An education champion with expertise in substance use disorder prevention is to step down as chairwoman for the Duperreault Fellowship.

Kathy Watson dedicated two decades of service to the scholarship trust and is to be replaced by Julita Peniston, a respected professional in the social work and substance use treatment fields.

The fellowship was established in 2004 with the support of the Duperreault family and the ACE Foundation [now Chubb Foundation].

It provides funding for education and training opportunities in substance use disorder and abuse intervention and treatment services. The trust honours the vision and leadership of Brian Duperreault, the former chairman and chief executive of ACE Group.

During her tenure, Ms Watson played a pivotal role in building the fellowship into a key resource for people pursuing careers in substance use disorder treatment and prevention in Bermuda.

A spokesman for the fellowship thanked her for her “tireless work and commitment”.

Her successor is a lifelong scholar-practitioner and change agent in critical-thinking, bringing a wealth of experience in clinical social work, trauma-informed care and addiction counselling, the spokesman said.

Ms Peniston is a licensed clinical social worker in Bermuda, where she specialises in clinical social work, complex trauma, addiction disorders and family therapy.

“I am deeply honoured 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."

She has more than 14 years of experience in evidence-based, client-centred practice and holds multiple certifications, including as a family therapist, an internationally credentialled alcohol and drug counsellor, a clinical trauma professional, and a qualified clinical social work supervisor in Florida.

The spokesman said that Ms Peniston’s 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, she is pursuing a Doctorate in Social Work at Simmons University in Boston, where she is focusing on leadership, teaching and clinical practice.

Ms Peniston is also an active member of the Duperreault Fellowship Committee and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.

The spokesman added: “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.”