Our Team

Abbotsford Hospice Society staff is remarkable in their skill and dedication to Hospice philosophy. They are involved in all aspects of Hospice services and they are charged with many responsibilities, including management and growth of the facility, training programs, research, fundraising through grants and community events, community education, media relations, staff development, and local, provincial and national end-of-life initiatives.

Members of Staff

DEBORAH LEHMANN
Executive Director

Described as a leader and change agent Debbie Lehmann promotes community collaboration, and practices innovative approaches to public and private dialogue. She believes in community-based decision-making and collective action which leads to long-term social change.

Debbie's educational background includes human resources, adult education and legal administration. She has also received specific training in group facilitation, peer counselling, and not-for-profit business management.

Debbie has served as Executive Director of the Abbotsford Hospice Society since January 2007. In November 2009, under her leadership, the Abbotsford Hospice Society received the Social Responsibility Award at the Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards Ceremony.

In the summer of 2009 Debbie was named one of Abbotsford's top 100 most influential people by readers participating in the Abbotsford News' "A-List" poll. Debbie is serving her second term as a Director on the Chamber of Commerce Board and in October 2009 she was appointed to the Police Board of Abbotsford. As a Rotarian in the Abbotsford Rotary Club, one of Debbie's interests includes promoting the work of Rotary at the community level and acting on the public relations committee.

Debbie also appeared as guest speaker for the Sprott Shaw Community College graduation class to bring a message of citizenship and encouragement to the graduates.

KELLY RAILTON
Director of Operations

Bio to follow.

MARYANNE BALZER
Bereavement Services Manager

Maryanne has been on staff since January of 2007. As Bereavement Services Manger, she is responsible for providing quality services on behalf of AHS with respect to anticipatory grief and bereavement support. Maryanne manages all bereavement services including new client assessments, referrals to volunteers and support groups, facilitating volunteer meetings, recruiting volunteers and volunteer assessments. Maryanne works Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

YOKO GIFFORD
Palliative Services Manager

Yoko has been on staff since May 2008. As Palliative Services Manager, she is responsible for providing quality services on behalf of AHS with respect to terminally ill adults. Yoko manages the AHS hospital and facility visitation, and the in-home companioning program.

MARION KEYS
Capital Campaign Manager

Marion is a results-oriented executive and entrepreneur with in-depth experience in the private, not-for-profit and government sectors. Her career includes developing a warranty business that became a market leader in the automotive sector. Marion's public sector and industry experience has demonstrated her ability to influence public policy at the highest level, provincially and nationally.

FLO KEHLER
Financial Administrator

Flo Kehler is an experienced financial administrator who works with small and medium-sized businesses and non-profit organizations. Over the past 15 years, Flo has worked to maximize efficiency as well as streamline processes relating to financial reporting and daily business operations. She is involved in the day-to-day accounting functions, budgeting and government reporting.

Working with the Abbotsford Hospice Society is a real pleasure for Flo as she completely supports the work and vision of this exceptional organization. When not at work, Flo enjoys spending time with her husband, Bruce, and two sons.

KATHY STECYK
Special Events Administrator

Passion. Dedication. Client-focused….just a few attributes of Kathy Stecyk. Her golf industry knowledge as a woman sets her apart as a very rare golf professional in Canada that holds a Class "A" status in both C.P.G.A. and L.P.G.A. Associations.

Attaining the highest qualifications in both Associations by attending seminars regularly throughout North America, Kathy is completely committed to providing the best golf instruction possible. She's an expert in coaching the skills related to sports learning and performance, and is experienced working with all levels of players and age groups. Currently Kathy holds a senior coaching position at the Northview Golf Academy located in the lower mainland.

Aside from personal coaching, Kathy's focus also includes developing high-quality public, private and customized corporate golf programs and golf fitness schools. Her technical expertise is complemented by exceptional interpersonal and public speaking skills, an educational background in marketing and promotions, and extensive marketing experience in the golf and retail sectors. She is also certified Level I within the Titleist Performance Institute (TPI).

Kathy is committed to lifelong learning, community support and dedicated to giving back to her community. She provides countless volunteer hours for a variety community organizations and charities.

Kathy is the Special Events Administrator for the Abbotsford Hospice Society and works with the team to ensure that each major fundraising event reaches its maximum potential.
• Charity Golf Tournament • Hearts for Hospice Gala  • Diva Night
Visit Kathy's website.

The Abbotsford Hospice Society announces the retirement of Bonnie Pierce.  We wish to thank Bonnie for her years of service to AHS and wish her well in the future.