Braintree, Brockton, and New Bedford, MA (March 3, 2026) – The Peabody Companies, a group of award-winning property management and real estate firms now celebrating its 50th anniversary, is delighted to announce that Katia Baptiste of Brockton, Massachusetts has been awarded the Bette Fears ARM Scholarship through the IREM Foundation to pursue her Accredited Residential Manager (ARM) certification.

The scholarship was created to honor Bette Fears, ARM, a respected residential manager in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and active IREM member who was deeply committed to advancing careers in multifamily housing. The scholarship assists recipients with the cost of tuition associated with achieving the ARM designation. The residential property management certification teaches early-career real estate managers the core competencies to manage residential properties successfully. 

Baptiste first joined The Peabody Companies in January of 2018 and returned in December of 2023. She is the property support manager at Melville Towers in New Bedford, Massachusetts.

“Congratulations to Katia for receiving the Bette Fears ARM Scholarship,” said Erin Simas, learning & development manager with The Peabody Companies. “The ARM credential is recognized for industry excellence and will provide her with a platform for new opportunities.”