Conference Keynotes

Closing Keynotes:

David Roche and Marlena Blavin

David Roche and Marlena Blavin met in 1988 as two of the founders of the first hospital-based massage therapy training program in the United States. The creativity shown in that pioneering effort has taken many forms in their relationship and in their individual work. Marlena and David are co-developers of Love at Second Sight, a program on disability and diversity which they have brought to scores of schools in
the USA and Canada. They live in a grove of redwood trees next to a creek in Mill Valley, California.

Marlena Blavin is a professional speaker and performance storyteller and a founder of the Circle of Women performance storytelling group. She also has an extensive private practice in nutrition counselling with a focus on the needs of young women with eating disorders. Marlena has been a massage therapist since 1970 and has a thriving private practice in Marin County,
California. Her work is grounded in studies of Swedish and Orthopedic massage. She has continued her education in the areas of Polarity Therapy, Cranio Sacral, and QiGong.

David Roche has been "described as a theatre pioneer, and a major contributor to the emerging culture of disability. In his acclaimed one man show, The Church of 80% Sincerity, he weaves childhood memories, scars, dreams, desires, and everyday human experiences into a brilliantly
funny, moving, and absolutely mesmerizing evening of theater" (Cheryl Wade, Disability Rag). David has toured around the USA, Canada, and Australia. He has performed at the White House in 1999 and as a headliner at the Para-olympics Arts Festival 2000 in Sydney, Australia.

David developed his stage skills initially as a comedian, joining Access to Comedy, a troupe of disabled comedians, in 1991. Subsequently he began building his signature theatre work, playing to the many diverse communities of the San Francisco Bay Area. He has been featured in
several documentaries such as Able to Laugh and Face First. He is also much in demand as a keynote speaker nationwide on issues such as self-esteem, diversity, and facing change.

His presence is strong in his community as well as on stage. David is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Coalition for Inclusiveness in the Performing Arts (CIPA) and also served on the board of the Corporation for Disabilities and Telecommunication (CDT). David is also a co-founder of
San Francisco's Childcare Switchboard/ Single Parent Resource Center, a first of its kind which became a national model for other states.

Abstract:
When Marlena Blavin met David Roche face to face for the first time, she turned in shock and walked away. But she followed her heart, came back for a second look and their partnership began. An open heart and creativity have always been at the center of the partnership of Marlena and David, especially when facing challenges. They believe these traits are also central to the work
of CACUSS members.

Starting with the poignant story of their meeting, they will bring us warmth, humor and inspiration as they speak frankly and compellingly about what they have learned about being creative in dealing with the inevitable problems of everyday life. Marlena and David promise that you will leave
CACUSS with a deepened appreciation of your own creativity and a renewed passion for your work and your life.