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, Maple Ridge 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 office.

Contact Laura 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.

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.”

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

Contact John 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, Colwood and Nanaimo.

Contact Stephanie to set up your appointment.

Julie Cho is a Sands & Associates Estate Manager with over five years personal insolvency experience. She feels that sharing professional knowledge and understanding of legal debt management options is key to helping people move beyond their financial difficulties and gain a financial fresh start. “My priority is to address my client’s main concerns, and provide them with the information they need in order to fully consider all options available in their situation,” says Julie.

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

“If you’re concerned, or even overwhelmed by your debts – don’t delay in speaking to a Licensed Insolvency Trustee. We are here to help you!”

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

Contact Julie to set up your appointment.

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.”

Bethany has over five years of experience working in the personal debt help industry. She is a Qualified Insolvency Counsellor with Sands & Associates, primarily working with clients in our Abbotsford and Langley offices during one-on-one financial counselling sessions. Bethany feels it’s important to provide help without judgment and says, “Through 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!”