A graduate of Mount Holyoke College, Dr. Carbonari attended the University of Connecticut School of Medicine. She practiced primary care pediatrics in the greater Waterbury area for over 35 years.

Her primary interests in practice were working with underserved children and their families, as well as with children with special health care needs.

Dr. Carbonari is a past president of the Connecticut Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics and continues to serve as Treasurer and member of the Advocacy Committee. As a long time member of the American Academy of Pediatrics, she has been active in federal, state, and community advocacy speaking up on behalf of children.

Along with her colleagues, Dr. Carbonari has worked to make protecting the health and well being of children a priority at every level of government.