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.
KELLY RAILTON Director of Operations
Bio to follow.
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.
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.
