I am firmly convinced that every woman has the ability to overcome overwhelming emotions and break free from limiting beliefs to live a life filled with joy, peace, and purpose in Christ.
I am dedicated to equipping women with practical tools and Biblical truths that empower them to embrace their God-given potential and walk confidently in His promises.
Abby Schmucker, LPC
My journey is proof of God’s incredible grace and how He can truly transform our lives. For a long time, I struggled with fear, perfectionism, people-pleasing, pride, overthinking, and control. These things weighed me down and made me feel stuck, but through growing in God's truths and leaning on the support of a loving community, I have learned to let go and trust Him more fully.
After college I started out as a classroom teacher, but quickly transitioned to a stay-at-home mom to four beautiful kids for nearly a decade. As my kids entered school, I felt called to help others in a new way. That led me to become a school counselor, where I worked closely with students, parents, and staff to make sure kids’ needs were met.
As time went on, I felt the pull to offer more personalized, faith-based support, which brought me into private practice. Here, I’ve been able to help people of all ages navigate life’s challenges with a Biblical perspective. Additionally, as a life coach, I focus on helping women who are feeling overwhelmed or stuck. I help them work through their emotions, find gratitude, and reclaim their joy, peace, and purpose in Christ. My coaching is rooted in faith, and my heart is to guide women as they step into the abundant life God has for them.
My journey to where I am now was anything but a straight line. In fact, it was filled with unexpected twists and turns...
Growing up, the concept of becoming a life coach was foreign to me. My initial beliefs about careers were pretty traditional: teacher, nurse, secretary, etc. Though I am the baby of my family I have some first born traits: I am organized, dependable, and work hard. I also enjoyed children, so heading off to college and becoming a teacher seemed a very natural path.
After graduating and getting married, we had four children in about five years. This lady stayed at home until all the sweet babies were in school.
Getting a teaching job at that period in time was difficult, so I considered adding to my degree, something to make me a more attractive candidate. During my time at home, I volunteered at a local community center near our home. I remember the room I was sitting in and the client I was with when I had an epiphany about becoming a school counselor. It seemed a perfect fit as I would have the same schedule as my children and I loved working one-on-one with people.
I started school to obtain my masters degree in counseling while my youngest was in pre-school and three years later, voila! I was blessed to be hired at my kids' middle school and was a school counselor there for a few years.
But internally, after a time, I felt a pull towards something else. I guess I'm not one to let the grass grow beneath my feet too long. I jumped into private counseling at my church and found my passion.
I am honored daily to hear people's stories and walk with them through hard times. Combining Biblical wisdom and science backed strategies to improve mental health has been a winning combination for my clients. They verbally express this to me and bless me with referrals.
I knew I wanted to help more people, but how? Some people are wary of counseling or don't have a diagnosable issue.
And then, the coaching industry exploded. Thus, I took the leap and started my own venture. As a coach I bring all my knowledge as a counselor, all of my skills, all of my experience, and can help anyone around the world. What a privilege.
I am excited to help women overcome emotions we all experience at one time or the other, but can lead us to feeling directionless or stuck. Cultivating gratitude and deepening our faith leads to God's peace, purpose, and abiding joy.
Come join my world
For extra support and encouragement, join my free, private Facebook group, "Walking in Holy Confidence" today!
Looking for a more personal connection? Let me share some fun facts about myself…
I can hang my hat where I'm at.
Originally from the Mid-West, specifically, Illinois (not Chicago, before you ask) and Indiana, my family has made some moves and enjoyed different parts of the United States. A job transfer took us on a ten year adventure to Wyoming, where we enjoyed the mountains and snow, so much snow! During Covid (because, why not?) we moved from Wyoming to Alabama. While I miss snow, we have found beautiful nature and people here as well.
Stacks of books are in my home office that
I'm not sure I'll ever get through...and more
on my to-buy list.
I'm in the phase of life where I'm reading non-fiction for the most part, mostly books around the topics of counseling and faith. And I want the book in my hand, not a kindle. I'm an old-school, book nerd, and I'm not afraid to admit it.
I'm in the phase of life where I'm reading non-fiction for the most part, mostly books around the topics of counseling and faith. And I want the book in my hand, not a kindle. I'm an old-school, book nerd, and I'm not afraid to admit it.Five fast fun facts.
1. Learning to play the piano is a goal of mine. Ask me in six months how I'm doing.
2. I've decided birdwatching is going to be one of my old lady hobbies. I have identified ten different types in my backyard so far.
3. Micah 6:8 is my life verse.
4. Mixing up exercises keeps me coming back: weight lifting, hiking, walking, and biking are a few at the moment. Pickleball is on the list to learn next.
5. To say "I love my job" is an understatement. When you get to do something you're passionate about, it doesn't feel like work.
Switching gears to a more formal tone, for those who appreciate a professional overview...
I am the founder and CEO of Magnolia Haven Counseling in Alabama, as well as the creator of Abby Schmucker Coaching. These two endeavors allow me to serve diverse audiences with tailored support while remaining rooted in the shared mission of fostering growth, healing, and transformation. Splitting my time between these two businesses enables me to provide similar help to people in unique ways—whether through the structured environment of counseling or the dynamic and faith-centered approach of coaching.
Owning and managing small businesses grants me the flexibility and autonomy to pursue my God-given passions fully. I am dedicated to helping individuals break free from the emotional and mental barriers that hold them back and equipping them to move forward with hope, purpose, and confidence in Christ. Each day, I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to merge professional expertise with my faith, empowering others to embrace the abundant life God has designed for them.
