Derek was born and raised in Myerstown, Pennsylvania and went on to attend Penn State University. At Penn State, he served as an elder for two years at Alliance Christian Fellowship (ACF), a student-led church on Penn State's main campus. It was through student leaders at ACF where God opened his eyes to behold the glory of His Gospel most clearly, and he's been enraptured by it ever since.

After Penn State, Derek moved to Littleton, CO where his wife, Michael Ann grew up. They now have two children: Levi and Charlie Ann, and are passionate about seeing God's Word take hold in the Denver metro area as the waters cover the sea. Derek was installed as an elder at Redeemer Community Church on January 10th, 2021.