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 occular 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 Flip the Script. 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 Met, 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 Flip the Script, 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 Flip the Script’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— ountless 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 Flip the Script’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, behavior health, and more.
Connecting people with the right resources is her superpower. 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 Flip the Script, 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 it's 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.