Rita Miceli is the award-winning author of Giaci and Me: A Mother’s Journey of Loving and Raising an Autistic Child. With over 31 years as an elementary school teacher and 17+ years teaching Autism and Behavioural Science at St. Clair College, Rita brings both professional expertise and lived experience as the mother of her autistic son, Giaci. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for Autism Ontario, where she continues her advocacy for families and inclusive practices. Rita’s storytelling blends culture, faith, and resilience — inspiring audiences to embrace the beauty of living a 'perfect, imperfect life. A life-long educator and a long-time advocate for autism awareness, Rita Miceli is a mother of four with over three decades of educational experience. Her family's journey has been highlighted in The Drive Magazine, on CTV News, TVO Today's The Agenda with Steve Paikin and CBC National News. Rita has published works on multiple platforms related to special needs and autism, including "A Call to Action" (Autism Matters) and "Words that Connect Us" (Canadian Authors Association). Living in Windsor, Ontario, with the love of her life, John, Rita is the proud mother of three daughters and her autistic son. She is a Gold Winner with the Nonfiction Authors Association and was honoured with the Best New Canadian Manuscript award from the Word Guild.