Darren grew up and attended high school in Gilroy, California, and earned his BA in Mathematics from San Francisco State University. He worked nights as a stagehand for Beach Blanket Babylon to help pay for tuition, and he met his wife there.

After college, he taught at Phillip and Sala Burton High School in San Francisco, which he describes as a hard place to teach but full of amazing kids. He later taught for six years at the Jewish Community High School. After having a child, he and his wife moved out of San Francisco.

Darren joined the school as a math teacher in 2008, the year it moved to its new campus, and was one of its most popular math teachers during his ten years of teaching. As Dean of Student Life, he oversees the student experience, including social activities, Community Meeting, and the Coyote Cup. As an Honor Dean, he worked with students and Humanities Teacher Drew Gloger to co-create the Honor Code and guide the Judicial Honor Council.

He enjoys the passing periods between classes, which he describes as a "constant feeling of camaraderie." He says the school stands out for its wide range of programs, including outdoor, travel, exploratory, shop, and garden offerings, so that every student can find a niche.

In his spare time, Darren builds furniture and does woodworking projects. He has taught multiple Intersession woodworking courses and is also an exceptional hockey player.