Meet Our Team

Blair Mantin specializes in consumer insolvency and strategies for debt resolution. With 15 years of experience, Blair helps individuals and organizations facing challenging financial situations navigate the often overwhelming, and sometimes confusing, world of insolvency. While each person’s situation is unique, his approach remains the same: “Let’s take the shame and despair away from being in debt – it’s a problem like any other, and it has a solution that works just about every time.”

As Sands & Associates President, Blair says the most important aspect of his job is empowering clients with information about their options to become debt free. “My job is to ‘level the playing field’ from a knowledge perspective – by providing individuals with the insights they really need to resolve their situation, they are able to move forward from a position of strength,” he says.

Blair’s number one piece of advice for people seeking help with their debts:

“Never, never pay for debt advice, and be careful about who you take advice from. Only a Licensed Insolvency Trustee will give you the straight goods at absolutely no cost to you.”

Connect with Blair today to discuss your options during a free, confidential, one-on-one consultation.

Contact Blair to set up your appointment.

96In addition to being a Senior Vice President of Sands & Associates, a Licensed Insolvency Trustee and Chartered Professional Accountant, Raj is a Certified Management Accountant and Chartered Insolvency and Restructuring Professional. Raj has more than 10 years of experience in banking, finance, accounting and insolvency matters, and specializes in helping individuals resolve their personal debts. “Assisting individuals in assessing their options for dealing with debt is my primary focus,” says Raj.

Raj’s approach to one-on-one client sessions is non-judgemental and future-oriented. He encourages clients to assess their current situation and takes the time to understand each client’s unique financial situation so he can provide a complete assessment of all possible options. He encourages clients to understand that it is possible to remove the burden of debt from their shoulders. “Debt does not define an individual. Life happens to everyone. At Sands & Associates, we assist individuals in achieving a financial fresh start,” he says.

Raj is fluent in Punjabi.

Raj’s number one piece of advice for people seeking help with their debts:

“You do not have control of what happened in the past. Let’s understand where you are today so that you can move forward to a debt-free future.”

Connect with Raj today to discuss your options during a free, confidential, one-on-one consultation.

Contact Raj to set up your appointment.

Deane Gurney has 30 years of experience practicing in the areas of personal and corporate insolvency and restructuring. Deane brings his skills and deep experience to all client sessions. Deane recognizes the stress and confusion that those facing financial difficulty often feel, and uses an empowerment-through-knowledge approach. “Whenever I’m assisting a Sands & Associates client, my goal is to educate them on their financial requirements so they are better able to function in today’s financial environment,” he says.

As a Licensed Insolvency Trustee, Deane’s mission is ensuring all clients receive accurate information and clear guidance that will help them move forward positively. It can be challenging for people to feel optimistic when seeking debt management and resolution help, but there is a solution for every situation. “The most important thing we do at Sands & Associates is help people resolve their financial situation so they can enjoy a financial fresh start,” says Deane.

Deane’s number one piece of advice for people seeking help with their debts:

“Trying to manage debt by yourself often makes things worse – emotionally and financially. The sooner you seek professional assistance, the sooner you will become debt-free.”

Connect with Deane today to discuss your options during a free, confidential, one-on-one consultation.

Contact Deane to set up your appointment.

Janet Humes is a Licensed Insolvency Trustee with over 20 years of experience in personal and business debt management. Janet has a passion for helping individuals understand their options to become debt-free and get their financial lives back on track. She strives to treat everyone with respect while providing professional guidance on how to move forward using available debt solutions, including Consumer Proposals and personal bankruptcy. Janet’s approach in meeting with clients is clear and empathetic: “Seeking help with financial difficulties is one of the hardest and most stressful things a person can do,” she says, “I want people to leave with a feeling of relief, and the knowledge that there is a solution to their financial struggles.”

Janet’s number one piece of advice for people seeking help with their debts:

“The only dumb questions are the ones we fail to ask – always keep asking for more information or detail, until you’re comfortable with the answers given.”

Connect with Janet today to discuss your options during a free, confidential, one-on-one consultation.

Contact Janet to set up your appointment.

Kimberly To has helped individuals manage and resolve their debts for 25 years. Kimberly is committed to empowering clients through offering them concise and clear information about their debt relief options. Her goal is to create a comfortable and productive environment during each one-on-one session with her Sands & Associates clients. “I aim to reduce each person’s stress by the end of our session,” says Kimberly.

Kimberly is fluent in Cantonese and Mandarin.

Kimberly’s number one piece of advice for people seeking help with their debts:

“A free consultation with a Licensed Insolvency Trustee is a great place to start. There is no obligation and you gain new, important information.”

Connect with Kimberly today to discuss your options during a free, confidential, one-on-one consultation.

Contact Kimberly to set up your appointment.

Laura Kehtler is a Licensed Insolvency Trustee and has more than 15 years of experience in the area of personal insolvency. Assisting clients to regain control of their current financial situation and helping them create a foundation for long term financial health is always her goal. “Helping individuals resolve unmanageable debt so they can get a financial fresh start and focus on saving for the future is important. With every client, my hope is that they come away with a full understanding of all options available to them,” says Laura.

Laura’s number one piece of advice for people seeking help with their debts:

“Struggling with financial difficulty can feel overwhelming and hopeless. No matter the state of your financial health, it is important to know that there are options available to you to resolve your situation. There is light at the end of the tunnel.”

Connect with Laura today to discuss your options during a free, confidential, one-on-one consultation.

Contact Laura to set up your appointment.

Tracey Lowe has more than 20 years of experience helping individuals manage and overcome difficult financial situations. As a Licensed Insolvency Trustee, Tracey specializes in personal insolvency and restructuring, often through administering consumer proposals to creditors. For Tracey, the most important aspect of her job is restoring hope in clients. “Letting people know their options is always my goal. I enjoy helping people achieve a financial fresh start,” she says.

Tracey’s number one piece of advice for people seeking help with their debts:

“Recognize that this process can give you a fresh start – debt-free!”

Connect with Tracey today to discuss your options during a free, confidential, one-on-one consultation.

Contact Tracey to set up your appointment.

Sandy May has over 20 years’ experience in the personal debt management sector. In his time as a Licensed Insolvency Trustee Sandy has helped countless people find a solution for their debt problems, and he says it’s important for consumers to understand that money issues truly can happen to anyone.

Sandy’s number one piece of advice for people seeking help with their debts:

“Licensed Insolvency Trustees are here to help you when you need guidance on how to deal with a difficult financial situation – no cost, no judgment, no legal jargon.”

Ashley Gharlay is an Estate Manager with a wide range of insolvency administration experience. When meeting with clients for the first time at Sands & Associates, her goal is to ensure that each person comes away feeling confident, empowered, and knowing much more about how to deal with their financial difficulties than when they first arrived. “Giving individuals who are struggling financially a chance to improve their lives, and move forward free of debt is the most important, and rewarding aspect of what I do”, says Ashley.

Ashley’s number one piece of advice for people seeking help with their debts:

“Your past does not define you, meet with a Licensed Insolvency Trustee to build a great plan for a financial fresh start.”

Connect with Ashley today to discuss your options during a free, confidential, one-on-one consultation.

Contact Ashley to set up your appointment.

Bethany Cann is an Estate Manager and Qualified Insolvency Counsellor with over five years of experience working in the personal debt help industry with Sands & Associates. Bethany feels it’s important to provide debt help without judgment and says, “Through debt restructuring and financial counselling clients begin to feel empowered with knowledge of money management, and most importantly – hopeful about the future.”

Bethany’s number one piece of advice for people seeking help with their debts:

“In order to achieve your goals, let go and don’t dwell on the past. Let us help you focus on your future and get you where you want to be!”

Connect with Bethany today to discuss your options during a free, confidential, one-on-one consultation.

Contact Bethany to set up your appointment.

With more than 15 years of experience, Cindy Wallas works with individual and corporate clients to resolve their debt issues. Cindy is currently enrolled in the CAIRP (Trustee) Qualification Program. Recognizing that debt management requires thorough understanding of resolution options, Cindy offers comprehensive insight and guidance, and encourages clients to take their time. “My main goal when it comes to assisting clients is to make them feel comfortable and give them as much time and information as they need to make their decision,” says Cindy.

Cindy’s number one piece of advice for people seeking help with their debts:

“Once you deal with your past debt and past financial issues, you can look towards the future with excitement and optimism.”

Connect with Cindy today to discuss your options during a free, confidential, one-on-one consultation.

Contact Cindy to set up your appointment.

Dana Timko has 21 years of experience in the area of insolvency, including 18 years as an Estate Manager. Dana is committed to ensuring all Sands & Associates clients she works with are thoroughly informed about their debt management and resolution options. “Although every client I see is unique, my goal for every session is the same: making sure they leave the appointment feeling like they have enough information to make a good decision about how to move forward,” says Dana. Dana specializes in consumer proposals and personal bankruptcy .

Dana’s number one piece of advice for people seeking help with their debts:

“Financial difficulties are not a reflection of who you are as a person, they are only a symptom of something bigger that you may have no control over.”

Connect with Dana today to discuss your options during a free, confidential, one-on-one consultation.

Contact Dana to set up your appointment.

Darlene Mullen has more than 15 years of insolvency experience and specializes in personal debt management solutions. She is currently enrolled in the CAIRP (Trustee) Qualification Program. Darlene is committed to providing individuals the information they need to make informed choices about how to become debt free. She works closely with Sands & Associates clients to help them achieve greater control of their debt relief options, and ultimately, their futures. “The most important aspect of my job is renewing hope for individuals that there is financial relief and that they can get on with the positive aspects of their lives,” says Darlene.

Darlene’s number one piece of advice for people seeking help with their debts:

“Your financial fresh start begins the day you file for bankruptcy or file a consumer proposal. This is your opportunity to start moving forward and creating positive financial habits now.”

Connect with Darlene today to discuss your options during a free, confidential, one-on-one consultation.

Contact Darlene to set up your appointment.

David Tang is an Estate Manager with more than seven years of insolvency administration experience. David’s goal when meeting with clients is to ensure that they feel respected, and walk away with the right information for them to make an informed decision on their financial future.

When meeting with clients for the first time at Sands & Associates, his goal is to ensure that each person comes away feeling confident, empowered, and knowing much more about how to deal with their financial difficulties than when they first arrived. “Providing a solution to individuals so that they can get their life back is the most important part of helping clients for me”, says David.

David’s number one piece of advice for people seeking help with their debts:

“A free consultation with a Licensed Insolvency Trustee is a great place to start for you to acquire the information you need to make the best decision for you going forward.”

Connect with David today to discuss your options during a free, confidential, one-on-one consultation.

Contact David to set up your appointment.

Jennifer Thom is an Estate Manager who has worked in the personal insolvency field for over 20 years. It’s important to Jennifer that her clients feel at ease and comfortable with the information they receive as they explore their debt options. She believes that education is key to making the best choice in any situation: “I strive to ensure each person I meet with goes home feeling happy and well-informed about how they can deal with their debt.”

Jennifer’s number one piece of advice for people seeking help with their debts:

“The hardest part of the debt-free process is making the first phone call asking for help.”

Connect with Jennifer today to discuss your options during a free, confidential, one-on-one consultation.

Contact Jennifer to set up your appointment.

Joanne Fong has more than 15 years of experience assisting individuals with personal debt resolution, and specializes in personal bankruptcy and consumer proposals. As a Sands & Associates Estate Manager, Joanne’s goal during one-on-one sessions with clients is to offer clarity, practical insight and hope. “Helping my clients see that there is light at the end of the tunnel is the most important aspect of what I do,” says Joanne.

Joanne is also fluent in Cantonese and Mandarin.

Joanne’s number one piece of advice for people seeking help with their debts:

“Recognize that there are many ways to move forward. A licensed professional will inform you of avenues you can pursue.”

Connect with Joanne today to discuss your options during a free, confidential, one-on-one consultation.

Contact Joanne to set up your appointment.

John Manson has 7 years of personal insolvency experience. John is dedicated to providing his Sands & Associates clients the tools they require to manage and overcome challenging financial situations. Specializing in personal insolvency, John helps clients understand the often daunting and misunderstood aspects of debt resolution. “The most important part of my job is informing people of the laws around dealing with debt and how it affects their situation,” says John.

John’s number one piece of advice for people seeking help with their debts:

“Take full advantage of the tools and information you receive from your Licensed Insolvency Trustee. The more that you put into the process, the more you can get out of it.”

Connect with John today to discuss your options during a free, confidential, one-on-one consultation.

Contact John to set up your appointment.

Judy Keu is an Estate Manager with a wide range of insolvency administration experience. When meeting with clients to review their financial situation Judy’s goal is to always ensure that her clients find a comfortable environment to discuss their financial difficulties. She believes that having the right knowledge and a clear understanding of all available legal debt options are crucial for anyone who is struggling financially. “Helping individuals move forward to a financial fresh start is one of the most rewarding aspects of my job.” says Judy.

Judy’s number one piece of advice for people seeking help with their debts:

“Debt can happen to anyone, the most important thing to remember is that it is never too late to seek advice and to re-establish your financial stability.”

Connect with Judy today to discuss your options during a free, confidential, one-on-one consultation.

Contact Judy to set up your appointment.

Julie Medeiros has more than 8 years of experience assisting individuals manage and resolve their debts. Julie works with clients to help them better understand their debt resolution options. Julie conducts a full assessment of each client’s financial situation and focuses on educating them on their rights. Her goal with every Sands & Associates client that she works with is ensuring they clearly understand the options available to them so they can move forward confidently. “Helping clients achieve a financial fresh start is the most important aspect of my job,” says Julie.

Julie’s number one piece of advice for people seeking help with their debts:

“It is possible to transform your situation and achieve financial freedom. Once you begin working with a licensed professional to resolve your debts, you will feel your financial stress lessen.”

Connect with Julie today to discuss your options during a free, confidential, one-on-one consultation.

Contact Julie to set up your appointment.

Karen Wright has 25 years of experience helping people find debt solutions and overcome financial difficulty. Specializing in personal insolvency, Karen recognizes the impact challenging financial situations have on clients’ lives. “My goal is to help all clients I work with get back on track financially so they can enjoy a better quality of life,” says Karen. During her sessions with Sands & Associates clients, Karen creates an environment where they can feel comfortable talking about their financial situations.

Karen’s number one piece of advice for people seeking help with their debts:

“Debt can happen to anyone and it is stressful. Work with a licensed professional who is kind and non-judgemental. A supportive approach is essential for moving forward positively and confidently.”

Connect with Karen today to discuss your options during a free, confidential, one-on-one consultation.

Contact Karen to set up your appointment.

Kristine Medeiros is an Insolvency Estate Manager and Qualified Insolvency Counsellor with 18 years of experience. Kristine specializes in consumer proposals and personal bankruptcy, providing individuals relief from their financial difficulties. The cornerstone of Kristine’s approach to one-on-one sessions with Sands & Associates clients is empathetic listening and improving their understanding of their options. “Truly assisting clients means treating them with respect and dignity while offering the information they require to make an informed decision,” says Kristine.

Kristine’s number one piece of advice for people seeking help with their debts:

“Many individuals facing challenging financial situations think bankruptcy is their only option. This is not the case. Meet with a licensed professional to understand the options available to you.”

Connect with Kristine today to discuss your options during a free one-on-one consultation.

Contact Kristine to set up your appointment.

Marlene has ten years of experience assisting individuals in matters relating to personal insolvency. As a former credit counsellor, lender and bank manager, Marlene has experience in all areas of consolidation. For Marlene, the most important aspects of her job are educating clients about their options for debt resolution and helping them minimize financial stress. “My job is to empower people with knowledge so they know that there is help out there and choices available to them. Working with people to reduce their stress enriches their lives and can even improve their overall health,” says Marlene.

Marlene’s number one piece of advice for people seeking help with their debts:

“An initial consultation with a Licensed Insolvency Trustee or Estate Manager should not cost you any money. If it does, take it as a red flag that something is wrong.”

Connect with Marlene today to discuss your options during a free, confidential, one-on-one consultation.

Contact Marlene to set up your appointment.

Stephanie Munsie has six years of insolvency and accounting experience. In addition to being a Sands & Associates Estate Manager, Stephanie is currently enrolled in the Chartered Professional Accountants Canada (CPA) Professional Education Program. Stephanie makes a difference in the lives of her clients through the knowledge she provides. “The lack of available and correct information about debt management solutions can lead people to believe there is no realistic way out of their financial troubles,” she says. “Insolvency proceedings are a remedy and a rehabilitation process to allow individuals a fresh start.”

Stephanie’s number one piece of advice for people seeking help with their debts:

“Review your budget each month and take note of where your money goes. This is essential for maintaining your financial health and truly evaluating your current financial standing.”

Connect with Stephanie today to discuss your options during a free, confidential, one-on-one consultation.

Contact Stephanie to set up your appointment.

Carolyn is an experienced Qualified Insolvency Counsellor with Sands & Associates, based in our New Westminster office. Carolyn says she focuses on the long-term benefits of financial counselling sessions with clients who are going through the Consumer Proposal or personal bankruptcy processes, “My objective isn’t just to share tools to achieve freedom from debt, but also to be able to navigate with maximum success beyond that point.”

Carolyn’s number one piece of advice for people seeking help with their debts:

“We know how intimidating legal debt help can seem, but we’re here to assist you in taking control of financial obstacles and through your journey to a debt-free future!”

Erica is a Qualified Insolvency Counsellor at the Surrey Sands & Associates office with over four years’ experience in personal debt help. Working with clients who have filed a Consumer Proposal or personal bankruptcy, Erica’s main goal is to aid people in learning about their options and choices in any financial situation. She feels the most important part of helping people is giving them hope, to know that no challenge is impossible to overcome.

Erica’s number one piece of advice for people seeking help with their debts:

“Get into the habit of saving even if you can only afford $5 per month right now, because it is the habit that makes the difference. Once you make saving a part of your life, you will never want to stop!”

Lilian is a Qualified Insolvency Counsellor with over nine years of experience in the personal debt management field. Lilian works with personal bankruptcy and Consumer Proposal clients in our Burnaby, Richmond, Surrey and Vancouver office locations, providing one-on-one financial counselling. Her primary goal during financial counselling sessions is to help clients set and achieve financial goals, and to develop a realistic personal budget. She says, “The most rewarding part about what I do is being able to help people cut their debts and get a fresh start.”

Lilian is also fluent in Cantonese and Mandarin.

Lilian’s number one piece of advice for people seeking help with their debts:

“Make sure you understand all your options before you make a decision on how to move forward with dealing with your debt.”

Melanie is a Qualified Insolvency Counsellor with Sands & Associates who has more than 15 years of experience helping people deal with their debt. Melanie’s primary role is providing clients in our Richmond and Surrey office locations financial counselling sessions as part of their Consumer Proposal or personal bankruptcy. She feels financial counselling is an integral part of the debt management process, and it’s rewarding to see clients improve their financial situations and skills. Melanie says, “Offering information about money management, budgeting tools, strategies to help clients develop savings, as well as re-establishing financial goals are important aspects of what I do.”

Melanie’s number one piece of advice for people seeking help with their debts:

“It’s very important to seek help sooner rather than later when there are warning signs of financial difficulties.”