About Rancho Pix
Changing Lives Through Art and Community
​
Rancho Pix is an Affiliate Program of Rancho Research Institute
The concept of Rancho Pix began with Dr. Charles Stewart, past president of the Rancho
Research Institute (RRI), and an accomplished photographer in his own right. His dedicated
efforts helped transform the idea of an RRI photography program for persons with disability into
reality.
​
In 2014, 18 individuals with spinal cord injury became the first to take part in the
program. Since then, Rancho Pix has helped other participants not only learn new photography
skills but to also develop new friendships and experience personal growth. Many said they
gained confidence, felt more empowered, and just generally had an improved quality of life.
As with any creative process, Rancho Pix continues to evolve and grow. Moving forward,
the program will now be open to persons with other disabilities as well as those with spinal cord
injury. It will also be offered virtually for a safe, more convenient experience. Upcoming
planned activities include lectures by professional photographers, online participant discussion
groups, and photography competitions with prizes.
Our Mission
Through the Rancho Pix, we hope to provide individuals with disabilities the opportunity to:
​
-
ï‚· Express themselves through photography
-
ï‚· Improve wellness of body, mind, and spirit
-
ï‚· Be part of a community and develop new friendships
-
ï‚· Discover new abilities and hidden potential
​
​​
About Rancho Research Institute
Research. Education. Innovation. Excellence in each of these areas is the foundation upon
which Rancho Research Institute (RRI) was built, and those ideals continue to shape the focus of
our work today.
​
Established in 1956, RRRI is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that administers medical
research and educational programs at Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center in
Downey, California. Rancho is the provider of choice for medical rehabilitation and research in
the United States. It is a world-renowned public hospital providing high-quality, comprehensive
care for people with disabilities, and a recognized leader in the application of world-class
neuroscience and rehabilitation.
Meet The Team
Sonja Kiseljak-Dusenbury
PT, DPT, MBA
Director of Health and Wellness Services
Yaga Szlachic MD
President of the Board of Directors & Primary Investigator
Eike Daube ACSW
Rancho Pix Program Manager
Tony Reynoso
Rancho Pix Program Assistant
Spencer Toledo
Rancho Pix Tech Management
Philip Requejo PHD CEO
Rancho Research Institute Chief Executive Officer
Katia Svarovskaia
Rancho Pix Social Media & Communication Manager