Overview
Serena is a qualified primary bilingual teacher and experienced social service professional with a distinguished academic background. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Applied Business Management, majoring in Māori Organisational Leadership (with distinction), and a Postgraduate Diploma in Kaitiakitanga Professional Bi-Cultural Supervision. With 15 years of experience as a social worker and Whānau Ora Navigator, including 4 years at Te Putahitanga ō Te Waipounamu, Serena brings extensive expertise in cultural consultancy and holistic wellbeing.
Supervision Approach
As a dream believer, Serena is deeply committed to community wellbeing and social and educational growth. Her approach is grounded in her extensive experience in leadership, coaching, and mentoring, with a particular focus on supporting Māori. Balancing her professional commitments with family life, Serena brings a holistic perspective to her work, informed by her roles as a mother of 6, grandmother of 7, and partner to a sheep and beef farmer. Her dedication to cultural understanding and community development shapes her collaborative and supportive approach to professional relationships.
Skills and Experience
Serena's diverse qualifications span health, social services, community development, and leadership disciplines. She is a certified Gallup Strengths Coach and Tetra Map facilitator, with specialized training in motivational interviewing, child protection, suicide prevention, and holistic healing. Her dedication to excellence has been recognized through multiple awards, including the NZI Rural Champion Award (2022), Emerging Business Leadership award from Kuma Māori Business (2023), and as a finalist in both Social Impact Business (2021) and Rural Business Excellence (2023). Serena is a graduate of the Agri Women's Development Trust Escalator Leadership and Governance programme, actively contributing to several boards, including co-chairing Shear 4 a Cause and participating in policy action groups with Rural Women NZ.
