6News medical reporter Stacia Matthews got her start in broadcasting with a once-in-a lifetime kiss.

While interning at a television station in Toledo, Ohio, Matthews was assigned to interview Muhammad Ali. But when Matthews arrived with a photographer, the boxing champ was nowhere around.

"I was looking for him when he tapped me on the shoulder from behind and asked, 'Are you looking for me?' When I turned around, he introduced himself and leaned over and gave me a kiss. I was beaming. It was much better than an autograph," Matthews said.

Matthews went on to work as a reporter at WSET-TV in Lynchburg, Va., and WTVF-TV in Nashville, Tenn. She also lived in Washington, D.C., where she was a press assistant to U.S. Rep. Ed Weber of Ohio.

Matthews joined RTV6 in 1989 as a general assignment reporter and now serves a full-time medical reporter. Her Staying Healthy segments can be seen daily on 6News.

The Ohio native has received numerous honors, including two Emmy nominations and an award from The Associated Press. Matthews was also awarded the Carolyn Churchman Award for Excellence in Interviewing in 2003. She was unanimously chosen because of the quality of her interviewing and her ability to "connect" on a personal level with viewers, according to the committee that awarded the honor.

Matthews is a former mentor with the Indianapolis Children's Bureau and also is a motivational speaker. She belongs to the National Kidney Foundation and is a former board member of the Indiana Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. She also is a member of the Indianapolis Association of Black Journalists and was recently inducted into Who's Who Among African-American Women.

Her accomplishments in the world of health and fitness were recognized by Indiana Black Expo Inc. at the Women's Enrichment Expo luncheon in 2003.

The avid walker has raised money for charity by participating in marathons and enjoys walking along the Monon Trail. Her favorite restaurant is Rick's Cafe Boatyard.

Want to drop Stacia a line? You can e-mail her at stacia_matthews@theindychannel.com.