Kelly Hunt has been announced as the new executive director of the Coalition for the Protection of Children.

Sheelagh Cooper, the founder of the helping agency, said the appointment would enable the coalition to bolster its services for “children who have been affected by the trauma of abuse”.

“Kelly has been working for the coalition for five years as director of child and adolescent services, and will continue in that role while assuming the leadership of the organisation.”

A certified family mediator, Ms Hunt holds a postgraduate degree in clinical psychology with a focus on complex trauma and child sexual abuse intervention.

Declaring herself honoured to take on the new role, Ms Hunt pledged to do “all I can to ensure that all of Bermuda’s children grow up in a safe and nurturing environment”.

The group adapts to constantly shifting needs, she said, by offering services that are “not available or affordable elsewhere”.

“The CPC persistently engages in advocacy, awareness campaigns, research and data collection as well as lobbying for policy changes that are needed in the area of child protection.

“We are a non-judgmental agency where families can come for support.

“Our goal is to empower and work therapeutically with families in an effort to shift trajectories towards healing, self-sufficiency and conflict resolution.”