Anita graduated from the University of Texas School of Nursing. She specialized in neonatal intensive care nursing and research relating to the care and outcome of high risk infants. In 1991 she received her Masters in Public Health from the University of Washington and in 1994 earned her Masters of Science in Nursing from the University of Alaska. Her focus since graduating is in delivering primary health care to women and is board certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner.
Anita spends as much time as possible outside enjoying time with her husband, son, dog and horse. Summers in Alaska are spent riding, fly fishing, camping and kayaking in Prince William Sound. Winters are spent riding, quilting, reading and cooking.