Serena graduated with a degree in Applied Modern Languages with International Marketing, studying in Newcastle, Lyon and Murcia. Upon her return to the UK, she began her career in financial services with Chase de Vere in 1997. She moved back to her home area of Doncaster in 2004 and established Van der Meulen Associates shortly afterwards.

Serena is a Chartered Financial Planner (CII) and CFPᵀᴹ Chartered Member (CISI). Her qualifications and continuous professional development cover a broad range of advice areas. This spectrum of knowledge, along with over 22 years experience allow her to provide financial and strategic planning for individuals, trustees and businesses.

She adopts a proactive, friendly, but direct approach to financial planning and places particular emphasis on simplifying complex issues.

When she is not dealing with all matters financial, Serena volunteers for The Hygiene Bank (Doncaster)