Congrats and I am partial to the black doggies, she looks like my Lou. My son lives in Gilberts, not to far from you.
The most helpful info I can give you is the following:
Sounds like she is anxious when you guys are not around, everyday as often as you can, perform your routine for leaving the house, i.e. put your coat on, grab your keys etc. Then leave the house, first for about 2 min. then come in again with no fussiness, put your keys down, hang up your coat. Do it again, same routine, this time expand the amount of time, (yes your neighbors will think you r crazy) do this routine and keep on expanding the amount of time you leave.
You see, she cannot tell how long you are away but she will see that you will always come back.
When you leave set up a routine with her, put the radio on, give her a cookie, put your coat on, grab your keys- same thing every day.
Have you given her a kong in her crate? Frozen kong with peanut butter and a goodie inside can keep her amused for a time.
Do you walk her before you go to work? Another excellent part of her routine, walk, radio, Kong etc.
Let us know how you progress- we all have terrific hints to keep everyone happy, good luck