About Dr Serena
Dr. Serena has been in health care for over 12 years. She is native to the Pacific Northwest, and as an undergraduate attended Western Washington University in Bellingham, WA where she obtained a comprehensive degree in the biological sciences with emphasis in botany, evolution theory, and medical ethics. During her college years she worked in multiple capacities as a sexuality counselor and health coach, including HIV Test Counseling, Sexual Assault Advocate, and social support to individuals living with AIDS. These experiences began her development of a playful yet effective communication style around sensitive topics regarding sexuality.
After completing her Bachelor of Science degree, Dr. Serena enjoyed world travel, living throughout Europe and the Caribbean. She gained experience in emergency medicine serving as an Emergency Medical Technician at the Orcas Island Fire Department.
Dr. Serena then entered the Doctorate Program of Naturopathic Medicine at Bastyr University in Seattle, WA. She completed 315 credits, and 4,100 hours of coursework of study and supervised primary care clinical practice with emphasis in Botanical Medicine, Counseling, Nutritional Therapies, and Physical Medicine. During her time as a medical student, she served as Student Counselor and was trained extensively in general practice and family care. Her clinical training emphasized HIV/AIDS care, endocrinology, laboratory diagnostics, underserved population care, infectious disease, as well as exhaustive study with multiple physicians renowned for women’s health care.
Upon graduation with her doctorate degree, Dr. Serena successfully completed a rigorous Family Medicine Residency at the Bastyr Center for Natural Health, a multi-disciplinary primary care clinic, where she independently & collaboratively managed diverse patient presentations, supervised student clinicians, and managed after-hours urgent patient care responsibilities. She served as Adjunct Faculty at Bastyr University, both in a clinical and academic capacity, before entering private practice.
Dr. Serena enjoys teaching, and has lectured extensively in the community and classroom on sexuality and holistic medicine. She has served as an instructor for a Sexuality and Sex Therapy course for graduate students, and has given talks such as “Sexual Medicine in Primary Care”, “Ten Components of Healthy HIV Positive Living”, and “Endocrinology of Sexual Medicine” for both medical professionals and community members.
Dr. Serena lives with her husband and 1 ½ year old son in Woodinville, and is an avid nature enthusiast and loves mountain hiking, long beach walks, and ocean camping. She also enjoys gardening, poetry, and playful living.
Dr. Serena is an Active Physician Member of the National Association of Naturopathic Medicine, Washington Association of Naturopathic Physicians, International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health, and is a nationally certified Sex Counselor through the American Association of Sex Educations and Therapists.