our mission is simple
We’re Dedicated to providing STEAM-based education to our community that inspires, builds bright imaginations, and grows big hearts… because every child deserves to be a maker!
At PDX MiniMakers, kids learn by making. Every session starts with an idea and ends with something they designed themselves that will be printed as a tangible item in their hands. That process naturally pulls STEAM education together. You cannot design a working hinge without math, you cannot print it without understanding the machine, and you cannot make it something people want to look at without art.
We believe learning should be fun and rewarding, and that kids should walk away with more than a finished print. They walk away with the confidence to try something they have never done before. That is the skill that matters most in a world that is ever-changing.
Meet our team
Instructors
Marney andersen
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Marney has over 20 years of corporate experience leading programs, leveraging technology, and mentoring teams.
With a strong background in operations, project management, and technology implementation, she has experience in translating complex systems and processes into easy-to-understand language and ideas. Her experience onboarding clients to technology systems, training diverse groups, and creating clear, step-by-step learning materials translates into supporting students with digital tools, STEM activities, and structured enrichment programs. Marney excels at creating structured, engaging environments where young learners can thrive.
In addition to her professional background, Marney has been a Girl Scout Troop Leader for the better part of a decade. This opportunity has allowed her to lead hands-on education programs while also mentoring children in leadership, outdoor skills, STEM, and entrepreneurship. Her goal is to foster confidence, teamwork, and problem-solving skills in a supportive and inclusive environment.
With a career in tech and a passion for working with children, Marney brings a unique blend of structure, creativity, and technological fluency. She is committed to creating safe, engaging, and tech-forward experiences that inspire curiosity, encourage creativity, and help children build skills for the future.
Matthew Thogerson
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Matt is a maker, tinkerer, and creative problem-solver with a deep enthusiasm for hands-on learning.
He first got into 3D printing while designing a tabletop war game, and quickly discovered how powerful digital fabrication can be as a learning tool. Today, he uses 3D printing for everything from tabletop gaming and costuming to practical problem-solving around the house.
Matt has a strong passion for working with kids and helping them build confidence through creativity. He believes the best learning happens when curiosity leads and mistakes are treated as part of the process. At PDX MiniMakers, he enjoys helping students turn ideas into physical objects while learning how tools, technology, and imagination intersect.
He’s excited to be part of a community that encourages experimentation, critical thinking, and joyful making.
Margaret Klement
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Margaret has been working in education since 2013.
Starting as an early childhood educator, she moved to Portland Public Schools in 2016. In 2019 Margaret earned her Master’s degree in Teaching and currently works as a substitute teacher for grades K-8. Margaret is also a working artist, with a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Art. She paints murals, works in textiles, and does design work.
Margaret enjoys bringing artistic creativity to classrooms, encouraging students to enjoy the process; experiment, make mistakes, and think outside the box. She is passionate about project-based learning and STEAM activities, believing the blending of artistic and technical skills fosters critical thinking, collaboration, and creative problem-solving.
Weston Baker
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Weston Baker is an engineer, fixer, and lifelong learner.
As a high school student, Weston volunteered for several weeks at a camp teaching sixth graders about nature and community. It was one of the more impactful experiences of his life and planted the seed for his continued interest in being an educator. He was first exposed to 3D printing while working towards his engineering degree and was impressed with the accessibility of this manufacturing process to the average person. He has created artistic projects, practical components for repairs, and professional prototypes for mechanical components using 3D printing technology.
Weston is inspired every class by the creativity that kids possess and their ability to quickly learn how to bring their ideas to life through new digital and physical tools. He looks forward to encouraging this learning process and witnessing the moments when each new concept clicks.
In addition to teaching, Weston enjoys reading at the library, watching behind-the-scenes documentaries, and going backpacking.
Everett Staley
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Everett has been a maker their whole life.
One childhood birthday gift was a set of tools and a workbench in the garage with "Everett's Shop" painted on the wall. From there, Everett has gained experience in a multitude of hands-on skills– some professionally, and more while working on projects with friends and family. From helping with home renovations and DIY projects to assisting with the construction of a straw bale and cob house in the Mojave. From trade school learning stringed instrument construction and repair, and lately wooden boats– they've discovered that their favorite way to learn and utilize creativity and constructive skills is collaboratively.
With their degree in Digital Information Technology, Everett finally got a chance to jump into 3D printing. First as a hobbyist, and then professionally while running the Makerspace in a Portland High School. There, they learned, experimented, taught, and eventually fell in love with the way Computer Aided Design programs and an affordable machine printing recycled plastic on one's desktop could allow anyone to make anything.
Today, Everett has plenty of projects and is always learning new skills and ways to make, modify, or repair things. What they are most excited about, though, is when someone else has an idea they really want to try, and Everett gets to help figure it out.
Josh Dunne
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Lifelong learner and tinkerer. Experienced mentor, educator, and creative problem solver.
Josh moved to Portland with his family in December 2019. His children have attended Abernethy, Hosford and Cleveland schools. Josh is also a volunteer for the Cleveland Weekend Warriors cleanup program. Prior to moving to Portland Josh was a Radiology PACS Administrator for UK Healthcare supporting highly complex diagnostic imaging applications and modalities. His background as a PACS Administrator was a perfect foundation for understanding 3D printing software and technologies. While in Kentucky Josh also enjoyed being an assistant coach with the elementary school cross country team.
Josh is a voracious learner and is constantly seeking out new technologies, modalities, mediums and workflows that he incorporates into a variety of hobbies. In his free time Josh loves to create custom DnD miniatures and is always working to improve his painting skills on them once complete. Josh also uses 3D printing technology to create a variety of different types of art, jewelry and other novelties that incorporate a range of mediums and workflows.
Josh is super excited about the opportunities that 3D printing provides young, inventive minds. He strives to provide a safe and collaborative environment that encourages fun and creative problem solving.
Operations
Ben Schaefer
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Ben has been working in web development and design for more than 15 years, since his days at the college newspaper and creating Flash games in high school.
In his freelance work, he has helped build websites and assets for clients ranging from financial products to auto dealers and beauty salons, as well as working as a Software Engineer in the higher education space for much of the last decade.
At PDXMiniMakers, Ben handles Web and Marketing Operations. He is a firm believer in the value of STEAM education, attending a liberal arts college to study Philosophy, Math, and Latin before beginning his career in web development. He spends most of his free time traveling, painting miniatures, and attending events in local arts and gaming communities.
Courteney Duffy
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Courteney’s career spans over 15 years in project and operations management within large corporations, small agencies, and start-ups.
Courteney is a manager with the natural ability to leverage artistry in communication, collaboration, pragmatism, and drive to streamline success and proudly direct projects by supporting strategy, project plans, and customer-specific missions. As an effective communicator and relationship builder, Courteney supports team objectives and fosters team building.
As a mother of four children, Courteney recognizes the critical role STEM education plays in developing problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking skills. Raising four children as well as serving as a Girl Scout Troop leader for many years, Courteney appreciates how vital STEM learning is in nurturing curiosity, confidence, resilience and real-world skills. She recognizes the powerful role 3D printing plays in helping kids develop essential STEM skills by turning creativity and innovation into hands-on experience.
Courteney is excited to be part of a dynamic team of passionate teachers and leaders who promote life-long learning and innovation to our youth. Her background in organization and administration helps to keep PDXMiniMakers running smoothly and be an amazing program for our students.
DIRECTORS
Matara Liebow
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Matara has over a decade of experience dedicating herself to childcare and emergent education centers.
She is passionate about fostering a nurturing environment where children can thrive. Her time as a caregiver and as an educator has provided her with the skills to help children not only learn and grow academically but also to express their feelings and develop essential coping mechanisms through creative outlets.
Believing that creativity is a powerful tool for emotional processing and expression, she prioritizes encouraging children to explore their thoughts and feelings in a safe and supportive space. Aiming to meet each child where they are at, she focuses on creativity and individuality. Every child deserves the opportunity to flourish, and she has committed herself to guiding them on their unique paths to success.
CPR certified, registered in the state of Oregon, and undergoing yearly training, Matara strives to provide the highest level of care and child development possible.
Ralph Nguyen
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Ralph brings over 15 years of expertise in technology trends, coupled with his passion for the growing importance of STEAM education for the next generation.
Recognizing that critical thinking and problem-solving skills are essential in today’s rapidly changing world, he wants to be part of a program that can really focus on learning outcomes and developing portable skills rather than standardized test preparation.
Ralph has been an English instructor in Mombasa, Kenya and helped build strong foundations in reading and language comprehension to empower confident, effective communicators in his students. He wishes to do the same at PDX MiniMakers with workshops focused on literacy, language, and communication.
His attention to detail and strong organizational skills will ensure that PDX Minimakers’ programs are meticulously planned and executed, providing a well-run, supportive environment for learning and growth.
want to join our team?
We’re always looking for energetic, passionate people who enjoy working with youth to create fun and engaging learning environments.