Meriellen spent her early life in Akron, Ohio. She moved to Missouri in the 70's where she started a family and first became interested in real estate. She and her husband developed a tract of land and built several spec homes that she later sold. Life brought them back and forth from Missouri and Phoenix where she has fond memories of playing tennis and golf with friends while balancing raising her son and daughter and her real estate career. She was always found helping others and had a knack for keeping things positive. She later moved to Florida to be close to her son who had just started a family. When he was transferred to the Atlanta area in 2003, she and her husband, who was facing several health issues, followed. Soon after her daughter Stephanie moved down as well. They were all able to be together for her husband who passed away a few years later in 2006.

Once she and Stephanie were together, the Cole Team was born. Atlanta was a new area for the family so they had to be creative and think big. That said, they knew there would be a place for a team that focused on serving others, serving the community, and obsessing over innovation. Now nearly 20 years later they have built a well known and trusted brand in the community, but they know it doesn't stop there. They continue to evolve and challenge the team to provide the best service and experience possible. They have aligned themselves with top professional groups nationally and peers to help them stay the course.

In 2014 Meriellen was introduced to her husband David, a former violinist with the Atlanta Symphony, who was her granddaughter's violin teacher. When Meriellen is not at the office, you'll find her Netflixing with her husband and dog, Bogey. Her 6 grandchildren's schedules also keep her busy. She tries to make every football game, track meet, lacrosse game, play and dance competition.