Our Team


Staff

Dr. Amber Epps, Executive Director
Dr. Amber Epps
(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.
Taylor Grieshober
(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. 
Ray Miles
(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.

Marin Bishop
(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

Cord Merrell
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.

Karen Kocher
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.
Valerie Hildenbrand
Textiles & Lasers

Valerie Hildenbrand is the founder of Grove Avenue Design. She makes intricate art that combines traditional techniques with new technology.
Sarah Nielsen
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.
Brian Rooker
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.
Lizzee Solomon
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

Matt Germaine
Kennedy Deen
Butler
Morgan Swatrz
Karen Kocher
Valerie Hildenbrand


Amy Boots

Board of Directors

Joshua Rolon
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.
Lizzee Solomon
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.

Sarah Nielsen
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..