Honey Rinicella

Honey Rinicella is a nationally recognized autism advocate, educator, and nonprofit leader whose work is rooted in lived experience and relentless love. A mother of twins with autism and complex medical needs, Honey turned her personal journey into a lifelong mission to transform care, opportunity, and community for individuals with disabilities—especially non-speakers and adults too often left behind.

As Executive Director of the Medical Academy of Pediatrics and Special Needs (MAPS), she leads one of the country’s most influential organizations training physicians to provide integrative, compassionate care for complex pediatric and adult patients. Under her leadership, MAPS has experienced record growth, sold-out national conferences, and the launch of a global medical education platform reaching providers in 28 countries.

Honey has spent over two decades building programs, conferences, and safety initiatives that empower families, educate professionals, and save lives. She is a sought-after national speaker, former Director of Education for the National Autism Association, and longtime community leader with The Autism Community in Action (TACA).

Her proudest work lives closest to home—standing alongside her adult son Vincent, a non-speaker who found his voice through spelling and now advocates beside her. Together, they embody the belief at the heart of V&V: when people are given dignity, opportunity, and support, they don’t just survive—they thrive.