Amanda grew up in the Springfield area where she ran cross country and track & field for 7 years. This is where her running success started. She ran on the varsity cross country team for all four years, including a third-place and a second-place State teams. Despite running cross country, she was a hurdle specialist in track, where she claimed All-State recognition in the 100 meter high hurdles her senior year. 

She continued her education and running career at Augustana College. She attempted nearly every event in track and field before settling on being a mid-distance runner. Her proudest accomplishments there were running a 5:21 mile to place 4th at Indoor Conference and breaking the school record in the 3,000 meter steeplechase. She went on to hold that record for 7 years.

She then pursued her Physical Therapy degree at Washington University in St. Louis (the top PT school in the nation). Despite the rigor of graduate school, she continued running for enjoyment, stress relief, and the health benefits it provides. 

Her love for learning did not stop there as she later obtained her Masters in Business Administration from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, as well as several additional certifications to enhance her PT knowledge. Not only does she still love learning, she continues to love the sport of running. She is an avid runner herself and is also a dedicated member of the Springfield Road Runner's Club.