Students and teachers look to support staff for guidance

A softly lit room sits across the junior locker banks in room B-118. Working inside is social worker Debbie Gudenkauf, a staff member who describes herself as a person who loves teenagers and helping people.

Her job entails helping students with mental health, substance abuse or child neglect and abuse issues. This is different from a counselor’s job because as a social worker, Gudenkauf has more of a clinical training background and she has a more in-depth knowledge of the judicial system while counselors have more of a background in teacher training.

Gudenkauf credits her childhood and background for her inspiration to help people but said she finally decided on her career as a sophomore in high school.

“I grew up in a home that valued all people and both my parents did a lot to help people,” Gudenkauf said. “Then I was a sophomore in high school and a social worker came and talked to our class and then I finally had the words to describe what I wanted to do.”

Gudenkauf can almost always be found in her room from 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. and she welcomes students to drop by any time her door is open. Gudenkauf helps students who struggle with mental health or substance abuse issues.

Gudenkauf also said she has a solid understanding of the judicial system and laws that deal with child neglect or abuse. To better understand what actions to take, a student should make a visit to Gudenkauf’s room.

Anything said to Gudenkauf is confidential unless it involves a student hurting themselves, being hurt by another person, or a student planning to hurt someone else. In any of these cases, she will let the student know what steps will be taken to ensure their safety.

“Students play an active role,” Gudenkauf said. “Nothing is done behind their backs.”

If someone wishes to visit her office during class or seminar, they can use their agenda or seminar pass.

Gudenkauf said there are challenging and rewarding aspects to her job.

“[The most challenging part is] worrying about kids who might hurt themselves and trying to get them past that in a healthy way,” Gudenkauf said. “[The most rewarding part is] when kids come back and say they’ve tried a strategy and it helped.”

Freshman Mikala Postlewait made a visit after experiencing an anxiety attack during English class. She said Gudenkauf helped to try and find solutions that would work to calm her down; even by taking her outside to get fresh air and help her breathing. Postlewait also said she encourages other students to visit Gudenkauf.

“[Gudenkauf] was nice and calming … she did anything she could to help and she talked to my teacher so I could be more comfortable,” Postlewait said. “If you’re having problems [go visit her].”

Students aren’t the only ones who speak with Gudenkauf. Math teacher Amy Welzenbach has also visited her. Welzenbach said Gudenkauf makes a positive impact on Mill Valley.

“[Gudenkauf’s office is] soothing,” Welzenbach said. “She’s understanding, sympathetic and a great resource.”

All counselors deal with academic, personal and social counseling and are available from 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Students may come in at any time or make appointments via email.