News from Braille Institute Rancho Mirage:

Braille Institute Rancho Mirage announced that it has appointed Ellen Jones as its new Executive Director. Jones was previously the Educational Programs Manager at Braille Institute Rancho Mirage. In her new role, Jones will be responsible for directing all operations and staff at the Rancho Mirage Center, including budgets, programs, services, and facilities. The Executive Director position was formerly held by Lisa Jimenez, who became the Executive Director at Braille Institute Orange County.

 “We are so pleased to transition this important role to Ellen Jones,” said Gloria Coulston, Braille Institute’s Vice President of Program Delivery. “Because Ellen has already been a crucial part of Braille Institute Rancho Mirage’s core team for the last 8 years, she brings to this new role an extensive knowledge base and has already demonstrated a long-time commitment to our goals and mission.”

 Jones has a Masters degree in Educational Administration from the University of Illinois and a Bachelor degree in Biology from the University of Notre Dame.

 Braille Institute Rancho Mirage also announced that Felice Chiapperini has been appointed as the new Educational Programs Manager. In his new role, Chiapperini will oversee all Rancho Mirage Center adult and youth programs as well as maintain responsibility for community outreach and low vision programs. Chiapperini was previously the Field Services Manager/Rancho Mirage.

 About Braille Institute

Braille Institute is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to eliminate barriers to a fulfilling life caused by blindness and severe sight loss. Thanks to the support of local donors, Braille Institute staff offer a broad range of free programs at six centers and 220 community outreach locations throughout Southern California. Each year Braille Institute serves tens of thousands of people. Braille Institute staff and volunteers create an environment of hope and encouragement for people with vision loss through educational, social, and recreational services, classes, and seminars.