Montoya grew up in Bogotá, Colombia and spent many years in the children's hospital where she was being treated for a kidney problem.[1] While in the hospital, she began drawing to amuse herself and other children.[1] When she was 15, she used her drawing skills to help teach English at the school her parents ran.[2] Later, she went to college where she majored in biology and chemistry.[2]
At age 23, Montoya moved to Newport Beach, California, where she worked as a maid.[2] She quickly got a new job as a high school librarian, and then later on became an international agricultural development consultant.[2] In 1995, she licensed her characters, collectively called "Los Kitos."[2] Her comic strip began to run in dozens of publications in 1996.[2] By 1999, the strip was featured in 222 newspapers.[3] The newspaper La Opinión gave her her first break.[2] Montoya branched out into working with corporate partners, such as Bank of America who commissioned her to create a bilingual coloring book that would teach children about banking services.[2]
Montoya licensed her characters to appear on radio, working with the Canal Continental radio network.[4] In 1999, she was in negotiations to have Los Kitos turned into an animated show.[3] In 2001, she partnered with Stauffer Biscuit Company to create various baked goods featuring the characters from Los Kitos.[5] Montoya partnered with La Opinion in 2002 to help create Notikitos (News 4 Kids).[6]
