Maryse is 48 years old and grew up in Ottawa. Since 1935, the Derouin family has owned several optical stores in the area. So, following in the footsteps of her father and grandfather, she trained and worked as an optician. Maryse has four children: Michael (25) and Julie (23) from her first marriage, and Alexie (14) and Justin (11) from her second marriage. Recently separated from her second husband, Maryse is a stay-at-home mom.
Michael is 25-years-old and is the oldest of Maryse’s four children. While he enjoys his regular day job, his real passion is for cars and motorcycles. In his spare time he loves taking his motorcycle out for a rip!
Twenty-three-year-old Julie is a dental hygienist at an Ottawa area clinic. She’s also a true fashionista, who loves shopping and is always up on the latest styles.
Alexie is 14-years-old and in her first year of high school. She enjoys hanging out with her friends. She usually splits her time between the local skateboard park and the mall. Just don’t ask her to get on a skateboard - she’s a spectator only. She also enjoys cheerleading and is an active member of the Ultimate Cheer Ottawa Ravens.
Justin is eleven-years-old and Maryse’s youngest child. Justin has a type of leukodystrophy called Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease. Despite being diagnosed with this neurological disorder in his infancy, Justin has amazed everyone by the leaps and bounds he’s made. Although he can’t speak, he can certainly get his point across. He is very easy going and a quick learner.
