Hi everyone, my name is Amanda Van Donsel and I write the Pine Valley Post that is found here at Soaptownusa. I was born and raised in a small town that is nestled in the foothills of Western North Carolina. I have been a fan of the ABC soaps since I was 13 years old ( I am now 28) and still watch all of them except General Hospital today.

Ever since I was a child, I have always had a love for the spotlight and it is evident on our family’s home movies. My father said I was born talking, therefore earning the nickname Kelly Ripa in our family. My family still swears I should have my own talk show. My love for the theatre and spotlight grew once I became involved in our community theatre at a very early age. Throughout elementary, middle, high school and college, I starred or had supporting roles in lots of different shows. During this time is when my love for writing grew.

Once I left acting, I became a model for a local modeling and talent agency where I did runway work, ads for Harrah’s casino’s, Vidal Sassoon and Pantene products. I have always been a natural in front of and behind the camera.

In 1998, I graduated from a small private college in North Carolina with a major is sociology and psychology. While in college I wrote for our college newspaper and was involved in Sigma Kappa National sorority. I am back in school again this time working on a Master’s degree in counseling, while working as a school counselor full time.

I currently reside in the hometown I grew up in.  And live with my black Labrador Retriever Higgens. When I am not writing, working or in graduate school, I love to travel, do aerobics, read, cook, swim and play tennis.