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 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.”

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.

Alana Orrell is a Licensed Insolvency Trustee with over seven years of experience in the areas of personal and corporate insolvency, and more than 11 years of public practice in accounting, auditing and tax. Ensuring all clients she works with gain a thorough understanding of the debt resolution options available to them is her top priority. “When I’m assisting a client, the most important thing I can do is listen to ensure the solution fits the issues identified,” says Alana.

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

“The situation you are in is temporary. We have the knowledge and expertise to help you move on and recover from this.”

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

Contact Alana 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.”

Meet with Laura today to discuss your options during a free, confidential, one-on-one consultation. Appointments available at the Sands & Associates New Westminster and Port Coquitlam offices.

Contact Laura 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.”

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

Contact Dana 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.”

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

Contact Cindy to set up your appointment.

Finding debt solutions and providing the potential for a promising financial future is Cindy Wortley’s aim with every Sands & Associates client she sees. Cindy has more than 20 years of experience in the areas of insolvency and restructuring, including 15 years with a national professional services & chartered accounting firm. Cindy is currently enrolled in the CAIRP (Trustee) Qualification Program. Her approach emphasizes empowerment. “Providing individuals with valuable tools to deal with their financial difficulties is the most important part of my job,” says Cindy.

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

“If you are struggling to find a solution to your difficult financial situation, know that only a Licensed Insolvency Trustee can provide the ultimate level of protection from creditors – often without the need of bankruptcy.”

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

Contact Cindy to set up your appointment.

Sandra Myers has six years of experience in the area of personal insolvency. When exploring debt resolution options with clients, Sandra clearly and concisely delivers the information they require in order to make an informed decision about how to move forward. Her approach is empathetic and highly personalized. “It is important to put people at ease when they are dealing with a stressful financial situation, and let them know there is ‘light at the end of the tunnel,’” says Sandra.

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

“Pass on the information you acquire through this process – such as budgeting – to your children. No one else is going to teach them!”

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

Contact Sandra 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.

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.”

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

Contact Joanne to set up your appointment.

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.”

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

Contact Ashley to set up your appointment.

Janice is an Estate Manager with almost 20 years’ experience in the personal debt management industry. As a Qualified Insolvency Counsellor with Sands & Associates, she works with Consumer Proposal and personal bankruptcy clients in our New Westminster office providing one-on-one financial counselling. Janice says a key component to successful financial counselling is to “listen to the client first, then provide the information they need to feel comfortable and confident about their decisions.”

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

“The hardest part is making the decision to move forward, but once you make that decision you are already solving the problem. There is nothing to stop your future successes after you put the past behind you!”

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.”