Carla is Pawnee and Cherokee and grew up on the Zuni Reservation in Zuni, New Mexico. She received her B.S. in Elementary Education from Haskell Indian Nations University and her M.A. in Indigenous Nations Studies from the University of Kansas. Her previous work includes serving as a Speaker Specialist with the Cherokee Nation and as a Program Manager for the Center for Tribal Studies at Northeastern State University. She has many years of experience in public health across various tribal communities.

Carla enjoys spending her free time gathering and preparing traditional foods, beading, and relaxing in the creek.