Cleo L. Smalls

Cleo Smalls is the full time Director of Community Engagement for ARTZ Philadelphia, where she leads programs such as ARTZ in the Neighborhood, Music in the Neighborhood, and the newly launched ARTZ Philly Side by Side. Since joining the team in 2021, Cleo has been instrumental in fostering diversity and strengthening connections within the Northwest Philadelphia and Hunting Park communities.

Cleo is also a founding member of the Alzheimer’s Association’s Black/African American Community Action Network (CAN) in Philadelphia. Through the group, she works alongside community members and partners to strengthen outreach, awareness, and connections to dementia related resources within Black and African American communities.

Cleo has worked in the field of aging for nearly 20 years, specializing in program planning and community engagement. A graduate of Arcadia University, she began her career as a recreational assistant supporting adults living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.

Reflecting on her work with ARTZ Philadelphia, she shared, “I’m proud to be part of the ARTZ Philly team because we provide free resources and unique programs for older adults in underserved communities. We believe and demonstrate that life continues after a dementia diagnosis, bringing support, hope, and, most of all, joy to families across Philadelphia.”