Born in El Salvador and a naturalized Mexican, she is an Archeology graduate of the National School of Anthropology, with an MA and PhD in Mesoamerican Studies from UNAM. Her archeology study and research include a diverse selection of Central American and Mexican regions, including areas of Tlaxcala and central Mexico and the west of the country. She has directed the La Campana Project in Colima for the last 23 years. Thanks to her research it was possible to establish the importance of this ancient settlement and to ensure that INAH turned it into one of Mexico's important archeological-ecological reserves. Her research and studies are accessible through a variety of books and articles. She is also at present the joint director of the Tecoaque Special Project.