Our Dedicated Team
Meet the compassionate individuals who drive Abbotsford Hospice & Grief Support Society's mission forward. Learn more about each team member below.
Executive Director
Andrea Critchley
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 her passion is to make a difference in the lives of others. In 2025 Andrea was awarded the distinguished King Charles III Coronation Medal award in recognition of her commitment to enriching the lives of others, and for her long record of public service and care for others in the community. 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 Abbotsford Hospice & Grief Support Society
Finance & Admin Director
Brendan Adrian
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.
Palliative & Training Director
Susanne Fehr
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.
Development & Business Manager
Rick Barkwell
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
Community Coordinator
Jessica Banks
Jessica joined AHGSS in 2024. While she has a degree in Radio Broadcasting and Communication, she was eager to jump into the role of Community Coordinator on the Development team to help AHGSS support families and people in the community who are dying or grieving the loss of a loved one. She has always had a passion and a big heart for helping people and feels as if she has landed in the right place. She is excited to be apart of such an incredible team at Abbotsford Hospice and Grief Support Society.
While away from work she enjoys getting outdoors, being in the mountains, sports and her rescue dog Lewis.
Grief Support Services Manager
Veronica Tod
Veronica Tod is the Grief Support Manager at Abbotsford Hospice and Grief Support Society. In her professional role at hospice, she oversees programs and events for adults, children and youth. In 2004 Veronica received her diploma from Mount Royal College as a licenced Funeral Director and Embalmer program. Over the past 20 years she has helped navigate families through the most difficult time of their lives and created meaningful tributes for their loved ones. Veronica brings a wealth of experience and expertise in grief management, having worked extensively in various capacities within her previous profession. Her commitment to fostering a supportive environment aligns seamlessly with the goals and values at Abbotsford Hospice and Grief Support Society. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family and venturing out into the great outdoors.
Executive Assistant
Michelle Whalen
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. Outside of work she loves to spend time with her 2 young children, friends and family.
Volunteer Coordinator
Nancy Boese
Nancy became part of the team at AHGSS in 2024 as the Volunteer Coordinator. She first walked through the door of Holmberg House as a volunteer in training in 2022 and immediately felt at home. She has always been drawn to people experiencing grief and loss and believes no one should go through life and death alone. In her role, she keeps the deeply compassionate, generous community of AHGSS volunteers organized and active. It is her privilege to help build a place where people are seen, heard and loved through the most difficult situations. Both inside and outside of work, building relationships is her highest priority. She loves spending time with her husband, four grown children, and extended family and friends. Finding and creating beauty, reading and resting keep her grounded and grateful.
Office Coordinator & Administration
Gurveer Sahota
Gurveer joined AHGSS in 2021 as a volunteer and in 2022 on staff as office coordinator and part of the Finance team. He has a heart for helping others and is the friendly face you see at the front desk when you enter Holmberg House. Gurveer speaks 5 different languages and is proud to support our culturally diverse community, making the care experience more personalized and dignified.
Away from work he enjoys spending time with friends and family, volunteering with his church, and running his own successful business.
Junior Accountant
Seth Wiebe
Seth joined AHGSS in 2023 as a summer student in the Finance department. He has gone on to finish his Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and has joined the team full time. He sees the incredible value that AHGSS brings to the community and is glad to support the team in any way they need. Seth enjoys playing and coaching basketball and volleyball, reading, and spending time with his wife and their dog.
Children & Family Services Coordinator
Christina Unruh
Christina joined Abbotsford Hospice Grief Support Society in 2025. With a Bachelor of Arts in Pastoral Theology and a background in the non-profit sector, she’s passionate about supporting families and children through grief and loss. Christina’s work blends her skills in emotional and compassionate care to help guide others during difficult times. She is excited to be a part of the team at AHGSS. Outside of work, Christina loves spending time with her husband, family, friends and church community.
Youth & Family Services Coordinator
Cindy Tobar
Cindy holds a Bachelor's in Counselling and is currently pursuing her Master's degree. As a licensed minister with the BC/Yukon PAOC district, she is dedicated to supporting the next generation. Passionate about meaningful conversations and showing love, she strives to create spaces where individuals feel valued and heard. Outside of work, she actively engages in community-building at her local church —one of her greatest passions. Grounded in faith, family, and friendships, she appreciates life’s simple joys—sunsets, music, and shared laughter. Through every interaction, she is committed to fostering hope and encouragement
Palliative & Volunteer Support
Simrit Sekhon
Simrit joined AHGSS in 2024 as a practicum student, and after demonstrating her dedication, skill, and passion for grief support, she has transitioned to a part-time role within the organization. With a BA in Psychology and currently pursuing her Master’s in Social Work, she is deeply passionate about improving access to mental health services, particularly for underserved and marginalized populations. She is also highly committed to delivering culturally informed and relevant services to meet the diverse needs of individuals.
Simrit's most recent contribution to AHGSS was the creation and facilitation of a 5-week Punjabi Grief Support Group, which was designed to address the unique cultural and emotional needs of our local Punjabi community. Away from work, Simrit enjoys spending time with her friends and family, hiking, painting, and reading. She is eager to continue her work with the hospice team, creating a safe and supportive space for individuals to navigate their grief journeys.
Event & Community Coordinator
Arsh Kaler
Arsh is the founder and president of Smiles Through Seva Foundation, a youth-led organization empowering young people and raising over $120,000 through annual community galas. He also helped launch Kirpa Collective Society during the 2021 floods to support emergency relief efforts. Passionate about civic engagement, Arsh serves as secretary of the Fraser Valley Indo-Canadian Business Association and sits on several local committees, including the Business Innovation and Public Affairs Advisory Committee (BIPAAC) with the City of Abbotsford and the Student Awards Committee at the Abbotsford Community Foundation. He’s been featured in Darpan and Drishti Magazine, and was the youngest nominee for Entrepreneur of the Year by the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce. Arsh is dedicated to building strong connections and creating lasting impact in the community he’s proud to serve.
Development Assistant - Currently on Mat. leave
Makenna Loft
Bio coming soon.