Tasha B.

Background

About Tasha B.

Dr. Tasha Burnett is a passionate college access leader, professional school counselor, national certified counselor, and first-gen student advocate who has spent over a decade helping students turn dreams into diplomas. She has been instrumental in building and sustaining a college-going culture at her school—achieving a 100% college acceptance rate across four consecutive years, and now entering a third consecutive year of renewed success after returning to the role. In the most recent graduating class, 92% of seniors earned college opportunities where they’ll pay nothing beyond fees—a mix of commuter and residential options that reflect her commitment to equity and access. Tasha brings over 10 years of K–12 school counseling experience, five years of alumni support, and more than 20 years working with youth, always centering the needs of first-generation students and students of color. She is a recognized expert in first-generation college advising, with specialized knowledge in racial identity development and college decision-making among Black students, the focus of her most recent research. Before becoming a school counselor, Tasha worked in trauma-focused mental health, supporting youth and families through emotional, behavioral, and crisis challenges. That clinical foundation shapes the depth and responsiveness of her current advising work. She is also the founder of a nonprofit organization that provides free college access resources and scholarships to underserved students, further amplifying her impact beyond the school walls. As a trainer and speaker, she equips educators, counselors, and community leaders with tools to support students through every stage of the college journey. Areas of expertise include: • First-generation college access and alumni support • Racial identity and college decision-making for Black students • College admissions advising, financial aid, and scholarship strategy • Academic planning, transcript evaluation, and RTI² coordination • Trauma-informed care, CBT, TF-CBT, and social-emotional wellness • Program development, nonprofit leadership, and equity-focused training Whether she’s guiding a student through their first college acceptance or mentoring an alum through graduate school decisions, Tasha leads with purpose, empathy, and an unshakable belief in every student’s right to thrive.