Staff
(she/her)
Executive Director
Dr. Amber Epps brings twenty years of experience teaching at the college level. Outside of academia, Dr. Epps worked in community development, focusing on commercial district revitalization, workforce development, and youth education and employment. She is also a maker, artist, musician, mom, member of the #NotWhite Collective, and co-owner of Arts & Crafts: Botanica & Occult Shop.
(she/her)
Membership Coordinator
Taylor is a Pittsburgh-based writer and former educator She earned her MFA in fiction from Oregon State University in 2018 and her short story collection, Off Days, was published in 2019.
(he/him)
Youth Program Coordinator
Ray has a background in social work and is dedicated to empowering people through entrepreneurship, education, and employment. He has worked with the Allegheny County Jail to assist with the transition from incarceration to the workforce, and has experience with nonprofit evaluation and improvement. Ray is also a general contractor who is skilled in general safety, electrical work, painting, plumbing, and demolition.
(he/him)
Youth Program Assistant
Marin has experience working in a prototyping lab and has done freelance design and modeling work. He is skilled in 3D modeling, programming with Python, Java, and Arduino, and also has experience with circuitry and machining. Marin has also competed in a number of STEM-based events through which he won several medals.
Instructors
Fabrication & Woodworking
Cord Merrell is a multi-disciplinary maker with years of experience. He’s eager to share the lessons he’s learned along the way.
Blacksmithing & Metal
Karen Kocher is part blacksmith, part fabricator, and full-time artist. She makes warm, joyful pieces using a mix of traditional and makeshift tools.
Textiles & Lasers
Valerie Hildenbrand is the founder of Grove Avenue Design. She makes intricate art that combines traditional techniques with new technology.
Woodworking & Design
Sarah Nielsen is a Pittsburgh-based artist and co-founder of Tree Overboard. She makes warm, eclectic, works in wood from her shop in Lawrenceville.
Lasers
Brian is a long-time artist, designer, stitcher, and maker who loves to ply modern techniques and technologies to craft medieval and fantasy artistry. He’s the proprietor of Fortune’s Foundry, a handmade hobby & game accessories shop for tabletop gamers and medieval enthusiasts.
Lasers & Graphics
Lizzee is an artist, designer, and educator who fell in love with laser cutting 10 years ago. She is passionate about spreading the love to other artists and makers. Lizzee creates vibrant bold works using CNC technology, blending traditional and manufactured materials. She is also a commercial artist specializing in digital fabrication, sign making, and onsite mural painting.
Shop Techs
Amy Boots
Board of Directors
Chairperson
Josh first was connected to Protohaven when he was the Main Street Manager in Wilkinsburg. Now he helps nonprofits access City of Pittsburgh grants as the Program Supervisor at the City of Pittsburgh’s Budget Office. He is a part-time grad student at Carnegie Mellon’s Heinz School and has a BS in Urban and Regional Planning from Cornell University.
Director
Lizzee is an artist, designer, and educator who fell in love with laser cutting 10 years ago. She is passionate about spreading the love to other artists and makers. Lizzee creates vibrant bold works using CNC technology, blending traditional and manufactured materials. She is also a commercial artist specializing in digital fabrication, sign making, and onsite mural painting.
Director
Sarah Nielsen is a Pittsburgh-based artist and co-founder of Tree Overboard. She makes warm, eclectic, works in wood from her shop in Lawrenceville..