Born in Brisbane, Gerardine Doherty was educated by the Daughters of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart in her home parish. She completed her first degree in music before entering the Daughters in 1976. After profession, Gerardine taught for a number of years in OLSH high schools throughout Australia, holding various positions including Music Department Coordinator and Religious Education Coordinator. Undertaking studies in the USA, she completed degrees/certificates in such areas as Spirituality, Spiritual Direction, Supervision and Religious Formation, after which in 1996 she joined an international spiritual formation team based in France, the birthplace of her Congregation. During this ministry Gerardine worked internationally, particularly among members of the International Chevalier Family, her own religious family whose membership includes lay, religious and clergy. Returning to Australia in 2016, Gerardine did further updating in the areas of Spirituality and Theology, gaining a Doctor of Ministry Degree from Catholic Theological Union, Chicago.