The Duperreault Fellowship, an endowment fund that supports the professional development of Bermuda residents working or studying in the field of substance abuse, today announced that Dayla Burgess has been chosen as the 2018 Duperreault Fellow.

Ms. Burgess’ award of $20,000 will fund her studies for a master’s degree in counselling at the University of Southern California (USC). She is currently employed at the Women’s Treatment Centre where she provides direct addiction service.

“We are delighted to announce Dayla as our 2018 Fellow,” said Duperreault Fellowship Chair Katherine Watson. “During her interview, our committee members were impressed by Dayla’s broad understanding of the complexity of addiction and the importance of understanding trauma, family dynamics, modes of therapy and working within cultural and societal norms in our small community.

“We are also pleased that Dayla will be able to continue working at the Women’s Treatment Centre while completing her studies as this particular master’s degree is offered online, a development that is indicative of the progress educational institutions are making in providing a diversity of learning options to their students.”

Ms. Burgess, a graduate of CedarBridge Academy, is a Registered Allied Health Professional and Internationally Certified Alcohol and Drug Counsellor. She holds a bachelor of science degree in sociology from the University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida; an associate’s degree from Valencia College, Orlando, Florida; and an associate’s degree in social work from George Brown College, Toronto, Canada.

The Duperreault Fellowship was established in 2004 when a $500,000 donation contributed by insurance industry veteran Brian Duperreault and his wife, Nancy, was supported by a $1 million donation from The ACE (now Chubb) Foundation.

More information about The Duperreault Fellowship is available at www.duperreaultfellowship.org.

• Press release from the Duperreault Fellowship