Serena Poon

Serena Poon’s journey into wellness began with a deeply personal experience. While attending UC Berkeley, her father was diagnosed with Stage 4 liver cancer and passed away. Shortly after, her mother received a diagnosis of a rare and aggressive form of ovarian cancer. This period profoundly shifted Poon’s focus towards health and well-being, inspiring her to become a dedicated caretaker for her loved ones. In this pursuit, she eventually realized she was neglecting her own health. This became clear after she contracted MRSA following a surgery, which prompted her to seek a more balanced approach to healing.

Poon then broadened her understanding of wellness beyond traditional nutrition. She began working with a healer and made a commitment to her own well-being. This led her to study Reiki, an ancient energy healing modality. She integrated these energy practices with her passion for food and nutrition, creating a holistic framework she calls “Culinary Alchemy®.” This method combines the physiological and energetic impacts of food. After undergoing multiple surgeries and overcoming significant health challenges, she refined her approach to self-care, recognizing the importance of balancing personal well-being with her dedication to helping others.

Her integrated philosophy led to the expansion of her career. Beyond private chef and catering services, Poon developed Culinary Alchemy® into a comprehensive wellness program. She is a certified nutritionist (CN), certified health coach (CHC), certified holistic nutritionist (CHN), and a Reiki Master. Her expertise positions her as a wellness and longevity advisor for a notable clientele, including Jerry Bruckheimer, Kerry Washington, Tom Brady, and Sofía Vergara. She founded Serena Loves, LLC, a wellness brand encompassing a supplement line, blog, and TV show. Poon also launched Just Add Water®, a line of nutrient-dense superfoods and supplements. In 2022, she co-founded Fully Aligned Co, LLC with Professor David A. Sinclair, A.O., Ph.D., aiming to bridge science and soul in wellness. Poon is currently the Head of Development at the Academy for Health & Lifespan Research and serves on the advisory boards of EdenRoc Sciences, Delavie Sciences, and Ziva Health. Her work and insights have been featured in publications and media outlets such as Forbes, Vogue, Elle, The Wall Street Journal, TODAY, The New York Times, HEALTH, The Doctors, and NBC News Daily, and she is a regular contributor to KTLA Morning News. Poon has also appeared as an actress in films such as “The Heartbreak Kid” (2007) and “New Year’s Eve” (2011), and as a Chinese Vendor in “Valentine’s Day” (2010).