Leadership Team — Da Vinci Tree Online

Mr. Thomas Freyer

Mr. Thomas Freyer began his career in education as a special needs paraprofessional in the Vail School District. Prior to entering the field, he spent several years coaching middle school soccer and basketball, where he developed a strong foundation in teamwork, leadership, and student mentorship.

He later joined Da Vinci Tree Academy as a teacher assistant and advanced to serve as the lead apprentice Science and Math teacher for middle school students, further refining his instructional and student support skills. He currently serves as the Online Learning Administrator, overseeing virtual learning programs and supporting a team of general education and RTI teachers. In his current role, he functions as the primary administrator for both families and staff who are online.

Remote Learning Administrator

Mrs. MJ

Mrs. MJ Calcaben is a General Education Online Teacher at Da Vinci Tree Academy, bringing nine years of teaching experience to her role. She spent seven years in traditional classrooms and two years teaching online, developing a talent for connecting with students across diverse backgrounds and grade levels. MJ is passionate about making learning engaging and meaningful, turning challenging concepts into “aha” moments while supporting students’ confidence and growth.

She graduated Cum Laude from Western Mindanao State University and earned a Master’s in English from Saint Vincent’s College, Inc. MJ also holds a 120-hour TEFL certificate, reflecting her commitment to language instruction and multicultural education. Her experience spans coaching students in Science and Technology competitions, mentoring writers for school publications, and fostering academic success in both group and individual settings.

Outside the classroom, MJ is active in her church’s kids ministry and values personal growth through fitness, particularly weightlifting. She is also an avid baker, having developed a love for creating pastries and experimenting in the kitchen. MJ’s energy, creativity, and dedication to her students make her an inspiring presence at Da Vinci Tree Academy, where she strives to encourage every learner to reach their full potential—often with a smile and a sense of fun along the way.

Lead English Language Arts Teacher

Online Learning IT Support

Ms. Kerri Barbero

Ms. Kerri Barbero spent decades working in call center management and international business. She originally met Principal. Roll at another school where he was her son and daughter’s teacher. Since she was an active parent volunteer, the two of them soon became fast friends.

When Da Vinci Tree Academy opened Mr. Roll reached out to her to join the team. Before being promoted to an administrative level role, Ms. Barbero served as the school’s Attendance Clerk and Office Attendant. Starting in 2018, she helped Principal Roll shape Da Vinci Tree into the school it is today. It is reasonable to say that without her tireless efforts in the first years of the school’s history, Da Vinci Tree would not be the amazing place it is today.

Lead Science and Math Teacher

Ms. Mariz

Ms. Mariz Pangilinan is a dedicated educator with a deep passion for Science and student-centered learning. She holds a Bachelor of Secondary Education, majoring in Biological Science from Bulacan State University, and has completed the academic requirements for a Master of Arts in Education, also in Biological Science. What began as a practical career choice evolved into a true vocation, driven by her desire to make complex scientific concepts accessible, engaging, and exciting for young learners.

Her students commonly call her “Ms. Mariz.” Ms. Mariz began her teaching career in 2015 at Assumpta Technical High School, a PAASCU level-three accredited institution, where she taught Junior and Senior High School Science for nine years. During this time, she developed innovative lesson plans, instructional materials, and modules tailored to diverse learners. She also served as a class adviser for eight years, mentoring students academically, emotionally, and socially, and briefly held the position of Assistant Science Coordinator, enhancing her leadership and collaboration skills.

In August 2024, she expanded her professional experience to online ESL instruction with 51Talk, teaching Chinese students and cultivating adaptability and cultural sensitivity in a virtual setting. She currently serves as a General Education Online Teacher at Da Vinci Tree Academy, teaching 5th through 8th Grade Math and Science. Her work in remote education reinforces her commitment to creating engaging, supportive, and effective learning environments.

Outside the classroom, Ms. Pangilinan enjoys hiking, camping, and exploring the natural world—activities that inspire her hands-on and experiential teaching methods. Her diverse experiences, combined with her dedication to Science education and student growth, position her as a versatile and impactful educator committed to fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and lifelong learning.

Mr. Matt Roll

Matt Roll is the founder and Principal of Da Vinci Tree , where he also serves as the school’s Charter Holder and Grant Writer. After eight years of planning and development, he established the school to create an educational environment that aligns with his vision of fostering academic excellence and personal growth for all students, regardless of ability and background.

As Head of School, Mr. Roll oversees operational, legal, and financial responsibilities, including budgeting, fundraising, and compliance, while prioritizing the recruitment and development of exceptional staff. His focus remains on cultivating a nurturing and challenging environment where students can reach their full potential. This includes accommodating individual student needs, guiding young people in understanding the consequences of their actions, and fostering a culture of accountability and growth.

Mr. Roll has a particular passion for teaching middle school students. Students respond enthusiastically to his lessons and mentorship… but are not as appreciative of the rigorous workload he puts them through. Needless to say, his former students are almost always ready for high school, then either college or career.

Mr. Roll holds degrees in Business Economics, Human Geography, and Educational Leadership. Prior to founding Da Vinci Tree, Mr. Roll held diverse professional roles, including hotel management, mortgage finance, business technology consulting with Apple Inc., and served on the board of an orphanage in Uganda. His work creating non-profit organizations has provided affordable child and infant care, daily meals for orphans, and access to fresh water for tens of thousands of individuals. He continues to engage in global philanthropic efforts and business ventures, including BPO operations and agricultural projects across Asia and Africa, and volunteers with organizations such as Jen Marie and Me, the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Throughout all of these other endeavors, his main focus remains his family and Da Vinci Tree.

Principal and Founder

ESS Teacher and Director

Ms. Jean Atinaja

Jean Mari Atinaja, known as Teacher Jean, is a dedicated Special Education Director (ESS Director) at Da Vinci Tree. Her journey into education was inspired by her early involvement in leadership and scouting, experiences that instilled in her a passion for service and helping others. Following high school, she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education, majoring in Special Education.

Teacher Jean began her professional career in the Philippines, teaching at two schools for the deaf, supporting students aged 7 to 22 across multiple subjects using sign language. She also worked as a sign language interpreter and tutor, helping students learn at their own pace while addressing the scarcity of teachers proficient in both academics and sign language. Her work as an interpreter has led her to appear on the web, and even a radio program in the last decade.

After five years of working as an ESS teacher, she was appointed Assistant Principal for Basic Education at the Eclaro Academy Grammar School and Deaf Program. This gave her valuable experience in administrative leadership, school operations, and community engagement. During this time, she also completed her Master’s Degree in Education, Special Education and participated in speaking engagements, mentoring college students, and evaluating undergraduate and graduate research.

Teacher Jean later expanded her career internationally as a remote ESS Teacher at Da Vinci Tree Academy, while continuing to work in schools and volunteer and support educators in the Philippines.

Today, she is pursuing a Doctorate in Education, furthering her commitment to students, teachers, and educational leadership. She now serves as an ESS Teacher and the head of the ESS program.

Outside of her professional life, Teacher Jean is a devoted daughter, caring sister, and independent individual who approaches every opportunity with dedication, passion, and a spirit of service.