Cleo Malone, Ph.D. was the founder of The Palavra Tree, Inc., an organization which develops programs to promote healthy behaviors, decisions and environments that reduce, postpone or eliminate the problematic use of alcohol, drugs and tobacco.

Working to help youths and adults, Malone served executive director for more than 20 years. Throughout that time, The Palavra Tree has coordinated efforts with the County of San Diego, City of San Diego, San Diego Unified School District, clergy members, and local concerned citizens. Its achievements include helping stop the sales of drug paraphernalia at local stores, opening a teen recovery center, creating a job readiness program for youths and a project that monitors the sale of tobacco products to minors.
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