Mandy grew up in Evansville, IN and went to college to study art history with a special interest in the decorative arts.  Although she was an accomplished sewer she never considered herself artistic until she took a few art classes.  Making art pulled on her in a way that writing about art never had.

She had the good fortune to study ceramics at Southern Illinois University and received her Masters Degree in 2005.  Her home and studio are now in Philadelphia, PA.