Kimberly Leubner
Kimberly Leubner is a dedicated high school counselor with the Deer Valley School District in Peoria, Arizona, where she supports approximately 450 students across grades 9–12. She brings more than 20 years of experience in education, having begun her career as a classroom teacher in 2004, working primarily with kindergarten through third grade students. Over the course of her teaching career, she built strong, lasting relationships with students and families, many of whom continue to stay in touch years later, reflecting her deep commitment to student success and well-being.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Kimberly observed a significant rise in mental health challenges among students, including her own children, which inspired her to transition into school counseling. She returned to school as an adult learner and earned her Master of Science in Psychology from Grand Canyon University while continuing to work and raise her children as a single mother. She first served as a middle school counselor before pursuing her long-term goal of becoming a high school counselor, where she now focuses on academic guidance, mental health support, college and career planning, scholarships, and graduation readiness.
Kimberly is known for her compassionate, student-centered approach and her ability to connect deeply with young people during pivotal stages of their lives. She believes in meeting students where they are and helping them build pathways toward their goals, whether through academic support or emotional guidance. Outside of work, she practices yoga and meditation to maintain balance and resilience in a demanding profession. Guided by values of integrity, humility, compassion, and service, Kimberly is committed to making a lasting impact on the lives of the students and families she serves.
• Grand Canyon University - MS
• Phoenix Children's Hospital - Animal Therapy Handler
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to perseverance, the enduring relationships I have built with students and families, and the example set by my father, whose determination in working his way through college and law school while raising a child has been a lasting source of inspiration for me.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received has come through the example of my father, Greg, whose resilience and work ethic have deeply shaped my perspective. As a young single father, he worked his way through law school while raising my brother, demonstrating perseverance, discipline, and commitment even in the most challenging circumstances. Beyond his professional journey, he has always been a steady source of guidance and support, consistently leading by example through both hardship and triumph, including his courageous battle and recovery from cancer. His strength, integrity, and unwavering belief in doing what is right continue to guide my own career and life decisions.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering my industry is to surround yourself with people who lift you up and genuinely support your growth. I often share this with my own children because the company you keep can significantly shape your confidence, direction, and resilience. It is also important to believe in yourself and recognize that your path is not fixed—you can change direction, pursue new opportunities, or return to education at any stage of life.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is not always being able to fully meet the needs of students with the limited tools and resources available within the public school system. High school students face a wide range of personal and academic challenges, and while the need for support is great, there are often structural and resource constraints that limit what can be done. As a counselor, there are many demands on your time and responsibilities, and it can be difficult knowing that, despite your best efforts, you cannot always provide everything students need.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are honesty, compassion, humility, integrity, and generosity. In my role working with students, compassion is especially essential, as it allows me to meet them where they are and support them with care and understanding. I also strongly believe in the importance of surrounding yourself with positive influences—people who uplift, encourage, and believe in you. This is something I actively teach my children, especially my daughter, as she navigates high school and becomes more independent, reminding her to stay grounded in environments that reflect her values and support her growth.
Locations
Deer Valley Unified School District
Anthem, AZ 85086