Born in the Netherlands, van der Pol moved to the United States as a child and began her acting career in musical theater. She gained widespread recognition for her role in "That's So Raven," where she played the best friend of Raven-Symoné's character. Van der Pol's portrayal of Chelsea Daniels earned her critical acclaim and made her a popular figure among young audiences. In addition to her acting career, van der Pol has released music albums and has performed in numerous stage productions. She continues to be an active performer in both television and theater, showcasing her versatility in various roles.