RITA JOHNSTON has worked in education for over 30 years. Originally a psychology graduate, Rita moved into primary education and then to Montessori early childhood education. Later, Rita completed a counselling qualification and worked in family support services. Currently she is an Early Childhood Australia consultant with the beyondblue’s National Education Initiative. Over the years Rita has enjoyed exploring a wide variety of early childhood philosophies and pedagogies to meet the needs of children and their families. She learnt early childhood services have the potential to become profoundly therapeutic environments for all associated with them. Rita believes in the importance of social and emotional literacy and wellbeing for positive lifelong outcomes. She sees early childhood settings as a place where children can develop their emotional intelligence, genuine self-worth and authentic self.
