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
Specializing in the field of human resources, Deborah has focused on organizational effectiveness and employee development
and training. Educational background includes human resources, adult education and legal administration. She has also
received more specific training in group facilitation, peer counselling, advanced bereavement support, not-for-profit
governance, and risk management.
In 2004 Deborah joined the Abbotsford Hospice Society and served as Vice-Chair. In 2006 she was elected to the Chair
position and in January 2007 Deborah accepted the position of Executive Director for the society. While maintaining
quality service and the grass roots approach she promotes creative program planning, community collaboration and
innovative marketing.
Deborah is a Rotarian, Board Member of the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce and is part of the BC Human Resources Management
Association Professional Mentoring Program (PMP) for the Fraser Valley region.
Personal interests include travel, learning from and experiencing other cultures and facilitating community connection.
BONNIE PIERCE Office Administrator
Bonnie has been on staff with the Abbotsford Hospice Society since October of 2005. In addition to her duties as Office
Administrator, Bonnie is responsible for conducting our Orientation training as well as coordinating and supervising
office receptionists and special events volunteers.
Born in Vancouver, Bonnie has resided in Abbotsford since October 2003. She is an active volunteer with the Canadian Cancer
Society, CIBC Run for a Cure, and Relay for Life. Beta Sigma Phi occupies most of Bonnie’s free time.
In addition to her duties as Office Administrator, Bonnie is responsible for coordinating and recruiting the general
volunteers (receptionists, events, etc.) and ensuring that the events that we have running are covered appropriately.
KELLY RAILTON Programs Administrator
Kelly Railton joined the Hospice team as a volunteer in 2001, and has been a member of the staff for the past 3 years.
As Programs Administrator, she oversees all Hospice Programs, coordinates facilitators and trainers, oversees the website,
looks after general public outreach, advertising, and our Speakers Bureau.
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.
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.
Goodbye and Thank You...
Staff, Board Members and Clients bade a fond farewell on March 31st to Lesley Conway and Beth Shogren
from our Wellness Program. Between the two, Beth and Lesley have contributed more than 12 years of service to AHS and we are
grateful for their dedication to hospice. Lesley will be enjoying a much deserved "semi retirement" and will continue her
association with AHS as a bereavement support volunteer. Beth has moved on to follow her career path. We wish them all the
very best in the future and thank them for their past service.
