Our Staff
Over the years, the Abbotsford Hospice & Grief Support Society has created a workplace culture of trust and fairness, and has assembled a team of dedicated, skilled, and compassionate staff who work to provide a variety of exemplary services to our community
Andrea Critchley
Executive Director
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International Speaker and Life Leadership Coach, President & Founder of Wonder Women Society, former ED of Women of BC/Yukon, PAOC and Capital Campaign Director of Tabor Village. She is actively involved in her community and serves on the boards of Mission Indo-Canadian Business Association and International Humanitarian Hope Society. Her family, faith and friends are the center of her life and the passion to make a difference for others through all aspects of her life. She is honoured to be part of the team that brings their skills and passion to support and care for the friends and families of the Abbotsford Hospice & Grief Support Society.
Susanne Fehr
Palliative & Training Director
Susanne joined Abbotsford Hospice & Grief Support Society in February 2022. Susanne brings 15 years of knowledge in healthcare and has experience with end-of-life care and anticipatory grief for loved ones experiencing loss who lived in care. With her background in healthcare, she supports our volunteers who enjoy sharing their time with our community. Away from work Susanne enjoys spending time with her husband and family. Her pride and joy are her grandchildren who she loves to spend as much time with as possible.
Brendan Adrian
Finance & Admin Director
Brendan joined the team in 2021 having worked in non-profits and development offices with a focus recently on long-term care and assisted living for seniors. He holds a Bachelor's degree in business administration and a diploma in accountancy. He is excited use his abilities to support the existing team at Abbotsford Hospice & Grief Support Society. Outside of work he enjoys time doing volunteer work as a basketball coach, board games with family, and hiking in the area.
Rick Barkwell
Development & Business Manager
Rick started with the AHGSS team in 2021. He brings his lifetime of customer oriented service to the Society to ensure that the goals of AHGSS are matched with caring community donors. He believes in the mission of AHGSS to help people who are dying and support individuals and families who are grieving the loss of a loved one.
He has experienced firsthand how hospice helps individuals in their care and felt that now was his time to help in this cause.
Rick is a Past President of the Abbotsford-Sumas Rotary Club as well as current board member of Abbotsford Minor Hockey.
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Michelle Whalen
Development Coordinator
Michelle joined the team in 2020 having worked at several other non-profit organizations including long-term seniors care and children’s mental health. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Simon Fraser University. Her efforts include grant research and writing, communications and everything administrative. She is proud to work with the phenomenal team at Abbotsford Hospice & Grief Support Society who provides incredible support and care for members of our community.
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Charanpreet Mahal
Program Support Coordinator
Charanpreet joined AHGSS in 2020 as a volunteer, which helped her gain an understanding and an appreciation for what AHGSS had to offer. In 2021, she joined the staff as a Program Support Coordinator. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and is currently pursuing a degree in Psychology. Her previous volunteer affiliations include Abbotsford Community Services, B.C. Cancer Agency, TWECS and Menno Place.
She is honoured to be a part of the AHGSS team and feels grateful to have the opportunity to provide support to those in their grief journey. Away from work, Charanpreet enjoys baking, reading, travelling and spending time with her family and friends.
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Seth Wiebe
Junior Accountant
Bio coming soon.
Gurveer Sahota
Office Coordinator / Administration
Bio coming soon.
Makenna Loft
Volunteer / Development Coordinator
Currently on maternity leave
Makenna has recently graduated and comes with a degree in counseling foundations with training in grief care. She has also done teaching and training on the importance of mental health through different seminars, especially during the pandemic, with emphasis on grief and loss and the impact that it had and continues to have on individuals. In her time outside of work she enjoys going for walks, shopping, and trying out new coffee shops with her husband. She looks forward to working alongside everyone here at the Hospice and in the community and looks forward to getting to know the amazing volunteers that help here.
Carley Tonn
Development Coordinator
Currently on maternity leave
Carley graduated from Summit Pacific College majoring in Non-Profit Global Leadership. She joined the AHGSS summer 2022, contributing her heart for community engagement and creativity to organize and plan events. She is looking forward to working within the community to raise awareness about the mission of AHGSS.