Dr. Jill completed her undergraduate studies at University of North Carolina at Asheville, and Dr. David completed his studies at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Both attended Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston, Massachusetts.

While Dr. David embarked on a four-year journey with the U.S. Navy Dental Corps, Dr. Jill worked stateside in private practice. Prior to returning home to Western North Carolina, the couple lived and practiced all over the country, including Chicago, Illinois; Virginia Beach, Virginia; and Spartanburg, South Carolina.

The Merrells have two energetic children, Evelyn and Mitchell. In their spare time, they enjoy community outreach with ABCCM and North Asheville Breakfast Rotary Club, as well as camping, gardening, and hiking with their chocolate lab, Utah.