Dereka graduated with a Master of Mental Health Counseling from Indiana University and is working towards full licensure. With two years at Integrity Family Counseling and seven years in social work, she has broad experience in therapeutic mental health addiction issues and evidence-based treatment interventions.

Dereka specializes in Cognitive-Behavior Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and incorporates positive psychology and compassion-focused approaches. Her areas of interest include anxiety, depression, grief, life transitions, conflict resolution, marriage, stress, and well-being. Outside of work, Dereka enjoys spending time with family and her four grandchildren. She is passionate about working with adults and teens and is described as genuine and non-judgmental by others.

Dereka is a member of the Psi Chi Honor Society for Psychology and the American Psychological Association (APA).