In her free time, she loves to be creative, whether it’s painting, digital drawing, crocheting, or, more recently, using her Cricut.

Lily Kyle is a senior journalism major in the print/digital track at the University of Central Florida with an interest in international studies. Lily is a reporter for the UCF publication NSM Today. Some of her favorite things are traveling and trying new foods. Lily enjoys going to local Kpop events with friends, reading, and meditating.

Nick is a senior at the University of Maryland and is planning to graduate this summer. He was a reporter for the University of Maryland’s student-run publication, The Diamond Back. He lives in Winter Park and wants to pursue a job in entertainment journalism.

Skyler is a rising senior at Hagerty High School. She has written for the high school’s publication, The Blueprint Newspaper, for two years. She told OCN that she was interested in an internship because she wanted to learn more about her community, Oviedo, and help her neighbors become more informed about where they live.

Maria Briceno is a senior at the University of Central Florida and is planning to graduate in the fall. Maria is a reporter for the UCF student-run publication NSM Today, and she has interned in newsrooms like the Orlando Weekly and WMFE 90.7.
Maria is a Venezuelan who resides with her family in Kissimmee, Fl. Some of her favorite things are exploring new places and connecting with people. In her free time, she enjoys going to coffee shops and watching movies.