Tina Mansfield

As Managing Director, I guide the company with a blend of artistry, structure, and intuition — the kind of leadership that feels both finely crafted and alive. I oversee every facet of our operations, from writing and editing to filming and directing, from set design to recruiting and staffing. I am the planner, the organizer, the quiet architect behind the scenes who ensures that ideas not only take shape but flourish. My work is equal parts creativity and precision — a dance between imagination and execution — and I take pride in being the person who brings clarity, momentum, and heart to every project.

My love for classical art deeply motivates the way I lead. I draw inspiration from the sculptors who carved emotion into marble, the painters who captured light as if it were alive, the architects who shaped entire worlds, and the poets who understood the soul. The genius of da Vinci, the devotion of Michelangelo, the drama of Caravaggio, the introspection of Rembrandt, the elegance of Bouguereau, and the storytelling of Rockwell — these artists remind me that great work requires both discipline and wonder. Their mastery shapes my own approach: thoughtful, intentional, and always striving to elevate the mundane into something meaningful. In managing the Rite company, I aim to create the same harmony they achieved — where vision, craft, and humanity meet.

I bring that artistic sensibility into every logistical detail, every staffing decision, every production plan. Whether coordinating a shoot, refining a script, designing a set, or guiding a team, I approach each task with the belief that structure can be beautiful and that leadership is its own form of art. I love nurturing talent, building systems that support creativity, and ensuring that every person involved feels valued, seen, and empowered. Managing is not just directing — it is curating, shaping, and uplifting. It is sculpting a team, painting a process, composing a rhythm that allows the entire company to jive and thrive. 

My personal journey adds depth to the way I work and live. After more than a decade of cancer treatments, multiple surgeries, and a transplant, I stand in recovery with gratitude and determination. David once told me, “It’s not a question of faith — you need to fight every day (Tina). You must have the right frame of mind, because when you have your health, you will have everything,” and those words have become a compass. I cherish my family, love cooking and creating, and find joy in reading, writing, and exploring new places. This position allows me to travel, meet extraordinary people, and experience the world with fresh eyes — a gift I never take for granted. I bring that sense of wonder into every project, every collaboration, every day.

Throughout my life, I have learned that resilience, a genuine desire to serve, an endless curiosity, and a deep appreciation for life all point to one universal truth: every person longs to feel seen, valued, and accepted. At our core – our soul, we all hope and wish to be cherished, encouraged, and to experience the comfort of belonging to a community built on kindness, compassion, and mutual respect. 

Some people are fortunate enough to be born into families that naturally embody those values. Others spend years searching for a place where they feel truly at home. And many choose to create that sense of family themselves, building communities rooted in love, trust, and shared purpose. That is the spirit we strive to foster with David Rite. Our mission extends beyond art — it is about cultivating a community grounded in service, excellence, commitment, and the enduring values that bring people together. We believe that when people feel supported and respected, they are inspired to grow, contribute, and help others do the same.

Being part of the Rite Community is a privilege that welcomes everyone willing to embrace its guiding principles: Truth, Honesty, Diligence, Respect, Love, and Understanding. These values are more than ideals — they are the foundation of a community where each person has the opportunity to belong, to grow, and to make a meaningful difference.

Today, I lead with resilience, curiosity, and a deep appreciation for life. I am honored to support the artist — David Rite, work with our team, and the community with both skill and soul — weaving together creativity, structure, and heart in a way that reflects not only my professional expertise but the journey that shaped me. My work is more than a role; it is a craft, a calling, and a celebration of the life and adventure I fought so hard to reclaim. 

Serving as the Personal Assistant to artist, author, and instructor, David Rite, has given me the opportunity to be part of something far greater than just the creation of art. It has allowed me to contribute to a mission that brings people together, inspires creativity, strengthens the community, and encourages others to recognize their own potential for success. Every day presents a new opportunity to learn, adapt, and help bring meaningful ideas to life. Here with David Rite, and our team, every day we make our mundane journey into a fun expedition. On this voyage we craft lasting friendships and memorable masterpieces while creating a shared adventure that lasts a lifetime. I genuinely enjoy being the person behind the scenes who assists with the greater vision and to ensure that everything comes together to that realization — a creative adventure. Whether I'm organizing the studio, restocking supplies, preparing creative workspaces, managing book orders, monitoring the website and social media, or researching ideas for the You Can book series, I take pride in knowing that even the smallest details can have a lasting impact — because details matter.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is its variety. No two days are ever the same. This exciting adventure, I call “work”, gives me such an adrenaline rush that keeps me coming back. It’s pure octane to the system. One moment I may be preparing canvases and mixing paints for an art class, and the next moment I may be assisting with a creative project or supporting a video production alongside photographers, camera operators, sound technicians, editors, and stage crews. With this team, as with my first responders’ position, brings me the same kind of thrill and enjoyment. Something is always happening. Each experience expands my skills, deepens my appreciation for collaboration, and reminds me that growth comes from being willing to step outside of your comfort zone and push the limits. I'm the kind of person who's happy to roll up my sleeves and jump in wherever I'm needed. I value working with people who share a passion for creativity, teamwork, and serving a purpose greater than themselves.

A sense of humor never hurts either — it often makes the busiest days the most memorable.

The principles that guide my work every day were instilled in me long before I entered the workforce. I was raised to treat every person with kindness, to choose integrity even when no one is watching, and to believe that success is most rewarding and meaningful when it is shared. Those values continue to shape my character, strengthening my discipline, leadership, work ethic, and commitment to serving others. Today, as a firefighter, I carry those same principles into every interaction, every call, and every new task. I continue to work alongside David Rite during my time away from the fire service and this has given me another meaningful way to serve. It has reinforced my belief that dedication, perseverance, and a willingness to learn can open unexpected doors while fostering lifelong personal and professional growth.

Above all, I believe that family, community, and people are at the heart of every worthwhile endeavor. I find genuine fulfillment in building meaningful relationships, encouraging others, and volunteering with organizations that promote the arts, education, health, safety, and personal development for individuals and families — Which makes for strong communities and healthy societies. My experiences within both the Rite community and the fire service have shown me that creativity and service share a common purpose: they have the power to bring hope, strengthen communities, and inspire positive change. I am grateful for every opportunity to learn, contribute, embracing new challenges, and make a positive impact, and I look forward to continuing that journey with an open mind, a willing heart, and a commitment to helping others succeed along the way. 

As the Junior Assistant to artist, instructor, and published author David Rite, I have the privilege of contributing to something much larger than the daily work of a studio. I believe that having the right intention and thoughtful preparation will allow everyone to do their very best work. I love helping create an environment where ideas can grow into meaningful projects that inspire creativity, encourage learning, and bring people together for the next creative endeavor. I enjoy helping create an environment where great ideas can come to life. Long ago, I read a quote by Benjamin Franklin that resonated with me, “A place for everything, everything in its place" and as David Rite has said, “A well-organized mind is a mind that has the room that allows for creativity to flourish.” I get an opportunity to put that into action every time I organize his studio or while restocking supplies, preparing materials, or making sure every workspace is clean and ready for creativity to flourish. 

Behind the scenes, I help support many aspects of David Rite's mission. From monitoring websites and social media, assisting with book orders, managing correspondence, scheduling meetings, maintaining physical and digital filing systems, and assisting senior staff with tasks like data entry and expense reports, and assisting David with his artwork — I enjoy being wherever I'm needed. I really appreciate working with the team alongside photographers, camera operators, sound technicians, editors, and production crews during video projects. Every responsibility — large or small — offers a chance to learn something new, strengthen skills, and contribute to a shared vision built on trust, creativity, service, quality, and community.

The values that guide my work have been with me for as long as I can remember. I believe in treating every person with kindness, respect, and wit. This was further fortified within me when Mr. Rite once said, “Your character’s development is like a masterpiece and in time will shine through with the right action, creating habits today based upon correct principles, and put in practice every day — Like patience, which is love, that is shown in time — which illuminates all good works”. I know that leading with integrity and understanding will build the strongest communities because they are built upon trust, compassion, and teamwork. My experience in the Civil Air Patrol, the U.S. Air Force Auxiliary, reinforced these principles by teaching me the importance of leadership, service, discipline, and personal responsibility. Graduating high school at the age of sixteen further strengthened my belief in forging my path which means having; an "education, direction, dedication, determination, and discipline". Using these principles, with curiosity, and a willingness to work hard can open doors to opportunities that once seemed out of reach. As I prepare for college, I remain committed to lifelong learning and to continually growing both personally and professionally. “Don’t let your schooling get in the way of your education.” — David Rite.

I am grateful for the opportunity to support David Rite's vision and to be part of a community that values creativity, integrity, and service. I bring a strong work ethic, a collaborative spirit — sparky wit and an eagerness to learn. Each day brings new lessons, new challenges, and new opportunities to make a meaningful difference. Armed with an open mind and heart, courage (my phoenix’s fire) to go into the unknown, and patience to see it through, with a strong commitment to discover the true potential within, will make all my dreams a reality. With Mr. Rite and his amazing team, I look forward to continuing this adventure.

Beyond my professional responsibilities, I find fulfillment in helping others. I enjoy volunteering with organizations that support the humanities, education, health, and personal development because I believe that even small acts of kindness can have a lasting impact. David has said, “It is a life lit with compassion that illuminates your path through small acts of kindness that keeps the shadows at bay.” Upon my journey’s path, I will always remember to have my inner light shine to light my way, whether through creativity, mentorship, or service, my goal is to encourage others, help strengthen the communities around me, and leave every place a little brighter and better than I found it.