Rita joined the Reed Studios teaching staff in August of 2000, and currently teaches approximately 40 students. She has been a private piano instructor in the La Crosse area since 1986 and has taught music in the La Crosse area public schools. Rita has accompanied instrumental and vocal soloists in area recitals and competitions. She is a 1990 magna cum laude graduate of Viterbo University in La Crosse, with degrees in piano performance and music education with emphasis in vocal and choral music.

Rita has held the office of president of LAMTA (La Crosse Music Teachers Association), and currently serves as treasurer of the organization. From approximately 2000-2018, she was the district chairperson of the WMTA (Wisconsin Music Teachers Association) Auditions. At the state level, Rita was a part of the WMTA Executive Board as the State Chairperson for District Auditions, as the Nominating Committee Chairperson and as a member of the finance committee.  Rita has judged both WMTA and WSMA competitions and has received the "Award of Excellence" from WMTA numerous times throughout her years of membership. At four WMTA annual conferences, Rita was awarded "member of the year" for the La Crosse Area Music Teachers Association. She is a past co-chair of the La Crosse Symphony Orchestra's Rising Stars Concerto Competition and is the past Director of Music at First Congregational Church in La Crosse.

In December of 2002, Rita received her national certification from MTNA (Music Teachers National Association). In June of 2002, Rita became the co-owner of Reed Music Studios, and joined David Reedy in partnership. Rita manages the day-to-day operations of the studio, regularly accompanies for students and actively judges events and competitions throughout the state.