Rabbi Derek Gormin was born and raised in sunny Orange County, California where he studied Political Science, Music and Sociology at the University of California, Irvine. During Derek’s tenure in university, he recognized the necessity for his involvement in the greater Jewish community due to the fierce anti-Semitism that he experienced on his campus.  Derek spent his college years defending Israel and the Jewish people by serving as president of Hillel’s Jewish Student Union and Alpha Epsilon Pi: The Jewish Fraternity.  While living in Irvine, Derek worked for the Jewish Federation of Orange County and became very involved in the local community.  Upon Graduation, Derek had the awesome experience of making his way to Israel to experience Jewish life and learning in the holyland.  After some time spent learning in various Yeshivot in Jerusalem, Derek returned to America to marry a beautiful, talented and supportive woman, Sarah Leah.  In 2007 The Gormin family served as the Youth Directors for Beth Jacob Congregation of Irvine and NCSY Chapter Directors in Orange County.  After developing a thriving program in Irvine, the Gormins were recognized by the West Coast Regional Office and offered an opportunity to apply their strengths in the San Fernando Valley area.  Derek was hired by West Coast NCSY as the “Valley JSU Club Coordinator,” then quickly advanced to the position of “Director of Education”, developing programming and ensuring meaningful Jewish educational experiences for teens, creating a safe place for students to cultivate their identity.  Currently finishing his 13^th year with West Coast NCSY, Rabbi Gormin holds the position of Regional Director for the Region.  Rabbi Gormin enjoys playing guitar, homemade kimchi, Shabbos, hiking and swimming the seas of Jewish Literature.  Derek and Sarah Leah live in Valley Village, CA with their 4 ridiculously cute children.