Rita Widener was born in Shashemane, Ethiopia but was raised in Kingston, Jamaica. She holds a Bachelors of Music Education from Texas Christian University. She has served as music director for numerous children's productions in Texas public schools and has worked as pianist and piano teacher in the Houston area for 20 years. She has also served on worship teams as the pianist and music director at local churches. Rita recently branched into acting alongside her husband and two children.