Born and raised in Bavaria, Anita studied sociology, psychology and political sciences at the University of Augsburg, where she obtained an M.A. and a Ph.D. on Mediterranean Cultural Patterns. Following a period of research and teaching at different universities Regensburg and Augsburg), she moved to Sicily’s capital in 1997, In addition to leading guided walks, Anita continues doing research on various topics, including mafia-related phenomena. She is also a travel book author. Her publication the Sizilien - Zeit für das Beste won the best guide book series in Italy. Perhaps the most famous Sicilian guide she wrote is the Baedeker Sizilien guide, in 2018. Other recent works include Die sizilianische Mafia - Der bewaffnete Arm der Politik (The Sicilian Mafia - The Armed Wing of Politics, Springer 2025). Anita also lectures on prestigious cruise ships like Sea Cloud and The World.