Palmer was raised abroad, living in Asia, Europe, South and Central America. She attended college in Panama. Moving to Pittsburgh, she attended Pittsburgh Theology Seminary and specialized in Christian Education and Family Ministries. Palmer served as Director of Nurture and Outreach at Bower Hill Presbyterian Church in Pittsburgh. She facilitated outreach ministries to the homeless and addicted population in the greater Pittsburgh area as well as serving as the DCE. She also chaired the Synod Family Life Task Force and traveled extensively doing seminars on Family Wellness. In North Dakota she served as Associate Executive Presbyter and later as the Development Director for a 150 bed full treatment facility for the homeless, mentally and addicted persons. She has later hired as the Education Specialist for a 450 acre Botanical Garden in North Carolina. She served as Stated Clerk for the presbytery. Palmer is certified as a Family Life Counselor, Addictions Counselor, and Grant Writer. She is married to Rev. Dr. Gary Cecil and has two grown sons.