She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and a  Master of Arts in Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of South Florida. Gerard was a mental health worker in a community-based rehabilitation program after graduating from USF. From 1984 to 1986 she worked as Victim's Advocate for the Largo Police Department.
She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Master of Arts in Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of South Florida. After graduating, Gerard worked as a mental health worker in a community-based rehabilitation program. From 1984 to 1986, she served as Victim's Advocate for the Largo Police Department.