Meet the Counselor

Name: Mr. David Berns, MAE (pronounced Bearns like the Bearnstain Bears)

Degrees: I received my Master’s Degree in School Counseling (MAE) from the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, IA. I did my undergraduate studies at Loras College in Dubuque, IA.

Counseling / Teaching Experience: I am excited to be the first counselor at Aldrich Elementary. I came to Aldrich from Orchard Hill Elementary where I was the counselor for 20 years. Prior to that, I was a counselor at North Cedar Elementary for 4 years and a counselor in the Cedar Valley Catholic Schools for 3 years. I was also a teacher for 4 years at Don Bosco High School in Gilbertville.

Family: My wife, Kathy, and I have two adult children, Michael and Andrea. Kathy and I recently became grandparents as our son and his wife had a baby girl.

Favorite Exercise/ activities: I am an avid exerciser. I enjoy working out, bike riding, going for walks, and being outside with nature. I also love to grill and smoke all kinds of food on the smoker. I also love to travel.

Favorite Hobbies: Playing the piano and pipe organ. I am a music minister at St. Edward Church in Waterloo and play for weekend Masses, weddings, and other liturgical services. I also provide background piano music for receptions, luncheons, and other social events. Aldrich students also know that I enjoy doing magic tricks in my teaching to help students learn.

Favorite learning tip: Take things one step at a time. Plan ahead and break large assignments down into smaller parts. For example, studying 4 different times for 15 minutes is better than studying once for an hour.