Serena Bufalino

Serena Bufalino

CEO & Founder

Serena Bufalino is a passionate educator, humanitarian, and spiritual leader dedicated to creating a more just, compassionate, and conscious world. She is the CEO and founder of Help Heal Humanity and a Special Education Specialist. Serena has spent over two decades teaching some of the most vulnerable youth in Ontario, helping them rise above trauma, mental health challenges, and systemic barriers. Her work in the classroom extends far beyond academics and is rooted in empathy, social justice, and the healing power of human connection.

In 2010, moved by the devastation of the Haiti earthquake and her students’ desire to serve, Serena founded Help Heal Humanity. What began as a school project evolved into a global movement building schools, sponsoring students, feeding families, and delivering hope in some of the world’s most underserved regions.

At the core of Serena’s leadership is her spiritual practice. A lifelong student of yoga and meditation, Serena uses movement as medicine, blending discipline with flow and structure with soul. Nature is her sanctuary, service is her path, and love is her answer to a world in crisis.

Whether she is teaching, leading, fundraising, speaking, or simply walking through the forest, Serena remains deeply rooted in her mission: To help heal humanity one student, meal and community at a time. Yes, yes, yes.

Awards:

2023 - Winner of the YMCA International Peace Award for outstanding contributions as a Peacemaker

2021 - Winner of the Atelier Changer Maker of the Year Awards

2021 - Nominated Women of Inspiration by Universal Women’s Network

2021 - Nominated YWCA Women of the Year for Community Champion Award

2020 - Nominated Women of Distinction by the Universal Women’s Network

2018 - Winner of the Excellence Award for Teaching from the Toronto District School Board

2016 - Nominated as one of the top 100 teachers in Canada by the Toronto Star and won an honourable mention in 2015.

2015 - Winner of the McMaster University Alumni Arch Award

2014 - Ranked third overall in Toronto for putting in more community service and hours than any other volunteer in the GTA

2014 - Nominated one of Toronto’s Inspiring Influencers by Elle Magazine