Amanda's family was originally from Western North Dakota (Keen/Watford City area). However, Amanda grew up in the small Northern Minnesota town of Roseau where she enjoyed her role as the hockey mascot (a big green ram). Amanda was voted The Class Clown for her larger-than-life personality, but also excelled in academics by perusing college courses along with her regular high school studies. Amanda attended the University of Mary in Bismarck on an academic scholarship. She was also a Marauder cheerleader for football and basketball while earning her Bachelor of Science Degree. Amanda majored in Social and Behavioral Science with a concentration in Pre-Law: she minored in Philosophy/Theology and Political Science. Amanda was honored as a Certified Schafer Leader after completing the 4-year-honors program. While attending law school at UND, Amanda served as the President for the Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, Vice President of Law Women's Caucus, and active member of Public Interest Law Association. She was the recipient of the Burtness Research Scholarship and a Teaching Assistant for the Trial Advocacy Course. Amanda also worked as a student researcher at Central Legal Research drafting memorandums for legal issues posed by North Dakota prosecutors and defense attorneys. Amanda has also worked for The Village Family Service Center, The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, and ND Commission on Indigent Defense.