DonateOur Story
As summer turned to fall, two friends wandered through the streets of Greenwich Village, reflecting on how far they had come. Rachel had just come back from the edge of total darkness, mere inches away from complete blindness.
Her friend had been there with her through it all, even braving a blizzard with a -39° windchill to get Rachel to an urgent surgery the year before. Now, nine months later, instead of preparing for a life without sight, Rachel was training for a half marathon with both eyes intact, and the two friends were about to leave for a dream trip to Paris. Life had swung from terrifying to extraordinary. As they walked, Rachel realized the key reason: support.
Born with a rare congenital eye condition, Rachel grew up with a mother who refused to take “no” for an answer, often knowing more than the doctors themselves. She was encouraged to play sports, push limits, and surround herself with loyal friends who still stand by her side today. From an early age, she learned to flip the script when faced with obstacles, turning the impossible into innovation and rejection into resilience.
That mindset gave Rachel the determination to keep pursuing better vision, despite being told over and over that it was impossible. Finally, at the age of 40, she found a life-changing team of doctors and built a network to manage the travel, planning, and care her condition required.
But Rachel’s story raised a bigger question: why did it take so long? She had a strong support system in her personal life, but patients like her need a different kind of support to meet the physical, emotional, and financial needs that come with congenital ocular conditions. The missing link was an organization of support for patients, by patients.
The missing link became FlipTheScript.
Meet Our Team
RACHEL RUBIN
Founder
Rachel Rubin is more than just the Founder and President of FlipTheScript. She is the heart behind its mission.
Growing up with aniridia, she knows how frustrating and isolating the process can be for patients and their families – especially in a healthcare system where clear answers and effective treatment are elusive. This difficult journey has fueled her determination to make sure others facing similar conditions have the support, resources, and guidance that she often had to go without.
By day, Rachel is a powerhouse accountant with nearly two decades of experience and a firm she built from the ground up. By night (and weekends), she’s a marathoner, reader, and globe-trotter who is absolutely obsessed with France, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and furry canine friends.
Fun fact about her? She’s a proud plant fanatic, on a lifelong mission to transform every space into a mini jungle.
STEPHANIE ROBERTS
Treasurer
As Treasurer of FlipTheScript, Stephanie brings over 15 years of experience in bookkeeping, payroll, and accounting through her work at Gold Standard Tax & Accounting, Inc.
Known for her precision and big-picture thinking, she ensures financial transparency that builds donor confidence and directs resources where they’re needed most.
Stephanie’s connection to FlipTheScript’s mission is deeply personal, rooted in her close friendship with the organization’s founder, Rachel. Over the years, she has witnessed Rachel navigate the exhausting realities of a complex eye disorder—countless appointments, limited understanding from providers, and the emotional and financial strain that comes with seeking compassionate, informed care. Seeing these challenges up close gave Stephanie a profound understanding of the barriers so many face when trying to manage their care. It also strengthened her resolve to help build an organization that makes the journey easier for others.
Off the clock, Stephanie trades her spreadsheets for stories, curling up with a good book and steaming cup of tea. She recharges through painting, writing poetry, and the occasional Star Trek soundtrack, which has become her signature remedy for stress.
SUSAN MILLER, MSW
Board of Directors
As a member of FlipTheScript’s Board of Directors, Susan Miller brings a wealth of professional and lived experience to the organization. With a master’s degree and 44 years as a Licensed Social Worker, Susan has spent her life helping others. This includes child and family services, older adult care, behavioral health, and more.
Connecting people with the right resources is her superpower. The experience of living with aniridia herself and later navigating the same diagnosis for her two children, gives her the empathy and understanding to walk with others as they navigate life with similar ocular conditions.
When she’s not lending her expertise to FlipTheScript, Susan is usually traveling somewhere far-flung, soaking up live music, or getting crafty. She quilts, plays board games with a seriously competitive spirit, and even makes plastic sleeping mats for people experiencing homelessness.
Helping people is kind of her thing, on or off the clock.
STEPHANIE TSACALIS
Executive Director
Stephanie Tsacalis has served as Executive Director of FlipTheScript since its inception in 2025. After meeting the organization’s founder, Rachel, Stephanie became a close friend and source of practical and emotional support throughout her treatment journey. Years later, as FlipTheScript’s executive director, she offers the same supportive guidance to individuals on their own vision journey.
Prior to FlipTheScript, she built a 24-year career as an administrative assistant to attorneys and Certified Financial Planners. She regularly volunteers in her faith community, teaching people the value of Bible principles to improve their lives. Through both her professional and volunteer experience, she strengthened her organizational and communication skills, while simultaneously deepening her compassion and interpersonal abilities. These inform her work and bolster her ability to maintain organizational structure while also delivering compassionate support to those in need.
Outside of work, Stephanie loves traveling, “treasure hunting” in thrift stores, and enjoying a cozy evening with Masterpiece Theater. She’s always on the lookout for new recipes to try and books to get lost in. Her friends describe her as a good listener with outstanding emotional intelligence; she nurtures others as intuitively as breathing.
CARLEE JIMENEZ
Events
With over 15 years of experience in healthcare administration and philanthropy, Carlee brings a strong background in organizing meaningful, mission-driven events. She began her career at one of San Diego’s leading hospitals, supporting their Rehabilitation Center before spending a decade working alongside one of the nation's leading healthcare philanthropy professionals. During that time, her role naturally evolved into coordinating impactful events that supported various departments across the hospital system.
In addition to her work in healthcare, Carlee ran a small wedding coordination business, where she enjoyed helping couples and young families plan some of the most memorable days of their lives.
She specializes in the planning and execution side of events, with 10 years of hands-on experience creating seamless, engaging experiences—from fundraisers to celebrations—focusing on thoughtful details and smooth coordination.
Most recently, Carlee has been embracing life as a full-time memory-maker at home with her family. Outside of work, she enjoys adventuring with her kids, listening to live music, and discovering new restaurants around her hometown of San Diego.
JACKIE McCULLOUGH
Marketing
Jackie leads marketing efforts for FlipTheScript, helping to sculpt and share the organization’s voice with the community.
With five years of experience in the private sector, she brings a thoughtful, hands-on approach to storytelling, always looking for meaningful ways to connect people to the mission.
Her work spans social media, website design, campaigns, and partnerships, all with the goal of raising awareness and making the organization’s impact tangible and accessible. Jackie is especially passionate about using her skills to support a cause that is deeply personal to her.
Having known FlipTheScript's founder, Rachel, for most of her life, Jackie has witnessed firsthand the challenges and realities of living with vision loss. That connection fuels her commitment to FlipTheScript and the people it serves, and she’s grateful to be part of a team dedicated to helping others navigate similar journeys.
Outside of her work with the organization, Jackie enjoys cooking and entertaining, and the occasional train ride along the Hudson River into New York City to explore its full-of-life neighborhoods.