I have known Rita both as a friend and co-worker in professional environments and in ministry. She is a caring, conscientious, resourceful, creative and joyful woman. She is a lifelong learner who enjoys finding new ways to bring goodness and beauty into people's lives. I have walked closely with Rita as she has cared for hurting women, ailing family members and learned to practice kind, patient self care as she dealt with her own trials. Rita has the ability to enter into others' lives with great care and empathy and, at the same time, bring creativity and joy to even the most difficult of situations. She is a joy and quite a helpful joy, at that.