Mandy Vance was raised in Portland, Oregon, by parents who taught her that a joyful life is one of service to others. Inspired by the many teachers who impacted her life, she graduated from Corban University, earning her Bachelor of Science in social studies education and other honors for her leadership and athletic achievements. Her global volunteer work and teaching experiences led her to pursue a Master of Science in English to speakers of other languages.

Upon graduation, she found her teaching home in the Oregon Trail School District, where she has taught for the past 15 years. Known for her adaptability and determination to reach all students, she is currently on special assignment at Cedar Ridge Middle School in Sandy, Oregon, where she is designing and teaching creative science, athletic leadership and academic success courses. Vance earned her doctorate in education from Concordia University, where her research focused on the relational needs of Generation Z athletes.

With this knowledge she empowers students to be positive leaders in her classes, clubs, on her athletic teams and in the community at large. She is proud to serve on the Site Council Leadership Team, in her local union, as a mentor teacher and as an adjunct professor for Eastern Oregon University. With her relational and service-minded mentality, she works to ensure that any space she creates is inclusive, engaging, transformative and brings all people together as the best versions of themselves.