Meet Our Team

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 President of Sands & Associates, 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.”

Meet with Deane today to discuss your options during a free, confidential, one-on-one consultation. Appointments available at the Sands & Associates offices in Surrey, Port Coquitlam, Abbotsford, Chilliwack, White Rock and Kamloops.

Contact Deane to set up your appointment.

In addition to being a Vice President of Sands & Associates, a Licensed Insolvency Trustee and Chartered 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.”

Meet with Raj today to discuss your options during a free, confidential, one-on-one consultation. Appointments available at the Sands & Associates offices in Surrey, New Westminster, Kelowna and on Vancouver Island.

Contact Raj 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.”

Meet with Kimberly today to discuss your options during a free, confidential, one-on-one consultation. Appointments available at the Sands & Associates offices in Surrey and Richmond.

Contact Kimberly 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.”

Meet with Marlene today to discuss your options during a free, confidential, one-on-one consultation. Appointments available at the Sands & Associates offices in Maple Ridge and Langley.

Contact Marlene 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.”

Meet with Kristine today to discuss your options during a free one-on-one consultation. Appointments available at the Sands & Associates offices in Surrey and Richmond.

Contact Kristine 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.”

Meet with Karen today to discuss your options during a free, confidential, one-on-one consultation. Appointments available at the Sands & Associates Abbotsford office.

Contact Karen 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.”

Meet with Julie today to discuss your options during a free, confidential, one-on-one consultation. Appointments available at the Sands & Associates office in Port Coquitlam.

Contact Julie to set up your appointment.

With more than 20 years of experience in the insolvency field, Jeff Ayre has helped corporate and consumer clients of diverse backgrounds manage and overcome difficult financial situations. Jeff has administered multiple engagements under the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act and the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act. Recognizing the complexity of navigating insolvency, he focuses on offering clarity to the Sands & Associates clients he works with. When asked about the most important aspect of his job, Jeff says, “Financial burdens weigh heavily on people. Helping them relieve those burdens makes a difference in their lives.”

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

“Clear information from a professional will help you find a solution to your debt problems. Be wary of individuals and groups who may try to take advantage of you. A Licensed Insolvency Trustee will offer you guidance at no cost.”

Meet with Jeff today to discuss your options during a free, confidential, one-on-one consultation. Appointments available at the Sands & Associates offices in Vancouver, Kamloops, Kelowna and Vancouver Island.

Contact Jeff 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.”

Meet with Darlene today to discuss your options during a free, confidential, one-on-one consultation. Appointments available at the Sands & Associates Vancouver office.

Contact Darlene to set up your appointment.

Rachel Riddell has four years of experience as an Estate Manager and insolvency counsellor. Rachel specializes in debt management solutions for individuals. Using an educational and supportive approach, she provides all Sands & Associates clients she works with the information they need to better understand their options for debt resolution. “Helping people who are facing financial difficulty achieve a financial fresh start is always my goal,” says Rachel.

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

“Difficult financial situations are stressful and often overwhelming. Seeking out non-judgemental advice from a licensed professional is a powerful first step as you explore the debt relief options available to you.”

Meet with Rachel today to discuss your options during a free, confidential, one-on-one consultation. Appointments available at the Sands & Associates office in Vancouver.

Contact Rachel 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.”

Meet with Stephanie today to discuss your options during a free, confidential, one-on-one consultation. Appointments available at the Sands & Associates offices in Victoria and Nanaimo.

Contact Stephanie to set up your appointment.