Carmen was born in Corpus Christi, Texas to a career Navy man and a homemaker. By the time she finished High School she had lived in 10 different cities, attended 3 different elementary schools, 3 middle schools and 2 high schools. She received a degree from Texas A&M University at Corpus Christi and has a MA in Theatre from Hunter College.Carmen's first summer stock job was at Jekyll Island Musical Theatre Festival playing Guenevere in "Camelot." Her first NYC job was performing in a cabaret at the The Green Room on Restaurant Row.Carmen studied acting with renowned acting teacher, Fred Kareman. Fred studied at the acclaimed Neighborhood Playhouse under Sanford Meisner. Fred's wife, Pamela Moller Kareman directed Carmen in "The House of Blue Leaves," "Laughter on the 23rd Floor," and "Time of the Cuckoo" at the Schoolhouse Theatre in Croton Falls.