Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Leah Musacchio. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Leah, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

Seven years ago, it was a night like any other—except for me, it wasn’t. That night, I hit “submit” on my application to start my master’s program. So many possibilities swirled around in my head: Would I get accepted? My undergraduate grades weren’t the best, so who knew if I even stood a chance? School had always been a challenge for me. Was this even feasible?

I was already juggling so many roles—wife, mom, employee, friend, and everything else that makes me who I am. Would I have the time? Despite all these doubts and questions, I leaned on my faith, the foundation I knew to be true. Even when the storm rages around me, I know where my strength comes from. So, with all the faith I could muster, I hit that submit button and trusted that whatever happened would work out exactly as it should.

Fast forward, and I’m here today to share this story with you. Over the course of five challenging years, I completed my master’s degree. Not only did I graduate with my Master of Social Work, but I did so with honors—earning Cum Laude. Now, I’m a licensed social worker and working as a mental health therapist!

It all started with that leap of faith. I took the risk, braved the storm, and didn’t let it drown me. I made it!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I was born and raised in Indonesia, where my parents served as missionaries. As an American being brought up outside my passport country and the culture of my parents, I became what is known as a Third Culture Kid, or TCK—a term coined by David Pollock. Living in Indonesia was an incredible experience. I loved the culture, the food, and the people, and I would move back in a heartbeat!

It was during those formative years that I began to see and understand the significant need for mental health support. I watched many of my friends struggle with the constant transitions that come with moving from country to country. These challenges weren’t limited to missionary kids—I also saw diplomat kids, business kids, and military brats face similar struggles.

In addition, growing up I witnessed and participated in disaster relief efforts in my part of the world. Helping after the 2004 tsunami in Banda Aceh, one of the largest in history, is still one of my most impactful memories. My family also assisted after floods and volcanic eruptions, crises that deeply affected countless individuals and families, and I experienced firsthand how even small acts of kindness could make a powerful difference in the lives of those we served. I vividly remember visiting a refugee camp after a volcanic eruption where we brought supplies to make friendship bracelets. Watching the women smile and momentarily shift their focus away from the disaster warmed my heart. It was in those moments that I realized helping people was the career path I wanted to pursue.

Naturally, one of my specialties in therapy is working with Third Culture Kids. And, as a TCK, I understand how vital family can be because it often serves as the only constant in a life of transitions. That’s why I’m also passionate about supporting and strengthening the family unit, helping families thrive no matter their circumstances.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

When I was preparing for my final practicum during my master’s program, the incredible placement I thought I had secured became uncertain just a month before it was supposed to begin. This position was unique, and one I hoped would be a perfect fit for me and my family: it was a virtual therapy position with an online mental health platform, where I would have gained my own clients and learned how to run a private practice—exactly what I had envisioned for my future. I was devastated, scared, and confused.

But as the start date approached, I began to feel uneasy about the placement. After much prayer and consideration, I decided to trust my instincts and withdrew from the position. It was a difficult decision, but one I am so glad I made. With only several weeks left, I began the search for a new placement all over again. That’s when, through an unexpected connection, I discovered the 417 Mind and Body Clinic. I had never heard of it before, despite it being in a part of town I visited weekly. During my interview with Brooke, we clicked instantly! The 417 Mind and Body Clinic turned out to be everything I had been searching and praying for in a practicum.

That wasn’t the only time I had to pivot during my master’s program. Halfway through my degree, I found out I was pregnant. After so much work, I worried that prolonging my program would negatively impact my career timeline. However, I had always been committed to putting my family first. Instead of completing the program in four years (part-time) as I had originally planned, my degree took me five years; I made the choice to take a year off after my son was born, and I am so glad I did.

Taking that time off allowed my family to adjust to life as a family of four, and it also aligned perfectly with God’s timing. If I had graduated in four years, the 417 Mind and Body Clinic wouldn’t have existed yet or been ready for me. I don’t believe in coincidences. I firmly believe that God works everything out for the good of those who love Him, as it says in Romans 8:28.

Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?

If I could go back, I would choose Social Work again and again. There are so many things I love about this profession and the way we are trained to see and support people. I remember writing in my entrance essay for my master’s program that I was created to do social work, and I still stand by that statement today!

The way I was raised and the values my parents instilled in me—especially seeing the inherent worth and value in every human being—have profoundly shaped who I am. These lessons have stayed with me and will continue to guide me throughout my life and career.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.417mindandbody.com
• Instagram: 417mindandbody
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/417mindandbody