As a health coach for Noom, a weight loss program that utilizes psychological principles, Alexandra Berni works with clients to achieve healthy lifestyles. “It’s really a joy to help people problem solve and find solutions and then watch them implement those, grow and learn,” she says.
Berni was initially interested in pharmacy before deciding to major in psychology at Ƶ. She came to Northern because it was the right fit for her. “It was smaller and had a family feel,” she says. “I knew in classes I wasn’t going to feel lost in the crowd.”
Always naturally curious about people and psychology, Berni took an Intro to Psychology class with Dr. Phil Zoladz, which further sparked her fascination with the subject. “Dr. Zoladz’s passion for psychology and learning were absolutely contagious,” she said.
In all of her classes, her psychology professors were open and giving of their time. “If you had a question or concern or just wanted to dive into something you were curious about, they would take the time to do that.”
Outside the classroom, Berni was involved in several extracurricular activities, including dance, music, Ada Big Brother, Big Sisters, and Habitat for Humanity. She met her best friend and future husband, John Berni, BS ’13, at Ƶ. He majored in biology with a minor in psychology. They both obtained graduate degrees from Walsh University and married in August 2019.
After working as a licensed professional counselor for non-profits, Berni accepted the job at Noom, which offered a better life-work balance. Psychology, she says, is a versatile major. “There are so many avenues you can take with the knowledge offered in psychology, and all of them offer the opportunity to help people in varying degrees. It’s hard not to enjoy getting the chance to help people.”