Meet Serena
I’ve always been curious about how people learn, what helps them thrive at work, and why a good idea sometimes struggles to become a useful solution. That curiosity has shaped my career across healthcare, higher education, and entertainment, and it’s what led me to create Optimizing Insight.
I enjoy getting to know an organization, asking questions that uncover what’s really happening, and working with people to build something practical. Over the years, that has meant developing leaders, creating learning experiences, strengthening workforce pathways, and helping teams work through challenges. Some of my favorite moments have been seeing an idea that started as a conversation become something people can use.
My academic background brings another lens to that work. I earned a BA in Psychology and an MA in Cognitive Psychology from the University of South Florida, followed by a PhD in Human Resources Education from Louisiana State University. My studies focused on learning, knowledge retention, leadership development, and research methods. I’ve also published in Memory & Cognition, presented at professional conferences, and edited several books, including Shawn Rhodes’s Pivot Point: Turn on a Dime Without Sacrificing Results.
Outside of work, I enjoy reading, traveling, and being involved in my community. Those connections keep me learning and remind me that the best solutions start with understanding the people they’re meant to serve.
Certifications
- SPHR
- SHRM-SCP
- PMP
- Rightpath Certified Facilitator
- Rightpath Certified Coach
Organizations
- SHRM (Society for Human Resources Management)
- Volusia/Flagler SHRM – President (2024-25), Board Member (2018-Present)
- Daytona Beach West Rotary – President (2020-21), Board Member (2018-2025)
- Rotary District 6970 – District Learning Facilitator (2025-26), Assistant Governor Area 8 (2023-25)
- Project Management Institute
- Leadership Daytona – Class 38
- Leadership Daytona Alumni Council – Vice-Chair (2026), Board Member