Born and raised in the suburbs of Detroit, Michigan, Meryl began skating on a small, local lake with neighbors, friends and family. Even just after starting lessons at the nearby Detroit Skating Club at the age of five, it became clear that Meryl had fallen in love with the ice. As an energetic, adventurous and athletic child, Meryl’s love for the sport only grew as she did. Teaming up with Charlie just four years later, knowing little about ice-dance, their journey together commenced.

Off the ice Meryl attended full-time public school where, despite being challenged with a learning disability, she excelled and graduated with honors. In particular, Meryl developed a fascination with science, literature and foreign language. These interests, coupled with Meryl and Charlie’s years of international travel for skating, inspired Meryl to pursue her degree in Cultural Anthropology at the University of Michigan where she now attends.