Carmel started working in the care sector on a voluntary basis in 1993 as a volunteer with Children North East completing eleven years until the provision closed .This led to an interest in working with children who had learning difficulties and families who needed support, completing a HEFC qualifications in Social Welfare, Psychology and English in 1994 allowed Carmel entry qualifications into university to study for a Diploma in Playwork, leading to a degree in Social Work.

Whilst studying at university Carmel worked for Northumberland Social Services as a Home carer. Whilst also developing and working on holiday play schemes for children in a north Northumberland village until work commitments brought this to an end. After leaving university Carmel worked for a Social Work agency with young people, children and adults with learning disabilities in care and work environments.

Carmel went onto gain a Higher Education Diploma in Education in 2000 as well as D32 and D33 Assessors award and started to teach Health and Social Care, Childcare, Psychology and Playwork on a part time basis. Moving on to full time teaching at local colleges. In 2001 Carmel achieved D34 Internal Verifiers award becoming a teacher/assessor and internal verifier and joined Interactive Development in April 2006.