About

In his youth, Derek felt a strong pull to the East where he studied Buddhism and Vedanta. He was drawn to the majestic peaks of the Himalayas and spent time as a part time monk at Kopan Tibetan Buddhist Monastery in Kathmandu. 

Derek eventually returned to California to help promote the teachings of the Eastern teacher Jiddu Krishnamurti who famously said that “truth was a pathless land.” Derek was invited to be a Trustee of the Krishnamurti Foundation of America by Mary Zimbalist and served the organization for 16 years.

Derek’s first experience with Ayahuasca took place in the sacred valley of Peru near Machu Picchu in 2003. Derek has been working with plant medicine for twenty years and has a deep meditation practice. Derek offers initiation and integration counseling.

Derek holds a Master’s degree in Public Policy and Administration with an emphasis in Behavioral Development. He served as an adjunct professor at the European School of Management in Spain and Universidad del Noreste in Mexico.  Derek is an entrepreneur at heart, has founded several companies, and loves surfing both the spiritual and physical realms. Derek currently lives in Ojai, California, with his partner Mar and an adorable cat named Millie.