our mission is …
PDX MiniMakers empowers every child to discover their creative potential and explore their purpose through hands-on STEAM education that builds both technical skills and emotional confidence. By offering enriching after-school programming, we create space for young people to explore their passions while giving parents and guardians the time and peace of mind to pursue their own goals and well-being.
Through our accessible 3D printing program, we provide Portland youth with the tools, guidance, and supportive environment to transform their ideas into reality: developing engineering and design abilities alongside the pride, self-confidence, and problem-solving resilience that fuel lifelong success. We believe that when children see their imagination take physical form, they learn they are capable makers and innovators who can shape their own future: building the creative and emotional foundation for a purposeful life.
Instructors
Shona Blumeneau
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Shona has been involved in education in one way or another for the past 15 years. Directing soccer camps, working at children’s museums, participating in Americorps reading programs, running after-school photography programs, teaching in classrooms, and now working in education nonprofits– he’ll always be involved in the field in one way or another.
PDX Mini Makers has combined his love of education with his love of technology, and has been inspired countless times already by student creations in classes.
Meet our team
ian Roberts
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Ian is a hands-on maker and educator who brings technical skills and a thoughtful, student-centered approach to every learning environment.
In addition to PDX MiniMakers, Ian leads 3D printing and fabrication at Past Lives Makerspace, where he supports creative projects, maintains printers, and helps makers bring their ideas to life using tools like Fusion 360, TinkerCAD, and MSLA/FFF systems.
Before stepping into the world of additive manufacturing, Ian taught kayaking and canoeing on Portland’s rivers as a boating instructor with Trackers Earth. There, he worked with kids ages 8–13, blending safety, confidence-building, and environmental learning in a fun, experiential setting.
Ian believes students learn best when they feel respected and understood. He strives to create welcoming spaces where learners are encouraged to explore, experiment, and grow through making.
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.
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.
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.
operations
shelley west
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Marketing & Web Operations
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Mary Hlastala
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Education Program Operations
Mary holds a B.S. in Mathematics from Portland State University and has led two nonprofits—one dedicated to empowering girls in math and creative thinking, and another supporting local artists in Portland. She’s a creator and a problem-solver who blends organization and design, structure and imagination.
Mary paints, draws, and builds things by hand—often tiny, delightful foods sculpted from clay. Her passion for process-based art isn’t just about making; it’s about meaning. Through art-making, she helps people discover their strengths, connect with their community, and see themselves in new ways. For Mary, creativity isn’t just something she does—it’s how she lives. She moves through the world with curiosity and invention, always developing new ideas and bringing them to life.
