​Hi, I'm Marlena—a Registered Nurse, Nurse Educator, Mentor, and CPR instructor through the American Heart Association. Heart Defense LLC was started out of a desire to serve my community through CPR and safety education. As a registered nurse with a calling to serve, teach, and protect lives, I aim to equip individuals with the skills and confidence needed to respond in medical emergencies. My teaching style is engaging, hands-on, and grounded in real-life clinical knowledge from nearly 18 ½ years of nursing experience.

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I began my nursing career in 2007, and I currently hold a Masters of Science in Nursing Education degree from Columbus State University. After obtaining my Masters degree, I served as a Nursing Professor at the university level. I have mentored, educated, and trained countless nursing students and paramedics across a range of clinical and academic settings. My background in nursing includes critical care, medical-surgical, long-term/acute care, cardiac observation, medical rehabilitation, and orthopedic/joint surgery. 

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Outside of work, I enjoy fellowshipping with my church family, meeting new people, and mentoring those who aspire to join the profession of Nursing. Nursing is my ministry... Teaching is truly my passion! ♡