Marieke was born in the Netherlands and studied and taught at international schools in a number of countries including the USA, Kenya, Bolivia and Serbia before settling in the UK.

She has an MA (Hons) in English Language and Literature from the University of Amsterdam, a PGCE from Utrecht University and a BA (Hons) Environmental Studies. In her spare time she co-ordinates a local environmental campaign group. Marieke is Copper Leaf’s administrator.