Deborah Malaga

Lead Counselor

Husband: Jerry

God revealed Himself to me at the early age of 6 and my dad led me to the Lord. I was still a child, but old enough to understand God’s love and knew at a very early age that He was calling me for His service.  I started serving as church pianist at the young age of 11 years old.  I was very active in church and everything in my life revolved around God.  During the following years, I taught in various capacities in my church home.

During my high school years, my peers were always telling me their problems. I remember taking my first class in Psychology during the eleventh grade.  It just came so natural for me.  I knew that God was calling me to be a counselor.  I entered college and majored in Psychology. 

But, during my senior year in college, I realized that there were a lot of theories being taught to me in which I did not agree. I stayed two extra semesters and received my certification in elementary education. After receiving my Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Tennessee, I started teaching in the Tennessee Public Schools. I returned to at night and summers, still while teaching, to work toward my Master’s Degree. My major was education with an emphasis in child studies.  I presently hold State of Tennessee teacher’s certification in elementary education, special teacher of reading, and psychology.

I received my Masters Degree from the University of Tennessee in 1980 and taught in public schools for the nest 20 years.  During those years of teaching, I counseled countless teens with various problems.  I still felt a tug to be counseling but I just didn’t know how or where.  At the age of 50, God started showing me the vision for the remainder of my life.

I returned to school and started working on my doctorate in counseling. As soon as I had completed the necessary coursework for licensing in 2003, I started counseling with 180 Degrees Ministries®. I am a certified temperament counselor and Licensed Clinical Christian Counselor. I belong to the National Christian Counselor Association and the American Association of Christian Counselors.

My purpose in life is to help others find the freedom that only God can provide from whatever issues are troubling to them. I look forward to spending my remaining years working with 180 Degrees Ministries® and sharing with others the lessons that God has taught me.

I have truly learned that you are never too old to learn. God has revealed Himself to me and I truly count Him as My Best Friend!