Meet Our Instructors

Madeline currently attends Cleveland State University where she is pursuing her Bachelor’s in Music Therapy as well as certification as a music therapist. Her pursuit of music began in early education while participating in several choirs as well as a guitar ensemble. Throughout the past 5 years, Maddie has participated in numerous clubs and received many academic achievements.  She  is currently a member of the Cleveland State Student Music Therapist organization and has also worked with children at two different Cleveland public library locations.

Ashanti Evans is a Professional Dancer and Choreographer and has had an extensive six year dance career in LA. She has studied many dance styles such as Modern, Jazz, and Lyrical dance, and specializes in Hip-Hop Grooves along with her very own new form of dance. To add to her impressive dance career and professional resume, Ashanti is also well versed in Acting, Weight Lifting, Running, Basketball, and Volleyball.

Chista is a freelance artist based in Cleveland, Oh who specializes most in the medium acrylic paints. Most surfaces she’s done work on has been exterior surfaces, canvas, and fabrics but loves to experiment and stretch her reach through color and texture!  The work Christa produces is very stylized and falls in with surrealism, pop art and street art, speaking on her personal experiences, interests, and emotions.  Her role in CCA is to guide students through working with and on different mediums of Art, and helping them find and cultivate their voice through every piece they create.

Jason Smith is an Entrepreneur and Chef. He attended Remington College where he received his Degree in Medical Assisting and certification for Phlebotomy, and Tri-C where he received his Certificate of Culinary Arts. Jason is currently the CEO of Jaisen The Basement - a retail clothing/merch/fragrance store, and a Culinary Artist for many around the city of Cleveland. His roles in the Cultural Collective Arts’ Artist Development Program are helping the students cultivate their individual tastes, and implementing the fundamentals of Home Economics, Cooking, and Baking.

Rashawn “Kadeem” Anderson (30) was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. Growing up, Kadeem received training in Theatre, Vocal music, and Dance Choreography at The Cleveland School of Arts, CMSD All-City Arts program, and Karamu House. After high school Kadeem moved to California to pursue a career in dance where he’s worked with well known choreographers such as Lula Washington, Debbie Allen, and Daniel Ezralow. Anderson has also done work as a “Character” Dancer for Universal Studios Hollywood and Royal Caribbean Cruise line, and is currently giving back to the LGBTQ community by creating fun, informative events in safe spaces for youth and young adults. Kadeem’s first event “CartoonWorld KiKi Ball 2022” in Columbus, Ohio won Event of the Year at the Midwest People’s Choice KiKi Awards Ball in St.Louis. 

Kenneth is an Entrepreneur/Professional Photographer and is currently the Manager for The Cereal Bar, a new local eatery and sweets shop. Cody has shot for many live entertainment events in Cleveland and also has his own business where he provides Photography, Videography and other forms of Artistic Design and resources to individuals. His roles in Cultural Collective Arts’ Artist Development Program are teaching these skills, and helping the students hone their creativity while still being open to seeing other’s vision, so they can execute that artistically and professionally.

Cornell Orr is a Qualified Mental Health Specialist who directly supports children in the city of Cleveland. Extremely dedicated to his life’s work and purpose, Orr has received his Associates, Bachelors, and Masters degrees from Ashford University. On his way to receiving his Doctorate degree and becoming a licensed therapist, he aspires to build and run his own Mental Health Organization. Cornell‘s role here at CCA is stepping in to redirect children who are having a rough time, and teaching Empowerment classes to our students. 

Salima Smith is a well rounded Actress. She is currently the Drama Teacher for Winning In America and has served as a Teaching Artist for many other organizations throughout the states of Ohio and New York. Sister Salima’s roles in the Cultural Collective Arts Artistic and Professional Development Program are teaching Drama, helping the students with their individuality, implementing the fundamentals of acting, and being a successful performing artist.

Madeline Snivly is a hard working creative and musician with experience in singing and playing guitar and ukulele.  She is on course to become a Music Therapist at Cleveland State University so she can help and reach and assist others through music. Maddie is also currently learning piano to expand her knowledge and artistic reach. She enjoys working with children and using music to connect and engage with them.

Derrick Martin III seeks excellence in everything he does. In addition to being a Music Therapy student at Cleveland State University, he is constantly looking for new opportunities to make a change and difference in the community. Derrick is a trained musician who has served many different demographics of children and adults including those with ASD and Non-Verbal Communication. He is a talented worker with much to offer to our communities through Cultural Collective Arts. 

Lewis Allen is from the eastside of Cleveland, OH and a graduate from Baldwin Wallace University. In 2019, he and his former roommate began selling fried oreos out of their college dorm room, and were such a big hit they became “Fro Bros” and began hosting events all around the city of Cleveland. Since then, he’s also formed an alternative basketball little league and finds other fun ways to assist and engage with the youth in our communities!