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 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 and New Westminster.

Contact Raj to set up your appointment.

Andrew Smith is a Licensed Insolvency Trustee with over 9 years’ experience in providing both business and personal debt management solutions. Andrew takes a straight-forward and personable approach to helping people assess their situation and evaluate their legal debt solutions. He understands that debt help can seem complicated and feel overwhelming, but believes that with the right knowledge and a friendly approach, it doesn’t have to be. “I strive to give the best information to people about their options” he says, “giving someone a fresh start and a plan to deal with their financial problems is a key part of my role as a Licensed Insolvency Trustee.”

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

“Always read the terms of contracts and agreements before signing – you should know exactly how much it will cost you to repay any money you borrow and how these costs fit into your monthly cash flow.” 

Meet with Andrew today to discuss your debt options during a free, confidential, one-on-one debt consultation. Appointments available at the Sands & Associates office in Kelowna and Penticton.

Contact Andrew 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.

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!”

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

Contact Tracey 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 Vancouver office.

Contact Ashley 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.

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.

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.”

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

Contact David 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.

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.”

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

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.”

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.