We are delighted to welcome Renee Derstler, RN, to ALS United Mid-Atlantic’s Care Services Team.
Renee brings with her a deep passion for patient care, more than a decade of nursing experience, and a heart dedicated to helping others. A proud mother of three and grandmother of two (soon to be three) Renee finds her greatest happiness in spending time with her family and close friends. Outside of work, she enjoys planning and hosting events, photography, fundraising for those in need, and exploring antique shops.
Renee’s journey into healthcare began at just 18 years old, when she became a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and spent 14 years working in Subacute facilities while raising her children. Her son’s early hospitalizations inspired her to become a nurse, and in 2011, she proudly graduated from nursing school. Over the years, Renee has built a diverse background in Medical-Surgical Nursing, Neurology, Telemetry, Home Health, Subacute, Mental Health, LTACH, and most recently, as an RN Case Manager at a Rehabilitation Hospital.
For Renee, nursing is about far more than clinical skills, it’s about compassion and connection. She believes in treating every patient as an individual, building trust and rapport with both patients and families, and creating care plans that truly reflect each person’s unique goals and needs.
This new role holds a deep personal meaning for Renee, as it honors the memory of her mother, Melinda, who passed away from ALS four years ago. When her mother was diagnosed, Renee dedicated herself to researching treatments, acquiring adaptive equipment, and ensuring her mother had the best quality of life possible. Through this journey, she witnessed the incredible care and support provided by the ALS Certified Treatment Center of Excellence at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center team, an experience that left a lasting impact on her both personally and professionally.
Renee carries forward the advice of her mother’s Nurse Navigator, Annette, who told her, “It’s time for you to take off your nursing cap and just be her daughter.”
That wisdom allowed Renee to be fully present with her mother during her final months, cherishing every moment together. Her mother’s bravery and selflessness, including her decision to donate her body to ALS research, continue to inspire Renee’s mission to make a difference for others facing the same diagnosis.
Through her role, Renee hopes to help people with ALS and their families find meaning, purpose, and quality of life through every step of their journey. She is committed to providing the same level of compassion and guidance that once supported her own family.
Please join us in giving a warm welcome to Renee Derstler! We are so grateful to have her expertise, passion, and heartfelt dedication as part of our team.
Get to Know Renee!
Renee loves to read, sing, and do karaoke. Her grandchild on the way is a granddaughter, and she has been eagerly waiting for a granddaughter to dress up!