I was born and raised in Ecuador and came to the United States to go to college.  I graduated from the University of New Mexico.  Immediately after graduation I accepted a position teaching Spanish in the Peace Corps/College Degree Program at SUNY Brockport, in Brockport, NY, where I live with my husband Herb.

In June of 1999, I retired from teaching after twenty-eight years at Hilton High School.  My love for teaching Spanish and my admiration for art led me to cooperative teaching with the Art Department in the High School.  I co-authored one book on contemporary women poets of Ecuador and several guides for teaching communicative competence in foreign languages. 

Soon after retirement, I discovered Precious Metal Clay and have been working with it ever since. Precious Metal Clay (PMC) is a product from Japan.  It consists of microscopic particles of silver or gold suspended in an organic binder to create a pliable material with a consistency similar to modeling clay. After shaping, drying and firing, the binder completely burns away so what remains can be hallmarked as .999 silver or gold.  I have been certified by the Precious Metal Clay Guild and by PMC Connection.  I have taken workshops under Celie Fago, an outstanding Senior Teacher for the PMC Guild.  I teach PMC jewelry making in the area Continuing Education Programs, at the Rochester Memorial Art Gallery and in my studio.

My family background includes a long line of recognized artists and musicians. Much of my artistic inspiration comes from my South American background as well as the Native and Hispanic cultures I discovered, admire, and often visit in New Mexico.