Mandella was born in Glendale, California. Her parents made their living as musicians -- her mother playing piano, and her father playing the drums and singing. Mandella was a child pianist, practicing several hours a day for countless recitals, and was a student of The Sherwood School of Music. One of Mandella's treasured memories from that time was having the honor of being presented The Sherwood School of Music Pin by Henry Mancini himself. In her teens she stopped playing the piano, but music was to always remain a part of her life. Mandella's brother was in the Air Force and married a Turkish girl while overseas. When her brother and sister-in-law moved back to The United States, she was always in awe at her sister-in-law's beauty, her beautiful costumes, and Mandella loved listening to the Turkish music. But it wasn't until about 1997 that she saw a belly dancing class offered at the Sunnyvale Community Center by Alcina.

Mandella is also co-director of Troupe Nambah, and former member for several years of Bennu Oriental Dance Company (later known as The Bennuvians).

Mandella resides with her husband, Jesus Rivera, in San Jose, CA, and was thrilled when after nearly 6 years of marriage he expressed he wanted her to teach him belly dancing and become a dedicated member of the Egyptsies. Mandella always enjoys her own continued learning of the art of Belly Dance, Salsa, Flamenco, and other Latin dance forms.

Mandella's Flamenco teacher "Adela" (shown below) has cheoreographed a piece exclusively for Mandella. The Egyptsies look forward to performing it soon and will be re-creating their next Egyptsies costume in her honor.

"Adela" - Flamenco dancer extraordinaire