Rita Marie Johnson

As an educator, author, and speaker, I have been sharing my message of connection worldwide for over a decade. The Connection Practice methodology I developed has impacted more than 40,000 school children in Costa Rica (as SerPaz) and now it's used by individuals, schools, organizations and businesses in the United States.

I was honored when the practice was awarded the Ashoka Changemakers Innovation Award, chosen from 79 projects in 32 countries.

This practice that is so dear to my heart has helped me through lymphoma (twice), a divorce, the economic downturn that resulted in the elimination of funding for SerPaz training in schools, and the death of my father. It's also helped me to celebrate the day-to-day and major triumphs in my life. I am so very grateful for this wonderful, daily practice in my life.