VSAOC Spotlight

Marleena Coulston

Marleena Coulston's musical versatility spans studio work, musical theater, cabaret performance, to teaching. She has performed for several venues in California including the Inland Empire Jazz Festival, the Orange County Fair, the Los Angeles Times Editorial Awards, South Coast Plaza, the Southern California Special Olympics, and the Festival of Children. She has also been cast in musical theater roles such as the Witch in "Into the Woods," and Percy in "The Spitfire Grill."

A native of New England, Marleena began her singing career at age 12 working with singer / song-writer Mike Nobel where she was a featured soloist on a children's album titled "Color Me Green." She also recorded jingles written by Nobel for WCSH Channel 6 (NBC affiliates in Maine). After graduating from high school, Marleena left the small town of Gorham, Maine for California to pursue an education and career in music. Upon her graduation from Whittier College in 2003, earning a B.A. in vocal performance, Marleena spent two years performing with "Ray and the Idols," a popular Southern California cover band. She stilll occasionally performs with the band and other groups such as "The Dream Trio."

Marleena's unique appearance is due to a genetically linked condition called Albinism. This condition effects the pigmentation of the skin, eyes, and hair, causes vision loss, and sensitivity to sunlight. As a legally blind individual, Marleena has had to overcome many challenges throughout her life, but has been described by those close to her as one who faces adversity with courage and grace. She is a member of the National Organization of Albinism and Hypopigmentation, and currently works for the Braille Institute where she directs the Johnny Mercer Children's Choir. She hopes to be a role model to the children she works with, demonstrating that a disability does not have to stand in the way of your independence and achieving your dreams.

In June, 2007 Marleena released her first self-titled three-song single which includes "Let Me Live the Dream," a song written by Carol Roman whose message speaks to young and old that it's never too late to live your dreams! In that same month, Marleena was invited to performed at the Very Special Arts "Start With the Arts Family Festival" in Washington D.C. Since then, she has become involved in her local chapter of VSA Arts helping to promote positive disability awareness through their programs and through her performances.

Visit her website here.