About Agenna
Real Life. Real Growth. Real Change.
Because true growth starts where healing and wisdom meet—and your story doesn’t end where the pain began.
Hi, I’m Agenna
(Pronounced “uh…Gina”—yes, it sounds like I’ve forgotten my own name when I introduce myself. It’s unique, and there’s a great story behind it you can read about on my blog!)
I’m a follower of Christ, a Certified Life and Mindset Coach, a published author, and a firm believer that you are valuable beyond measure. Not because of what you’ve achieved or survived, but simply because you exist.
That belief shapes everything I do—from coaching conversations to the words I write to everyday moments over sweet tea (my signature drink).
My Story
I’m a small-town Indiana girl who found her way to Georgia after meeting my husband at Purdue University. He asked me to marry him on our first date. I said yes. Thirty-five years later, we’re still here—building a life filled with faith, family, and unexpected adventures.
We have three grown daughters who all still call our North Georgia home their home too. We lovingly refer to ourselves as “God’s favorite sitcom,” and trust me—between the five adults, two crazy boxer dogs, and our tendency to communicate entirely in Christmas Vacation quotes—the material writes itself.
Our journey includes a major career change when my husband left corporate life to become a full-time fishing guide. It was terrifying. It challenged everything I believed about security and control. And it became one of the greatest lessons of my life: sometimes what we fear most is the very thing God is using to set us free.
That experience—learning to let go, trust the process, and embrace the unexpected—transformed how I see change, growth, and the stories we tell ourselves. It’s also what led me to my own calling as a coach, writer, and encourager.
Why I Do This Work
Along the way, I discovered something powerful: our thoughts have incredible power to shape our lives. The way we think influences how we feel, how we act, and ultimately, the direction we move in.
But I also learned something equally important: trauma literally changes the brain. For survivors, it’s not as simple as “just think positive” or “change your mindset.” Trauma rewires your nervous system, alters how your brain processes information, and creates survival patterns that once kept you safe but now keep you stuck.
That’s why my approach honors both—the power of changing your thoughts AND the reality of what trauma does to your body and brain. Real transformation requires addressing both the biology and the beliefs.
For years, I worked with clients who were stuck—not because they lacked potential, but because they were trapped by limiting beliefs, unhealed trauma, and lies they’d learned to believe about themselves.
Too many people were carrying the silent weight of childhood sexual trauma without realizing how deeply it was affecting their lives. The dots weren’t connecting for them. They needed tools, truth, and hope—not just theory, but practical steps they could take in private, at their own pace.
That’s why I wrote my first book, Healing What Hides in the Shadows. It was written for those who’ve been told to “just get over it,” who’ve been shamed for struggling, or who’ve spent years wondering if healing is even possible.
Because it is. And you’re worth fighting for.
My Approach
As a Certified Life and Mindset Coach, I help people clear the mental and emotional fog that’s been holding them back so they can find and live their true purpose.
For some, that means breaking generational cycles of abuse. For others, it means healing from trauma, silencing shame, or stepping into leadership with confidence. For all, it means working with both how trauma has changed your brain and how you can rewire thought patterns to create new possibilities.
Here’s what makes my approach different:
I use the science of neuroplasticity—your brain’s ability to rewire itself—combined with trauma-informed tools that honor what your body and nervous system have been through. This isn’t about positive thinking or willpower. It’s about understanding how trauma created survival patterns in your brain, and then gently, practically teaching your nervous system that it’s safe to create new ones.
We work with your body’s wisdom, not against it. We replace lies with truth. We develop new neural pathways. And we create the future you actually want—not by ignoring what happened to you, but by honoring it while refusing to let it define you.
I’m not here to give you quick fixes or motivational speak. I’m here to walk with you through the hard, beautiful work of real transformation—rooted in hope, faith, and the reality of how healing actually works.
My Faith
My faith in Jesus anchors everything I do. It shapes how I see people, how I coach, and the truths I speak into others’ lives.
I deeply understand the profound value of each individual, created and cherished by God. I believe that if He created you, He has magnificent plans for your life. My mission is to help you uncover and embrace those plans—to break free from limiting thoughts and live fully in alignment with His vision for you.
But here’s what’s important: I’m not a “Christian Coach” in the sense that I only work with Christians or push my beliefs on others. My faith is my starting point—I can’t extract it from who I am—but I deeply respect each person’s choice. I only actively engage in religious discussions if desired by my client.
Whether you share my faith or not, you’re welcome here. Because my core belief transcends denomination: you are valuable beyond measure, and you deserve to heal.
What I Value
My core values are faith, family, freedom, creativity, and perspective. These shape how I live, work, and love.
Lately, I’ve been learning to embrace freedom in new ways—like exploring backroads and open skies in my Jeep, loving the feeling of wind, adventure, and space to breathe.
I’m not flashy or perfect. I’m real, sometimes funny, often curious, and always learning. I love tennis (I play like it’s my job), meaningful conversations, my small groups, and helping people trade self-criticism for self-compassion.
I believe laughter and food are medicine—which is why my famous sausage gravy and biscuits somehow always brings everyone to the table.
I strive to be a light in my community—whether that was coaching volleyball for 13 years, serving as a chef for a local nonprofit, or leading small groups. I’ve learned that healing happens not just in isolation, but in connection and service to others.
My Professional Background
- Certified Life and Mindset Coach (CLC)
- Published Author – Healing What Hides in the Shadows: A Private Journey Through Sexual Trauma Recovery
- Toastmasters Member – Growing as a communicator and learning to share messages that encourage, inspire, and help others see life from a fresh perspective
- Voracious reader – Averaging 20+ books per year (some years 60+) across psychology, neuroscience, faith, and personal development
- Years of experience coaching survivors, business leaders, teens, athletes, and couples
- Continued growth through reading, professional education, and learning from master coaches, trainers, and entrepreneurs
I believe in practicing what I preach. Continued growth is a value I apply to every aspect of my life—my 35-year marriage, raising three daughters, running a small business, and leading others.
Speaking & Teaching
I’m also available for speaking engagements, workshops, and retreats. My talks blend vulnerability, humor, and hard-won wisdom—helping audiences discover fresh perspective, embrace unexpected change, and find hope in the middle of hard things.
I speak on topics including:
- Trauma recovery and healing
- Breaking destructive relationship patterns
- Transforming your mindset and identity
- Faith in the middle of fear and change
- Moving from surviving to thriving
- The power of perspective shifts
- Reclaiming your worth and voice
Whether it’s a church group, women’s retreat, corporate event, or community gathering, I bring real stories, practical tools, and the kind of encouragement that sticks with people long after they leave the room.
What Drives Me
My greatest joy is watching the transformation of motivated individuals once they learn new ways of thinking and implement practical strategies. These life-changing results drive me to work as hard for my clients as they work for themselves.
I believe you’re the expert of your own life. My job is simply to provide tools, support, and unwavering belief in your capacity to heal and thrive.
Because you absolutely can. And you absolutely will.
Let’s Connect
Whether through coaching, speaking, or my writing, my goal is simple: to help you discover the power of changing your thoughts, seeing yourself through God’s eyes, and living with no blaming, no complaining, no excuses—and with the deep assurance that you are truly valuable beyond measure.
If you’re ready to start your journey, I’d be honored to walk alongside you.