Carla, originally from St. Louis, has lived in Searcy since 2000. After graduating from Harding University with a Bachelor's in Social Work and Saint Louis University with a Master's in Social Work, she enjoyed working with senior citizens within nursing homes and psychiatric facilities. Communicating with families and community support services was a significant portion of her career experience. She served as an adjunct instructor for Harding's Behavioral Science Department for seven years as well as a mentor through Harding for the Department of Human Services case workers.

Carla and her husband, Dennis, who is a professor at Harding, married in 1993. They have two sons, Alexander & Ryan. She enjoys photography & digital scrapbooking, swimming & geocaching.