Geri Pettis on Clubhouse

Bio

Geri Pettis, MA-CMHC is an experienced clinician with a demonstrated history in serving populations with complex social, medical, and behavioral health needs. Her previous experience as a skilled professional includes providing direct care services for DCFS youth in care. Additionally, Geri has worked with survivors of domestic violence, facilitating group therapy sessions at a private domestic violence shelter.

At present, Geri is a Pediatric Violence Recovery Specialist with the University of Chicago Medical Center. This position is seated under the Urban Health Initiative, which was founded by former First Lady Michelle Obama. The core of Geri’s foundational experience in this position includes working with violently injured children, providing trauma informed care, and facilitating Child and Family Traumatic Stress Intervention (CFTSI) therapy as well as Trauma Focused CBT (TF-CBT).

Geri’s ultimate goals are to support healthcare equity policies which limit the adverse impacts of systemic racism, while encouraging clients to embrace self-care and coping strategies that strengthen their interpersonal relationships.

Recently, Ms. Pettis has founded a non profit organization, The Odessa Cobb Foundation (TOCF) which aims to promote mental wellness through trauma informed care programming based on the organizations foundational principles of education, faith, and charity.