Derek is currently a student in the Wake Tech Human Services AAS Degree program for Substance Use Disorders. Derek has enjoyed many years volunteering in detox units and treatment centers and continues to do so, and he is a certified Peer Support Specialist. Prior to starting his role as a Continuing Care Coordinator at New Waters Recovery, he served as a Clinical Case Manager at Green Hill Recovery by working with clients to assist them in setting academic and professional goals, developing positive personal character traits, and integrating principles of recovery into their lives.

Prior to entering the addiction treatment field professionally, Derek has held a variety of roles over the last 17 years. He has a variety of life experiences under his belt due to his varied professional background, including swimming pool service technician, certified pool operator, service manager, and operations manager. Before that he proudly served for 4 years in the U.S. Army. Throughout his varied professional and volunteer experiences, he has learned valuable lessons about the nature of addiction and the journey of recovery.

Derek brings an intense passion for helping others to the clients and staff of New Waters Recovery. His decades of experience in what works and doesn’t work enables him to compassionately, empathetically, and effectively pass along to others a message of hope and healing through words and actions. In his spare time, Derek enjoys fulfilling his dream of flying airplanes, playing disc golf, traveling, and furthering his education. He lives in Raleigh with his wife Susan, stepson Michael, big ol’ chocolate lab Buddy, and 8 turtles rescued from swimming pools over the years.