Getting to Know CT LIVE!'s Taylor Kinzler

Q: WHERE WERE YOU BEFORE LANDING AT NBC CONNECTICUT?

A: From May 2015 to May 2018 I worked at WABI TV5, the CBS affiliate station in Bangor, Maine. I reported during the day and anchored their 6 pm newscast Monday through Friday. Prior to my time in Maine, I worked at NBC Sports Washington as a production assistant.

Q: WHAT PARTS OF YOUR JOB ARE YOU MOST PASSIONATE ABOUT?

YOU! As a storyteller, meeting new people from all walks of life and having the honor of sharing their stories is one of the most rewarding parts of my job. There is something so powerful about journalism because it gives reporters like myself the opportunity to help someone find their voice. If you've got a story idea, don't hesitate to reach out! I can't wait to meet as many of you as I can.

Q: WHAT ARE SOME STORIES THAT STICK OUT TO YOU AS MEMORABLE AND WHY?

A: A local college student broke nearly every bone in his body after being hit head-on by a drunk driver. Despite the obstacles, he survived and was dubbed "the miracle patient" by doctors. I followed his story and was there when he met the first responders responsible for saving his life. It was one of the most incredible moments to witness and one of my favorite stories to cover. I’ll also never forget a story of a random act of kindness. Local law enforcement (who do so much to serve and protect others) decided to drive (during a snow storm) to find people in the community who were always giving back to those in need. Their goal was to return the favor. I got to tag along and witness the reactions when the officers would give these unsuspecting people gifts and a hug, thanking them for their service.

Q: WHERE DID YOU GRADUATE FROM COLLEGE AND WITH WHAT DEGREE?

A: I graduated from American University in Washington DC with a degree in Broadcast Journalism and a minor in Law and Society.

Q: WHAT ARE SOME THINGS YOU LIKE TO DO IN YOUR SPARE TIME?

A: I am a foodie! I love all things seafood and have a wicked sweet tooth. When I'm not working, you'll probably find me at a local restaurant trying out their latest dish. I am also a travel junkie and love to explore new places with friends and family.

Q: WHAT FEELS LIKE HOME ABOUT CT?

A: I was born and raised in Massachusetts and am a New England girl through and through. Connecticut feels like home to me not only because I used to travel here often as a kid, but also because I grew up on the coast! If you see me out in the community, you'll likely find me on the Connecticut shoreline.

Q: WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF CONNECTICUT AND WHAT DO YOU WANT TO EXPLORE?

A: I LOVE the Connecticut shoreline! If I could spend every day there out on the water, I would! Some of the smaller communities in Connecticut I've visited have so much character and charm. I grew up in a small town and these communities remind me so much of home. I have loved exploring so far and if you have suggestions as to where I should travel next, please reach out to me!

Q: OK! SPEED ROUND!

HOMETOWN: Lakeville, Massachusetts

HOBBIES:

- Former competitive gymnast, so I love to dance and workout!

- I'm a singer! (These days, I mostly perform at karaoke or in my car on the way to work)

- Whenever I can catch a Red Sox or Patriots game, I'm a happy girl.

- Professional binge-watcher of any Netflix series and movie fanatic (scary movies are my favorite!)

- Amateur photographer - you'll always find me with a camera in hand getting shots of my favorite people, food, places and things!

PET: My family has an adorable St. Bernard named Bailey and we love her to pieces!

FAVORITES:

BREAKFAST FOOD

- Chocolate chip pancakes with a side of bacon

MEAL OF THE DAY

- Depends on my mood! (But I love food. It makes my soul happy.)

DESSERT

- Creme Brûlée

ICE CREAM FLAVOR

- Moose Tracks

DOG OR CAT?

- Dog

SEASON

- Fall

MOUNTAINS OR OCEAN?

- Ocean

SPECIFIC MUSICAL TASTE?

- R&B, Classic Rock, Musical Theater and Country

GUILTY PLEASURE?

- Watch CT Live to find out!

FAVORITE TV SHOW?

- Lost. I have rewatched this series four times and still can't get enough of it.

MOVIE GENRE?

- Horror and Romantic Comedies