Maker’s space opens in Wexford-area Children’s Hospital
A new “maker space” in Children’s Pine Center in Wexford will help children undergoing inpatient or outpatient treatment explore science, technology, engineering, art and math during their stay.
UPMC Western Behavioral Health opened a Matt’s Maker Space on Thursday, Sept. 5, in the Children’s Hospital branch in Wexford, allowing hands-on expressive and experiential therapy, an evidence-based treatment modality for anyone at any age.
Matt’s Maker Space is named after Matt Conover, who lost a battle with cancer in 2002 when he was 12 years old. Matt’s mother, Noelle Conover, founded the nonprofit in 2016, and has since installed a space at each of the seven Mt. Lebanon elementary schools, as well as in health care facilities and other educational organizations.
Matt’s Maker Space provides tools and activities for children to use to explore learning and creativity in their own ways. The space provides items like Legos, crafting materials and paint to give children different outlets for their creativity.
The nonprofit also provides maker-focused programs to schools, libraries and community organizations, and it awards STEAM scholarships to students by partnering with other maker-focused organizations.
