Duperreault Fellowship Leadership Changes
The Duperreault Fellowship announced the departure of longtime Chair Kathy Watson and the appointment of Julita Peniston as her successor.
A spokesperson said, “The Duperreault Fellowship today announced that Kathy Watson, a longtime champion of education and professional development in the field of substance use disorder prevention and treatment, will step down after two decades of dedicated service. Ms. Watson’s leadership has played a pivotal role in shaping the Fellowship into a key resource for individuals pursuing careers in substance use disorder treatment and prevention in Bermuda.
“The Duperreault Fellowship, a scholarship trust established in 2004 with generous support from the Duperreault family and the ACE Foundation [now Chubb Foundation], provides funding for education and training opportunities in substance use disorder and abuse, intervention, and treatment services. The trust honors the vision and leadership of Brian Duperreault, former Chairman and CEO of ACE Group, and recognizes the company’s long-standing commitment to the Bermuda community.
“Following Ms. Watson’s decision to step down, the Fellowship is pleased to announce the appointment of Bermudian Julita Peniston, LCSW, QS, CFT, ICADC, CCTP, a well-respected professional in the social work and substance use treatment fields, as the new Chair of the Fellowship.
“Ms. Peniston, a lifelong scholar-practitioner and critical-thinking change agent, brings a wealth of experience in clinical social work, trauma-informed care, and addiction counseling. She currently serves as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Bermuda, where she specializes in clinical social work, complex trauma, addiction disorders, and family therapy.
“Ms. Peniston has over 14 years of experience in evidence-based, client-centered practice and holds multiple certifications, including as a Certified Family Therapist, Internationally Credentialed Alcohol and Drug Counselor, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, and Qualified Clinical Social Work Supervisor in Florida. Her leadership in addressing issues such as intimate partner violence, as well as her commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, has made her a respected voice in the field.
“In addition to her professional accomplishments, Ms. Peniston is pursuing a Doctorate in Social Work at Simmons University in Boston, MA, where she is focusing on leadership, teaching, and clinical practice. She is an active member of the Duperreault Fellowship Committee and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.”
“I am deeply honored to be entrusted with this role,” said Ms. Peniston. “The Duperreault Fellowship has been instrumental in supporting those in Bermuda who are committed to advancing their knowledge and skills in the treatment of substance use disorders. I look forward to building upon the incredible work Kathy Watson has done and continuing to engage with our stakeholders to ensure that the Fellowship remains a vital resource for the community.”
The spokesperson said, “Ms. Watson, who has been an unwavering advocate for the Fellowship’s mission for the past 20 years, leaves behind a legacy of dedication to education and the advancement of substance use disorder treatment in Bermuda. The Fellowship and the community extend their deepest gratitude to her for her tireless work and commitment.
“The Duperreault Fellowship looks forward to an exciting new chapter under the leadership of Ms. Peniston, with an ongoing focus on providing opportunities for growth, education, and professional development for individuals working in Bermuda’s substance use treatment and prevention sectors.”
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