Born and raised in New York, Rikki holds a Bachelor of Arts, Masters of Library Science and Masters of Business Administration Degree. She is the founder and President of Medical Claims Management based in Thousand Oaks. In 1991, Rikki married Ojai resident, Rudy Petersdorf. Their daughter, Barbara, was born in 1993. Rikki has also served as a member of the Ojai School Board since 1994, and the Ojai Valley Library Friends and Foundation Board since 2001.
Rikki has a passion for education and literacy and is a strong advocate of adults reading aloud to children. She is available to read to children, as well as answer questions about public education.