Carmeline was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. She spent the first part of her life in theatre, working professionally as a theatrical lighting designer and stage manager. Marriage and raising a family of three boys and a girl led her to a new career as a song writer and poet. Her first book of poetry Reflections on Myself was published in 1990; her second, Truth Teller (Xlibris) in 2000; and her third, Oneness in 2021.

Like many poets, sensitive to the needs of humanity, Carmeline has been a social activist, environmentalist, and philanthropist for most of her life. To date, she is a Life member of the International New Thought Alliance, and coordinator of its worldwide prayer ministry. In 2003, she received the prestigious Impresa Award from the Joint Civic Committee of Italian-Americans for her lifelong contribution of service to humanity and her career as a writer.