Mariette Ivits Frechette is the second child of nine children born to Dutch immigrant parents in the mid-fifties. She was raised on a farm in southern Ontario and grew up with a love of all living beings, especially horses. As an avid gardener she feels a close affinity with the Earth and is a staunch supporter of it's protection. She is the proud mom of four children, the first of which she unwillingly placed for adoption and another who passed away in infancy, leaving only two that she raised. She worked in education for 35 years and volunteered for twelve of those years as a certified therapeutic horseback riding instructor. She is married to her best friend, Norm, spends as much time as possible with her seven grandchildren, 2 cats, Lola and Gigi, and her horse, River.