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Interviewer: I’m so happy we were able to get an interview today with you and Stiles. It’s so exciting! Thank you for taking the time to do this. I know your schedules are very busy.
Derek: Of course. It’s our pleasure. Anything to get the word out there for conservation efforts.
Interviewer: So, Derek. Tell me why you work with marine life? Was this a calling for you?
Derek: My sister, Laura, and I grew up around here. We loved going to the beach and would spend hours exploring the tide pools, searching for seashells, and marveling at the diverse marine life. We’d watch the little baby sea turtles make their way to the ocean, cheering them on. From there, we became passionate about ocean conservation and volunteered with local organizations. Preserving the natural beauty of this place became a lifelong commitment for us, so we started organizing beach cleanups and fundraising events to support marine conservation efforts and eventually founded the conservatory.
Interviewer: Working with family must be exciting since you share the same interests and love for the environment. What’s it like working with family?
Derek: Well, it has its challenges, that’s for sure. But mostly, I love it. Laura and I work well together. We have a good dynamic and complement each other’s strengths. It can be tough at times, but we’ve learned to communicate openly and respect each other’s opinions. Something I’m sure our parents wish we’d learned when we were younger. Ultimately, we’re driven by our passion for conservation and educating people about the importance of protecting our oceans. Working side by side with my sister has been incredibly rewarding, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Interviewer: Hale Conservatory is well known for all the fundraising you do year-round. So, could you tell me how the fundraising is going this season?
Derek: The fundraisers have been going well, especially with the turtle adoptions, thanks to the new tracking project. It’s been a huge success, allowing people to virtually ‘adopt’ a sea turtle and follow its journey through the ocean. This has generated significant interest and donations to support our conservation efforts. We’ve also seen an increase in volunteer sign-ups for beach cleanups and educational programs as more people become aware of the challenges facing marine ecosystems. While fundraising is an ongoing effort, the community’s growing engagement is incredibly encouraging.
Interviewer: Tell me you have one of your fundraiser parties planned this year. I’m dying to know what else you guys have in the works for the conservatory fundraiser agenda.
Derek: We have several exciting fundraisers in the works. Next month, we’re hosting an ocean-themed gala with a silent auction featuring unique marine-inspired artwork and experiences. We’re also planning a ‘Swim for the Sea’ charity swim event later this summer, where participants can raise pledges to support our conservation programs. Additionally, we’re exploring the possibility of a community-wide beach party to celebrate World Oceans Day and raise awareness about the threats facing our local marine ecosystems. We aim to continue engaging the public and expanding our funding for conservation and education initiatives. We’re always looking for new and creative ways to get the community involved and inspire people to take action to protect our oceans. With the growing support, we’re confident we can make a real difference in safeguarding the marine life and habitats that are so dear to us. Every donation and volunteer hour brings us closer to our goals, and we're excited to see what the future holds.
Interviewer: Speaking of animals and ecosystems, what is your favorite animal?
Derek: My favorite marine animal has to be the sea turtle. There's just something so captivating about their graceful movements and resilient spirit. Watching those hatchlings make their way to the ocean always fills me with a sense of wonder and hope. Protecting these incredible creatures and their habitats is so important, and I'm grateful I get to play a role in that. So, yes, the sea turtle is my favorite and will always hold a special place in my heart.
Interviewer: Let’s mix it up a bit. Have you ever thought about working in another field? What would you be doing if you weren't working with conservation?
Derek: Is a professional taste tester a job? I’ve gotten spoiled sampling Stiles’ food as he develops new recipes for his restaurant. But in all seriousness, if I wasn’t working at the conservatory, I’d probably be doing something else in the environmental or non-profit sector. My passion for ocean conservation runs deep, and I can’t imagine not being involved in this kind of work. Maybe I’d be researching marine biology or leading eco-tours. Regardless, my heart would still be tied to protecting our oceans and the incredible creatures that call it home.
Stiles: Hey! Sorry I’m late. I had to finish up a few forms, but I’m here now.
Interviewer: No worries! I was digging into conservation with Derek while we waited for you. I’m excited you’re here now!
Stiles: (Laughs) Thanks. It means a lot to us that we could be here. I just lose track of time so easily.
Interviewer: Well now we can talk about food!
Derek: (Laughs) My third favorite topic, after conservation and Stiles, of course.
Stiles: You flatter me.
Interviewer: Let’s start with something easy. Our readers really want to know why you returned to Beacon Hills. Especially after living in New York.
Stiles: Honestly? I missed my family and the ocean. It just happened to be that there was an opening at a restaurant that provided me the opportunity to come back home. I just missed being here with my parents and friends. It’s a plus that I found Derek when I came back, and now I’ll never leave again.
Interviewer: How is the restaurant going? Derek mentioned it briefly earlier but we didn't dig into it.
Stiles: It’s going great. I’ve actually started my own restaurant now named The Sea Wolf. I’ve taken a lot of my recipes from Apollo’s over to The Sea Wolf and revised them with a little twist. And I’ve created a lot more over the years. It’s a place for everyone to visit, not just for a fancy night out. We also host some fundraisers for the conservatory there throughout the year.
Interviewer: What about your catering business? I know that took off before you left Apollo’s. Can you share more about that?
Stiles: Catering has been looped into The Sea Wolf and I do all of my catering out of there now. For a couple of years I did all the catering from our house once I left Apollo’s and Derek was my unofficial taste tester. Well, he still is, but I’m sure he was so tired of eating all my fancy food for a couple of years. He really just wanted my mac n’ cheese.
Interviewer: With all the delicious things you cook, what is your favorite food?
Stiles: I know someone is going to think I’m terrible for saying sushi, especially since I’m so involved with the conservatory with Derek now, but I don't eat it often. Maybe once or twice a year since it’s not really sustainable. I try to source as much farm-raised fish as possible, though. Instead of sea caught fish.
Interviewer: How about Derek? Does he ever cook for you or are you the only chef in the kitchen?
Stiles: Derek likes to cook Mississippi Pot Roast for me, but I mostly do the cooking. Derek’s gotten really into using the crock pot for cooking because it's so convenient when we’re working long hours. He’ll even meal prep a bunch of crock pot meals and put them into the freezer so he can use them if I’m not cooking dinner. It’s adorable and I love him for it. It helps us have an easy night in if I’m too tired from the restaurant.
Interviewer: Let’s move on to something a little more personal. How do you both balance your relationship with the intense work you do with Hale Conservatory and The Sea Wolf?
Stiles: Sometimes it's a challenge, but I think because we both work together instead of completely separate from each other, that helps. It’s not like I’m not spending time with Derek when I’m working at the conservatory, and Derek stops by the restaurant often. Or if I’m catering and he’s not working, he’s usually with me. We also do a lot of work catering the events for the conservatory together.
Derek: Exactly. Maintaining that work-life balance is crucial, and at the end of the day, our relationship is the priority. We’re committed to making it work no matter what challenges come our way.
Interviewer: We all know that Stiles is deeply involved with the Hale Conservatory. Does Derek help with The Sea Wolf or catering?
Stiles: I like to joke that Derek helps by being my eye candy at the restaurant or when we have a catering event. Really, he helps keep my nerves under control. I know I can do it, but I always get nervous anyway.
Derek: You’re amazing. And, really, it’s not exactly a hardship—whether it’s just being there to support Stiles as “eye candy” or helping by prepping ingredients, greeting guests, or being a taste-tester. Our teamwork and communication are what keeps everything running smoothly, both in our professional and personal lives. At the end of the day, we’re in this together, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Interviewer: If you don't mind, I’m sure some of our readers would love to hear more about your personal lives.
Stiles: Uhhh, it depends on the questions. (laughs) But you can take your best shot.
Interviewer: We’re all curious about something. Did anyone ever say anything about how quickly your relationship progressed? I know it was love at first sight. I wish we were all so lucky!
Derek: I’m sure strangers and outsiders have their opinions on our relationship, but anyone who knows us knows that things moved at a pace that felt right for us. When we knew, we knew, and our families have been incredibly supportive. They know that our relationship is built on a strong foundation of trust, communication, and shared values. While the timeline may have seemed fast to some, it was right for us, and at the end of the day, the only opinions that matter are our own, and we’re confident in the life we’ve built together.
Interviewer: Can you share how meeting the parents went?
Derek: (chuckles) Do you want to tell the story about how you met my mom?
Stiles: Uhhhhhhh… (laughs) Officially we met at the conservatory when she caught us making out. She said it was fine, but it was just super awkward for me because I was worried about what she’d think. But after that we had a family dinner, and I went over to his parents' place. Your dad was pretty cool and your sisters were terrors like they always are.
Stiles: How did you feel meeting my parents? I know they were traveling for a bit there.
Derek: Well, that was definitely interesting. I didn’t even meet them until after we were engaged, so to say they were shocked is an understatement. But even though the timing was a bit unconventional, they welcomed me with open arms. Sure, his dad grilled me about my intentions, but once they saw how devoted I was to him—how devoted we were to each other—they couldn’t have been more supportive. I’m grateful to have such wonderful in-laws who immediately embraced me as part of the family.
Interviewer: Can you tell us how your relationship has been? Any updates you feel comfortable sharing?
Stiles: It’s been really great. We’ve been married…how many years now? I’m terrible with dates (laughs). I think we’re actually ready to share something exciting, though. Since we’ve already signed the papers.
Derek: We’ve been together for seven years now, and it’s been a journey, but we’re thrilled to announce that we’re starting a family!
Stiles: We’re adopting a little boy named Eli and we’re bringing him home in a couple of days. I just finished the nursery and I think we’re just excited to start on this new journey in our lives together.
Derek: Yeah, we’re overjoyed to welcome Eli into our lives and can’t wait to shower him with love. We’ve been preparing for this moment for a while, and now that it’s finally here, we’re filled with a mix of excitement and nerves. I’ve been reading every parenting book I can get my hands on and toddler-proofing the house.
Stiles: Eli will be 2 soon, so toddler-proofing is a must. It’ll be a different kind of beach house when Derek’s done, I’m sure. More family-friendly.
Interviewer: That’s so exciting! I’m sure our readers can't wait to see a new little Stilinski-Hale at the Hale Conservatory and The Sea Wolf, learning the ropes.
Stiles: (laughs) Yeah, I think we’ll be pretty busy. I can't wait to show Eli the sea turtles. I have a feeling they’ll be his favorite.
Interviewer: Well, thank you, both of you, for taking the time out to talk with me. It’s been a pleasure and Stiles, we’ll touch base for that other interview later.
Stiles: Sure thing!
Derek: Thank you for stopping by!