Derek has worked at Britannia Out of School Care, Jericho Kids Club, and Vancouver Society of Child Care Centers, plus several other childcare programs. He also has a diploma from the Douglas College Child and Youth Care Counsellor program. His child first aid certificate is up to date. His criminal record check is clean and up to date. And he and many hours of workshops and certificates in child care.

He has a personal interest in games, and enjoys sharing them with kids. He plays Magic: the Gathering regularly, board games occasionally, and he used to play a lot of D&D. He keeps his knowledge of these updated, and nurtures his connections in some of these communities. He combines his experience in both gaming and childcare to adapt the games to be appropriate for each age and developmental stage.