Meet Our Coaches
Do you have dedicated professionals providing individualized counseling and support to your students and families about “what’s next”?
Founder & Lead Coach
About Elisa Buckner:
With nearly 20 years of college coaching experience Elisa has made it her life’s work to help young people achieve their educational and career goals. With a background in School Counseling, she started Access 2 Admission in 2010. At the time, she was working with just 10-15 families. Now, she has expanded her team to serve over 600 students in middle school, high school, and college. Every year, her students earn over $20 million in scholarship awards and she believes this is because of a service-minded approach that puts students first.
Fun Facts about Coach Elisa:
- Favorite Ice Cream: Mint Chocolate Chip and Chocolate Peanut Butter (together)
- Favorite Artist: Minnie Riperton
- Favorite Book: Their Eyes Were Watching God (Zora Neal Hurston)
- Fun Fact: I performed in a traveling play my freshmen year that required me to dance (thank God social media wasn’t around then)
- Favorite Sports Teams: Oregon Ducks (I gotta rep my home town!)
Education:
- B.S. in Computer Science, Hampton University
- M.Ed in School Counseling, Georgia State University
About Precious K. Williams:
With approximately 20 years in education and 15 years as a school counselor, Precious K. Williams has dedicated her career to expanding college access and helping students discover their purpose and potential. Her current role is Associate Director of Student Access and Engagement. A former District Dual Enrollment Program Manager, she has led college readiness initiatives, rebuilt high-impact programs, and supported thousands of students and families as they navigate the path to higher education. Alongside her work with Access 2 Admission, Precious is an international speaker, educational consultant, and founder of a leadership and wellness consulting firm that partners with schools, nonprofits, and mission-driven organizations to develop leaders, strengthen communities, and create generational change. She believes every student deserves access to opportunity and every family deserves someone in their corner.
Fun Facts about Coach Precious:
- Favorite Dessert: Dairy-free coffee ice cream or warm brownies
- Favorite Artists: Lecrae and Beyoncé (balance!)
- Favorite TV Shows: First responder and detective shows
- Fun Fact: I was born and raised in Chicago by Ghanaian immigrants and am a first-generation college student.
- Favorite Sports Teams: The Chicago Bears and, of course, any Howard Bison team when they’re in the spotlight!
Education:
- B.S. in Health Science, Howard University
- M.Ed. in School Counseling, Georgia State University
About Chasity Knight:
Fun Facts about Coach Chasity:
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Favorite Meal to Cook: Southern foods, and baking from scratch
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Favorite Fresh Juice Blend: Beet, Pineapple & Chia Seed
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Favorite Historical Spot: Tulum, Mexico
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Fun Facts: I love being part of a book club, I had a Shih Tzu named Oreo, and ziplined in the Mall of America.
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Favorite Travel Destination: Caribbean Cruises & Saint Thomas
Education:
- B.A. in History, Benedict College
- M.Ed. in Divergent Learning, Columbia College
- Certified Project Management Professional (PMP) & Level 5 Georgia Educator Certificate
About Jon Rodriguez:
Jon Rodriguez is the newest College Counselor. Through his experiences in mentorship, youth development, and social work, Jon is dedicated to creating opportunities that empower students to recognize their strengths, build confidence, and reach their full potential. In his role as a college coach, Jon is committed to supporting students as they navigate their educational journeys, pursue their aspirations, and discover the many opportunities available for their future.
A former Team USA Youth Olympian, collegiate national champion, and current member of the Dominican Republic National Rugby Team, Jon brings the values of discipline, teamwork, resilience, and personal growth into everything he does. Inspired by his experiences in athletics, education, and service, Jon believes every student deserves someone who believes in them, supports their journey, and encourages them to achieve their goals.
Fun Facts about Coach Jon:
- Favorite Ice Cream: Strawberry Cheesecake
- Favorite meal: My Grandma’s Pancakes
- Favorite Book: The Mamba Mentality by Kobe Bryant
- Fun Fact: I have two dogs named Nia and Nugget.
- Favorite Sports Teams: New York Knicks and New York Mets
Education:
- Master of Social Work (M.S.W.)
Wurzweiler School of Social Work, Yeshiva University, New York, NY
Expected Graduation: June 2027 - Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Psychology, Life University, Marietta, GA
About Toriano Parker:
Hailing from the city of Charlotte, NC, Toriano has served in education for over ten years. After graduating from Clark Atlanta University, he started working in college access and student support in the Fulton County school system through the Communities in Schools organization. This position awarded him the opportunity to be featured in Essence Magazine and several other platforms for the transformative work done with students and families. Toriano was also a college and career coach for the Next Generation Men Mentoring organization where the mission was to provide young men of color with exposure and insight into college and career pathways. Toriano is very passionate about seeing students win and unlocking their full potential. He is dedicated to providing a source of inspiration to those students that may lack the motivation or knowledge needed to be successful.
Fun Facts about Coach Toriano:
- Favorite Movie– “Lean on Me”
- Favorite Food- Fried Chicken
- Favorite Quote: “Believe you can and you’re halfway there”
- Hobbies/Interests: Music, traveling, mentoring
- What Most People Don’t Know: I did background vocals and toured with an award-winning gospel artist for three years.
Education:
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BA Sociology, Elizabeth City State University
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MSW, Clark Atlanta University
About Descatur “Des” Potier:
Mr. Descatur “Des” Potier has over 12 years’ experience in higher education, specifically in college access, undergraduate and graduate recruitment and enrollment and management. Mr. Potier has served on a variety of roles throughout his career in higher education from: Program Recruiter and College Counselor for the University of Massachusetts, Boston –- Upward Bound Program, Associate Director of Admissions and Multicultural Outreach at the University of Georgia and Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs for Enrollment Services and Director of Undergraduate Admissions at Savannah State University. Currently, he is affiliated with the following organizations: Georgia ACT State Council, Southern Regional Forum Committee for the College Board and serves as the President of the GEAC committee which oversees the “GA Probe Fair”.
Fun Facts About Coach Des:
- Favorite Ice Cream: Swedish Fish from RITA’s Italian Ice or Cookies and Cream Ice Cream
- Favorite Band: Boyz II Men
- Favorite Book: Go Tell it on the Mountain by James Baldwin
- Fun Fact: I was a choirboy! Yes. I attended the Boston Boy Choir school at the St. Paul’s Church in Cambridge, MA
- Favorite Collegiate Sports Teams: Georgia Bulldawgs (Football) and University of Miami (Football)
- Favorite Professional Football Team: Atlanta Falcons
Education:
- B.A. Political Science, Trinity College
- M.A Teaching, Tufts University