Carol was born on September 16, 1963 in Atlanta, Georgia. She graduated cum laude with distinction in 1985 from Colby College, and received her J.D. magna cum laude in 1995 from the University of Maine, where she served as a staff member and editor of the Maine Law Review. Before attending law school, Carol worked with Regional Waste Systems, planning, implementing, and administering municipal recycling programs in 31 Portland area communities.

In 1988 she was elected a delegate to the Democratic National Convention. She serves as President of the Friends of Peaks Island Library, coaches youth soccer and T-ball and teaches Hebrew at Congregation Bet Ha'am in Portland. Carol and her husband, David, a teacher, and their two daughters live on Peaks Island.