Meet the Coach Behind Breathe & Rise Life

I’m dedicated to helping families navigate asthma with more clarity, confidence, and calm. Through compassionate, practical coaching, I support you and your child in building habits that make breathing easier and daily life feel lighter.

Meet Brenda

The heart, experience, and story behind Breathe & Rise Life.

From a young age, I felt a deep sense of peace and support from my parents as they guided me with their love and protection. Even though I would sometimes end up in the emergency department for minor injuries that required stitches, I would dramatically say, “I am going to bleed to death!” My mother would always reassure me that I would be alright — her calm presence planted the earliest seed of the work I would one day do.

So when I announced I wanted to become a nurse, my family was surprised — especially considering my dramatic reaction to the sight of blood. But I was determined, and with my mother’s encouragement, I pursued my path with purpose.

I began my nursing education at Tuskegee University, where I fully immersed myself in campus life, leadership, and service. My passion for healthcare eventually led me to Meharry Medical College, where I graduated with highest honors as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and received the award for “Most Potential to Become an Outstanding Healthcare Provider.” I was humbled — and inspired to keep growing.

Across my career, I’ve held roles as:
• Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
• Administrator/Director of Nursing for a Home Health Agency
• Director of Nursing
• Home Healthcare & Case Management Manager
• Director of Disease Management
• Executive Director of Care Management
• Healthcare Consultant
• Founder of Excel Health Management, LLC

One of the highlights of my journey was creating programs for children with asthma and juvenile diabetes — including summer camps, support groups, and the first school‑based asthma management program for ages 3–18 in New Orleans, Louisiana. These experiences strengthened my belief that families thrive when they receive not just care… but compassion, education, and consistent support.

Of all my roles, my most cherished have been being a wife to my late husband, LeRoy Marrow, and a mother to my phenomenal daughter, Elizabeth “Liz” Marrow.

My journey continues — and I believe the best is still ahead.

A woman smiling, wearing a pink headscarf, pink turtleneck top, and a beaded necklace with carved elephant charms and a large oval pendant featuring a tree design.

Brenda’s Expertise at a Glance

A lifetime of compassionate healthcare leadership and hands-on support for children and families.

  • Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, graduated with highest honors

  • Awarded “Most Potential to Become an Outstanding Healthcare Provider”

  • Administrator/Director of Nursing for a Home Health Agency

  • Director of Disease Management

  • Executive Director for Case & Care Management

  • Founder of Excel Health Management

  • Established the first asthma summer camp for the American Lung Association of Louisiana

  • Created the first School-Based Asthma Management Program for ages 3–18 in New Orleans

  • Led educational seminars and support groups for children with asthma and juvenile diabetes

  • Experienced healthcare consultant and mentor to families and medical teams


Why I Do This Work

For decades, I’ve walked alongside families facing the uncertainty, fear, and daily challenges of childhood asthma. I’ve seen parents feel overwhelmed, children feel frustrated, and families wonder if things will ever get easier. My purpose — and the reason I founded Breathe & Rise Life — is to help replace that fear with confidence.

I do this work because I know firsthand that asthma doesn’t just affect the lungs; it affects routines, emotions, sleep, school, and family life. With the right guidance, education, and consistent support, families can experience calmer days, safer nights, and a renewed sense of control.

Every child deserves to breathe easier. Every parent deserves to feel supported. And it is my calling to provide that compassion, clarity, and care.

Watercolor illustration of a woman holding a baby, both with blank faces, set against a soft, abstract background with green and peach tones.

Illustration of two hands reaching up with a heart between them, surrounded by a soft, watercolor-like aura.

My Approach to Supporting Families

My goal is to make asthma feel less overwhelming and more manageable for both children and their parents. I blend clinical experience with compassionate, practical coaching — helping families understand triggers, build healthier routines, and respond calmly and confidently when symptoms arise.

I believe that every family deserves a partner who listens, encourages, and walks alongside them. That’s why my approach is rooted in education, empathy, and actionable steps that fit real life. Together, we create habits that support easier breathing, smoother days, and more peaceful nights.


What Inspires Me

The families I’ve served over the years are the true inspiration behind my work. I have witnessed incredible strength in parents who simply want the best for their children, and remarkable resilience in kids who learn to navigate asthma with courage and hope. Their determination motivates me every single day.

I’m also inspired by my own journey — the teachers, mentors, patients, and loved ones who shaped the way I view care, compassion, and partnership. Each experience has deepened my belief that support and understanding can transform the way families face challenges.

It’s this blend of personal history, professional experience, and heartfelt connection that continues to fuel my commitment to helping families breathe easier and live with greater confidence.

Watercolor painting of a river flowing through green hilly landscape at sunrise with a soft orange and yellow sky.

Softly painted heart in pastel shades of green, blue, and yellow on a light background.

Beyond the Credentials

While my professional experience has shaped my expertise, it’s the personal connections that have shaped my heart. I am a woman of faith, gratitude, and purpose — values that guide every interaction I have with the families I serve. I believe deeply in meeting people where they are, offering compassion without judgment, and creating space for hope, healing, and confidence.

Outside of my work, I cherish time with loved ones, lifelong learning, and the opportunity to uplift others. These parts of my life fuel my commitment to helping families feel supported, understood, and empowered as they navigate the challenges of asthma and everyday life.

Contact us

Ready to work together? I’d love to connect.
Share a few details below, and we’ll reach out within 24–48 hours.
Your journey toward clearer breathing and calmer days starts here.