She has worked as a nurse, documentary filmmaker, and from 1996–2002 member of the New Zealand Film and Literature Board of Review.
[2][3][4] Published works by de Montalk include: de Montalk has also published in various literary journals including Landfall, Southerly, London Magazine, and New Zealand Listener.
[6][4] Following an accident in 2003, de Montalk's writing has often explored concepts of isolation and exile.
[7][8] In 2007, an engraving of her poem, Violinist at the Edge of an Ice Field was erected at the Franz Josef Glacier visitor centre.
[4] In 1997, while studying at the Victoria University of Wellington de Montalk was a joint winner of the Original Composition prize.