Our Board

Mother, philanthropist, marketing and technology consultant, manager, “get things done”

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Matt’s Maker Space has been a labor of love for us. Matt, who died at the age of 12, would have been a maker today. He loved to tinker and build. He was artistic and mathematical – a problem solver. I am thrilled to use Matt’s Maker Space to help create a generation of tinkers who can collaborate, innovate and think outside the box. With my background in the humanities and technology, I feel like children who are encouraged to learn in a STEAM environment may be able to achieve dreams they never thought were possible. Matt’s Maker Space is for them.

Chief Technologist, Mechanical Products for ANSYS, Inc., the global leader in engineering simulation

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Matt’s Father,  Software Engineer.  ANSYS enables making for the world of engineering. Maker spaces will make better engineers someday!

Matt’s sister, Clinical informatics nurse, Educator, Musician

I have always loved science, math, technology and the arts. I would have loved learning in a place like Matt’s Maker Space when I was a kid! Losing my brother was and is not easy, but I am thankful that children will now have a space to do some of the things he loved – tinker, create, build and “make” things. Matthew would be so proud of our parents for all they have done in his memory, and I am too.

Matt’s sister, student in Cyber Forensics and Information Security at Robert Morris University, giver, hard worker

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My interest in Matt’s Maker Space started when I realized that I didn’t get to grow up building and making. Being able to see my parents create this organization in memory of my brother has shown me how to be grateful for everything that I have and makes me want to give back.

Librarian, Teacher at Foster Elementary, Matt’s former elementary school.

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I strive to help students to become makers, learners and creative thinkers in memory of Matt.

Principal, Jefferson Elementary School, Mt. Lebanon School District​

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Dedicated to developing dreamers, designers, and "doers" who are passionate about making and by providing access to effective tools, engaging workshops, and educational resources.

Associate Professor and Chair, Department of Teaching and Learning, School of Education, Point Park University

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My work focuses on inspiring and equipping the next generation of educators with the tools and mindset needed to foster creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving through maker education.

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Treasurer

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When I heard about Matt's Maker Space, I started thinking about my own education and opportunities.  I like to take things apart, fix things, and put things together.  But I learned these on my own once I owned a house that required these skills.  If I had been exposed to a STEAM space as a student, would I have pursued engineering rather than accounting?  I'll never know. But I love to help put these opportunities in front of current and future students so they can figure out their interests at an earlier age than I did!

STEAM Educator, Upper St. Clair School District (retired)

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Involvement with Matt’s Maker Space allows me to continue to promote critical thinking and problem-solving skills for the next generation of students through learner-focused maker activities while honoring Matt’s memory.

STEAM Educator, Upper St. Clair School District

Tech Ed Teacher, Mellon Middle School, Mt. Lebanon School District

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Through makerspaces, innovation, collaboration and hands-on experimentation are at the forefront. Using the engineering design process, students have the opportunity to be creative problem solvers to make changes to existing issues or develop their own ideas and solutions.

Principal, Howe Elementary School, MTLSD (retired)

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Grateful advocate for Matt’s Maker Spaces in MTLSD! Although I did not have the privilege of knowing Matt, I believe he was a very special little boy to inspire such an amazing philanthropic effort to benefits so many children!

Assistant Professor, Point Park University

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As a former Mt. Lebanon teacher, I had been fortunate to offer creative thinking lessons to hundreds of students in Matt's Maker Spaces. Knowing how these spaces bring to life open-ended thinking and a safe place for trial and error learning, I am proud to serve on a board that works to create an engaging learning environment for elementary students and honors the life of a brilliant young man.

Music Therapist UPMC Western Behavioral Health

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I previously served as the coordinator for the first Matt's Maker Space in inpatient psychiatric care and witnessed the beautiful, healing parts of creating with people of all ages and backgrounds. I am grateful to serve on a board that is willing to meet makers where they are at and work together to make difference in the lives & minds of our community!

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Asst. Superintendent, Beaver Area School District

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Working with Matt's Maker Space through the Professional Outreach Division has allowed me to meet with educators from many different organizations to help guide them with tools, tips and tricks that they can take back and use in their maker spaces. The partnership with Matt's Maker Space has impacted my life and continues to inspire me to always put kids at the center of our work, embrace creativity and to always think outside the box. 

Asst. Superintendent, Beaver Area School District

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Matt's Maker Space holds significant importance for me as someone who has spent decades in early education. I deeply value the role of open-ended and hands-on opportunities in fostering children's autonomy and facilitating meaningful learning experiences. Children are naturally curious and constantly seek to understand their world. Maker spaces offer a dynamic environment where these developmental areas can thrive, providing a strong foundation for future learning.

Early Childhood Educator​

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Early childhood education has been my life's work and passion. St Paul’s Episcopal Nursery School was blessed with both an indoor and outdoor Matt’s Makerspace and I had the honor of teaching in both spaces. Witnessing the benefits of this open- ended child directed environment first hand, inspires me to support this work and the development of future early childhood spaces. I am proud to serve on a board that promotes innovative learning spaces where all students can create and explore.

Rretired Teacher, Mt. Lebanon School District. Teacher of Matt’s peers

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It is my goal to provide creative, collaborative, problem solving experiences to all learning for all students in Mt. Lebanon.  Matt’s Maker Space is the springboard needed to achieve that goal at the elementary level.

Asst. Prof of Education, Point Park University

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I am fortunate to work with pre-service teachers, preparing them to teach STEM in a makerspace environment. I enjoy connecting my university students with in-service teachers in classrooms, where they can practice strategies to engage students and enhance their problem-solving, communication, critical-thinking, and creativity skills. Matt’s Maker Space has been an outstanding community partner to Point Park University and the School of Education.