Plappert began her career in 2003 as a correctional officer at the Kentucky Correctional Psychiatric Center (KCPC). She was promoted to sergeant there in 2005. In 2007, she promoted to lieutenant at LLC and promoted again in 2010 to captain. Four years later, she promoted to unit administrator I at Roederer Correctional Complex (RCC). In 2016, she transferred back to LLCC and promoted to unit administrator II in 2018 where she acted as the transfer coordinator.

A Crisis Negotiation Team member at both RCC and LLCC, Plappert has also served as the institutional team leader for LLCC. During her tenure in adult institutions, she has gained experience as an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) coordinator as well.

Plappert has a degree in criminal justice administration from Strayer University. She is a graduate of the 2014 Commissioner's Executive Leadership Program. Plappert is also a longtime member of the Kentucky Council on Crime and Delinquency (KCCD).