Dr. Rita Thornton

Biography

Dr. Rita Thornton is Founder and CEO of Dr. Rita Hearts Ablaze Ministries, Inc., an ordained minister, education executive, Certified Health Practice Advisor, and Project Management Professional specializing in faith-centered health and wellness coaching, education, transformational leadership, and project management. Rita founded the nonprofit ministry to educate and support women and girls seeking spiritual, emotional, and personal wellness. She created the Trinity Lifestyle Health Coaching program, which helps participants identify faith-based resources, develop client-centered action plans, and progress from awareness to empowerment. Her work also encompasses virtual instruction, discipleship, curriculum development, emotional intelligence, needs evaluation, and leadership. The ministry offers virtual health coaching and a digital discipleship membership program for homeschooled girls in kindergarten through grade 12. Drawing on more than two decades of professional experience, Rita combines education leadership and structured project management with her work as a health advisor and minister. She is also an ovarian cancer survivor and lives with lupus, experiences that inform her commitment to supporting women and girls in their pursuit of healthier lives. Rita earned a Ph.D. in environmental science from the New Jersey Institute of Technology, becoming the institution’s first Black woman to receive that degree. She also holds a Juris Doctor from Seton Hall University School of Law and an Education Specialist degree from Seton Hall University’s College of Education. Her undergraduate studies in biology and chemistry were completed at Monmouth University. She is a nationally certified Project Management Professional and is affiliated with the Project Management Institute and Health Practice Advisors. Her leadership has been recognized with the Education 2.0 Conference Outstanding Leadership Award in 2023 and U.S. congressional recognition. She also launched the Thornton Sisters Foundation, a nonprofit that provides college scholarships to high school students. Her family’s story was portrayed in the television film The Ditchdigger’s Daughters, and her approach to overcoming challenges was featured by WABC Eyewitness News in connection with recognition from the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Rita is also the author of several Christian self-help guidebooks.