Charlene earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Northern Arizona University. She worked for Congressman Ed Pastor for twelve years, coordinating constituent services for the western portion of then Congressional District 2. . She also served in a similar capacity for Congressman Raul Grijalva. With her vast experience she became a consultant for a software company that produced a Constituent Management System for the U.S. House of Representatives. Charlene later served Governor Janet Napolitano as a liaison for the Arizona Department of Environment Quality in Yuma County. As an educator Charlene decided to make an impact outside of the classroom by being elected to Yuma Union High School District Governing Board, serving as president and vice president. Charlene devotes time to local charities serving on boards and lending her experience to their challenges.