Our Staff
Over the years, the Abbotsford Hospice 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
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. Andrea 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 Society.
Andrea Critchley
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Rick started with the AHS team in 2021. He brings his lifetime of customer oriented service to the Society to ensure that the goals of AHS are matched with caring community donors. He believes in the mission of AHS 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.
Rick Barkwell
DEVELOPMENT / BUSINESS MANAGER
Bio coming soon!
Gurveer Sahota
OFFICE COORDINATOR ADMINISTRATION
Janessa joined the team in 2023 as the Children and Family Services Coordinator. Janessa grew up in Abbotsford and is eager to support and give back to the community that she loves! She holds a B.A. in Counselling and Human Services and comes with many years of experience working with non-profits, as well as, working with at-risk youth. Her passion is to work with young people and help them in their unique grieving journey through therapeutic and meaningful programs. Outside of work, Janessa enjoys spending time with her family, baking, getting outside for walks/hikes, and cuddling up under a blanket with a warm cup of tea!
Janessa Neufeld
CHILDREN & FAMILY SERVICES COORDINATOR
Maternity leave coverage
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, donor relations and everything administrative. She is proud to work with the phenomenal team at Abbotsford Hospice Society who provides incredible support and care for members of our community.
Michelle Whalen
DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR
Currently on maternity leave
Vanessa comes with a degree in Therapeutic Recreation and years of experience in health care, providing support, education, and programs for the vulnerable sector. Her vast experience working with families, children, teens, and individuals living with mental health and life limiting illness, gives her the ability to support the children and families of our community. Her knowledge and skills to assess and individualize programs with therapeutic programming for all ages, is an asset to our programs, as everyone’s journey with grief is unique and individualized. Her passion is designing therapeutic and meaningful programs that meet the needs of the people she is supporting, while giving them the tools to move forward with confidence and hope.
Vanessa Aparicio
CHILDREN & FAMILY COORDINATOR
Currently on maternity leave
Susanne joined Abbotsford Hospice 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 in our community
Away from work Susanne enjoys spending time with her husband and her family. Her pride and joy are her grandchildren who she loves to spend as much time with as possible.
Susanne Fehr
PROGRAMS/ SERVICES DIRECTOR
Katherine is currently finishing her B.A. in Child and Youth Care. Katherine has a background of working with various children and adults who have diverse abilities. She is excited to be a part of AHS and walk alongside those who need support in their grieving journeys. She hopes to bring along skills from various therapies and activities to instigate thoughtful discussions and provide tools for coping strategies. On her days off, she likes to work on projects like crocheting, writing, cross-stitching and reading classics.
Katherine Martens
CHILDREN & FAMILY SERVICES ASSISTANT
Bio coming soon!
Divya Sandhu
EVENTS COORDINATOR
Maternity leave coverage
Christina has grown up in Abbotsford and has been an active volunteer for over 20 years working with non profits such as Big Brothers and Sisters CFV, Abbotsford Police Department, BC Children's Hospital, Ronald McDonald House, as well as AHS since 2013. She came on staff in 2020 and brings extensive knowledge in the event and logistics field focusing on philanthropy, and brings an unparalleled enthusiasm to create and execute flawless events. She is looking forward to working with the connections she has made within the community and bringing awareness to AHS. On her off time Christina can be seen travelling the world, on the ice with her hockey team, on the field with her fast pitch team, or riding her motorcycle!
Christina Nelson
DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
Community Engagement
Currently on maternity leave
Anisha is a Counseling Therapist who has been working as a Nursing Unit Clerk since 2015. She has a Counseling Therapy diploma with specialized training in Grief and Bereavement support. Anisha has experience in supporting individuals experiencing grief and loss, within group settings as well as providing one on one support.
Her passion is about providing compassionate care and support to those in our community who are going through difficult times. In her personal time, Anisha enjoys reading, baking, and spending time with her friends and family. Anisha is very excited to be working with the Abbotsford Hospice Society and working alongside our amazing Volunteers.
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Anisha Toor
PALLIATIVE VOLUNTEER
COORDINATOR
Carley graduated from Summit Pacific College majoring in Non-Profit Global Leadership. She is excited to join the AHS team this summer, 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 AHS.
Carley Tonn
DEVELOPMENT/ COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR
Maternity leave coverage
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 very excited to join the team and use his abilities to support the existing team at Abbotsford Hospice Society. Outside of work he enjoys time doing volunteer work as a basketball coach, board games with family, and hiking in the area.
Brendan Adrian
FINANCE/ ADMIN DIRECTOR
Charanpreet joined AHS in 2020 as a volunteer, which helped her gain an understanding and an appreciation for what AHS 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 AHS 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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Charanpreet Mahal
PROGRAM SUPPORT COORDINATOR
Makenna has recently graduated and comes with a degree in counseling foundations with some training in grief care. She has also done some 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 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.
Makenna Loft
VOLUNTEER & DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR
Currently on maternity leave