Palmer was born and raised in New York City where she received her BA at Hunter College and her MSed from Bank Street College of Education. She taught pre-school and kindergarten for 12 years in a private school setting. She attended Arizona State University and became certified to teach special education and received a master's degree in guidance counseling. She worked for the Phoenix Union High School District for 18 years, 10 as a special education teacher, and 8 as a guidance counselor. She is now retired.