Meet Our Team
Jason Aulicino
Founder, Executive Director, Teacher
Jason Aulicino is the Founder, Executive Director, and lead teacher for Treetop Academics. He has been at Edison for past 17+ years where he has created and implemented curriculum for all Treetop programs. Jason is currently TSPC Oregon certified and holds a master’s degree in Elementary Education, a master’s education in Conflict & Dispute Resolution, and a degree in Music. As a parent of a previous 4j student, Jason is also an advocate in the classroom and for K- 12 education. Jason is a past Edison Parent Council president, classroom volunteer, and has served on many of Edison’s parent committees. You may also see him in Edison’s classrooms as a substitute teacher. Jason resides in the SUN neighborhood and is on the SUNA Board. Jason’s vision for Treetop is an academically diverse and unique after-school program that goes beyond childcare and provides an experience that students will love.
Sarah Wagner
Teacher/Assist Director
Sarah grew up in the Eugene area and returned after studying chemistry, anthropology, and psychology during university. Sarah has been working with Treetop Academics since 2016 and now serves as a lead teacher and assistant director. Sarah loves the unique hands-on projects for learning that our academic classes provide and is a big supporter of creating a safe and fun environment for children to learn and grow. Sarah finds that creating and implementing complex projects that introduce a whole new world to students is an incredibly challenging and rewarding experience! During her free time Sarah is a prolific reader and hiker.
Sofia Barbosa
Assistant Director of Project and Resource Development
Sofia grew up in the Midwest and moved to Oregon to attend U of O where she studied Planning, Public Policy, and Management with a focus on housing and youth advocacy. Through working with kids for many years, Sofia developed not only a love for the job, but also a passion for supporting and uplifting youth. In her two years at Treetop, Sofia’s favorite part has been helping students find and unlock passions through active project learning in a wide array of subjects. Outside of work, Sofia can be found working on some piece of art, reading, and doing anything that gets her outside.
Charlotte
Charlotte has lived in Eugene since 2013 and attended Edison Elementary School, Roosevelt Middle School, and South Eugene High School. She currently attends the University of Oregon and is majoring in Math with minors in Computer Science and Art. She has volunteered/worked for Treetop Academics for over four years as an Aide, and she loves the opportunity to work with students on hands-on projects. In her free time, Charlotte enjoys knitting, crocheting, and going on walks with her dog.
Makenzie
Makenzie grew up in Nevada and moved to Eugene just last year to attend the University of Oregon. She is currently majoring in Family Human Services with an art minor. Makenzie has volunteered and worked with children for many years and hopes to continue to do so throughout and after college. She loves to travel and experience new cultures. In her free time, she loves to rock climb, slackline, hike, and paint. Makenzie also loves to help others and is currently volunteering for a local hospice company in Eugene. She is excited to have the opportunity to work with children and help them grow!
Claire
Claire grew up in Wyoming with her three younger siblings. However, after visiting the West Coast, the University of Oregon quickly became home. As an aspiring elementary school teacher, she is majoring in Educational Foundations and is minoring in Special Education. She loves the opportunity to spend time with children and is passionate in curating a welcoming environment so they can become the strongest version of themselves! In her free time, Claire enjoys traveling, running, hiking, and spending time with her friends and family.
Sydney
Sydney Perez is a Junior at the University of Oregon, studying psychology and education. She’s passionate about working with children, with years of experience in volunteering and building strong, personal connections with every child she meets. Outside of her studies, Sydney enjoys reading, thrifting for unique pieces, and spending time with friends and family. Sydney’s drive to understand and connect with others fuels both her academic pursuits and personal hobbies.
Mia
Mia grew up in Eugene and attended Edison elementary school which is where she currently works as a certified educational assistant in kindergarten for the past two years.
Mia’s ultimate objective is to lead with kindness and strive to be a positive influence propelling children to be good humans. During her summers she’s worked with 4J teaching in the KITS program, ESY, and worked in the after school program for the YMCA.
In her free time she enjoys pottery, poetry, and hiking.
Hannah
Hannah moved to Eugene Oregon 6 years ago and has spent the last 3 years working at Howard Elementary School with children with special needs. She is going back to school for biochemistry but is excited to be able to keep working with children as she continues her education. She loves all types of animals (including her pet rats) and the nature they reside in. In her free time, she enjoys needle felting, exploring, music and spending time with friends and family.
Sophia
Sophia has spent her whole life in Portland Oregon before moving to Eugene for college one year ago. She is currently attending Lane Community College to pursue their nursing program. Sophia has worked in childcare for about a year and a half and hopes to continue growing their young minds! Sophia enjoys playing guitar and singing in her free time, as well as thrifting, driving, and spending time with the people she loves.
Chloe
Chloe grew up in Eugene and attended Edison Elementary School, Roosevelt Middle School, and South Eugene High School. She graduated from Oregon State University in the spring of 2024 with a major in human development and family sciences-child development and a minor in studio art. She is currently working towards beginning a masters degree in early intervention speech pathology. Chloe has years of childcare experience and is passionate about fostering a creative and welcoming environment while working with young children. She loves to paint, surf, and travel in her free time!
Ian
Ian grew up in Southern California before deciding to attend the University of Oregon to study Comparative Literature. He has a real passion for working with children and it has emerged as a natural and fulfilling career for him. On his days off, Ian loves to thrift for new clothes, cook food with his buddies, and collect CDs and DVDs.