Geraldine S. Dow
Drexel Hill
Summary
Mental health counseling professional with hands-on experience working with individuals facing substance use, behavioral challenges, and crisis situations. Strong background in group counseling, psychoeducation, and supporting clients through change using approaches like CBT, DBT, and person-centered therapy. Comfortable working in fast-paced environments, managing crises, and building genuine connections with diverse populations. Experience in both clinical and educational settings, with a focus on meeting people where they are and helping them develop practical skills for long-term growth and stability.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Dispatcher / Corporal
Widener University
Chester
11.2026 - Current
- Dispatch Campus Safety Officers and other emergency personnel using two-way radio, telephone, and computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems
- Assist in emergency situations by following established protocols, remaining calm under pressure, and supporting field units with critical information
- Monitor and operate a variety of security systems, including CCTV cameras, fire alarms, intrusion alarms, access control systems, and emergency call boxes
- Achieved proficiency in CCure software to enhance security operations.
- Managed multiple tasks simultaneously while maintaining composure in high-pressure situations.
- Troubleshot minor technological issues in safety systems, ensuring uninterrupted operation of radios, CCTV, and access control platforms.
- Provide customer service to students, staff, faculty, and visitors seeking information or assistance.
- Issued keys, access credentials, and radios; maintained accurate records of all issued and returned campus safety equipment
Intern
MVP Recovery
Chester
05.2025 - Current
- Conduct assessments to understand clients' needs and create a treatment plan that aligns with goals
- Implement evidence-based interventions and best practices to enhance client care
- Utilized crisis intervention techniques to stabilize clients during emergencies.
- Facilitated client access to support resources during recovery
- Utilized knowledge of 12-step and SMART recovery frameworks to aid client recovery.
- Conducted ASAM-based substance use assessments to identify appropriate level of care
- Lead group sessions to discuss topics on SUD
- Maintain accurate and timely electronic health records (EHR) documentation
- Ensure compliance with HIPAA, 42 CFR, and all local, state, and federal regulations
Public Safety Officer / Dispatcher
Saint Joseph's University
Philadelphia
03.2018 - 11.2026
- Prioritized responses to public emergency and non-emergency calls to promptly dispatch police, fire and EMS while tracking data in real-time
- Provide proactive patrol and response to incidents, ensuring safety and security of the campus community
- Trained new hires on emergency response protocols and customer service to ensure effective incident management
- Responded to campus disturbances, documenting incidents through daily logs and reports for accountability and analysis
- Facilitated safe transportation for students, staff, and faculty across campus.
- Developed relationships with students and faculty to foster a collaborative campus environment and enhance community trust
Behavior Support Specialist
Cardinal O'Hara High School
Springfield
06.2023 - 04.2025
- Delivered individualized behavior intervention plans (BIPs) for a caseload of 30+ students with emotional or behavioral disorders
- Designed and implemented individualized behavioral support plans to improve student outcomes
- Managed caseload of 20-25 students with developmental and behavioral challenges across grades 9-12, providing tailored support and interventions
- Provide weekly 1:1 counseling sessions and biweekly group skill-building workshops
- Led professional development sessions on de-escalation, conflict resolution, and crisis management
- Acted as a hearing officer for student conduct cases, maintaining adherence to institutional policies.
- Organized Black History Month assemblies, bake sales, fundraisers, and school-wide equity initiatives to celebrate and promote cultural awareness
Protective Officer
Einstein Hospital
Philadelphia
10.2022 - 06.2023
- Ensured safety of teams during high-risk situations, such as trauma team helicopter landings and fire emergencies, while enforcing policies
- Conducted regular patrols either from a fixed post or patrolling throughout buildings and grounds to identify unauthorized individuals, safety hazards, or security violations
- Responded swiftly to service calls and emergencies, effectively communicating updates to supervisors
- Guided hospital personnel, visitors, and patients with directions and provided security escorts
- Documented accidents, incidents, or suspicious activities; maintained a daily patrol log and submitted it at shift end, also providing follow-up to investigators when necessary
Public Safety Officer
West Chester University
West Chester
08.2013 - 03.2018
- Conducted active patrols of campus to ensure safety and wellbeing of the community
- Developed training and development programs to improve employee skillsets and readiness
- Monitored new employee performance alongside Assistant Director and Corporals to enhance onboarding effectiveness
- Worked closely with Resident life to ensure student residents complied with dormitory policies
Education
Ph.D. - Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Health Professions
Widener University
Chester, PA05-2029
Master of Science - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Saint Joseph's University
Philadelphia, PA05-2026
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Chestnut Hill College
Philadelphia, PA05-2012
Timeline
Dispatcher / Corporal
Widener University
11.2026 - Current
Intern
MVP Recovery
05.2025 - Current
Behavior Support Specialist
Cardinal O'Hara High School
06.2023 - 04.2025
Protective Officer
Einstein Hospital
10.2022 - 06.2023
Public Safety Officer / Dispatcher
Saint Joseph's University
03.2018 - 11.2026
Public Safety Officer
West Chester University
08.2013 - 03.2018
Ph.D. - Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Health Professions
Widener University
Master of Science - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Saint Joseph's University
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Chestnut Hill College