She teaches in the Montessori Teacher Education Program and serves as the Elementary Coordinator. Her current research focuses on human motivation and self-determination supports in Montessori learning environments. She has published in the Journal of Montessori research. Previous to her move to Saint Mary's College, Luz taught lower elementary grades, was a founding faculty member of two charter Montessori schools and served as a principal of two learning centers for a large independent study charter school in Riverside County for eight years which included a Montessori academy. She has been involved with Montessori education in every capacity starting as a preschool student and continuing on to parent, teacher, board memmber, principal and currently as an educator in the Montessori Teacher Education Program.