Carter graduated from Eastern Kentucky University with a Bachelor's Degree in Corrections and Juvenile Services. She began her career with the Department of ​Juvenile Justice in 1996, working as a Youth Counselor at the London Group Home. She began work with the Division of Probation and Parole in 1999 as an Officer for District 9.

She transferred to District 14 in 2001 working out of the Lancaster Office. Carter was later promoted to Assistant Supervisor in District 14, followed by a promotion to District 14 Supervisor.​