Sue Attrill-Knott (she/her)
Executive Director

Sue Attrill-Knott has served as Executive Director of Chilliwack Hospice Society since October 2016. Working closely with the Board of Directors, she provides strategic and operational leadership for the Society, guiding its staff, programs and services in support of people who are grieving, dying or living with a life-limiting illness. She is responsible for advancing the organization’s mission, strengthening community partnerships and ensuring staff have the resources and support needed to serve the community effectively.

Sue brings extensive experience in public service, governance and community leadership to her role. She served for 14 years as a City Councillor for the City of Chilliwack and is a Past President of both the Chilliwack Mt. Cheam Rotary Club and Soroptimist International of Chilliwack. She was also a member of the Rotary Club of Chilliwack and has been recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow for her commitment to Rotary’s ideals of service.

Outside of work and community service, Sue enjoys cooking, baking, interior design and painting. She has two adult daughters, Melody and Haley, and especially treasures time with her grandchildren, Ellie Sue and Holden.

Tammy Genzale
Financial Manager

Tammy Genzale has served Chilliwack Hospice Society since 2007 and brings extensive experience in financial management, administration and the charitable sector to her role as Financial Manager. Having held several positions within the organization, she has developed a comprehensive understanding of the Society’s operations and the financial stewardship required to support its mission.

Tammy oversees the Society’s financial systems, reporting and regulatory responsibilities. Her work includes accounts payable and receivable, charitable receipting, payroll and employee benefits, annual budgeting, account and event reconciliation, gaming grant compliance, GST rebate filings and preparation of year-end financial information for the Society’s auditor. She also supports the organization in meeting its annual reporting obligations under the British Columbia Societies Act.

Drawn to Chilliwack Hospice Society by its core values, Tammy considers it an honour to work for an organization that demonstrates compassion, integrity and respect in its service to the community. She is married to Rino and has five adult daughters and seven grandchildren. Outside of work, Tammy enjoys motorcycling, visiting vineyards and spending time with her family.

Candice Quesnel, BSW, RSW
Palliative Services Manager

Candice Quesnel, BSW, RSW, joined Chilliwack Hospice Society as Palliative Services Manager in 2024. A registered social worker, she holds a Bachelor of Social Work and a diploma in Social Services with an Indigenous concentration. Candice brings professional knowledge, compassion and a person-centred approach to supporting individuals and families living with a life-limiting illness.

Candice provides leadership for the Society’s palliative care support services, including the training, scheduling and ongoing support of volunteers serving at Cascade Hospice Residence. She also provides support to palliative patients and their families in hospital and community settings, working collaboratively with volunteers, health-care professionals and community partners to help ensure people receive respectful and responsive care.

In addition to her work with patients, families and volunteers, Candice facilitates group programs focused on anticipatory grief and caregiver support. Through this work, she helps individuals prepare for the changes and losses that may accompany a serious illness, while also recognizing the emotional and practical demands experienced by caregivers. Her role strengthens the continuum of grief and palliative care support offered by Chilliwack Hospice Society and reflects the organization’s commitment to compassionate care throughout the illness and grief journey.

Yuliia Kovalova, MA, RCC (she/her)
Bereavement Services Manager

Yuliia Kovalova, MA, RCC, joined Chilliwack Hospice Society in November 2025 and serves as Bereavement Services Manager. A Registered Clinical Counsellor, she holds a Master of Arts degree in counselling and rehabilitation work and brings a compassionate, holistic approach to supporting individuals and families experiencing grief, loss and significant life transitions.

Yuliia integrates evidence-based therapeutic methods with a deep understanding of human resilience and emotional well-being. Through one-to-one, family and group support, she creates a safe and reflective space where clients can process their experiences, explore their needs and find meaningful ways to move forward while maintaining an ongoing connection with the person who died.

Her background in counselling and dedication to personal and professional growth inform the thoughtful, person-centred care she provides. Yuliia is committed to meeting each person with compassion and respect, recognizing that every experience of grief is unique and that support should reflect each individual’s circumstances, culture, relationships and strengths.

Karlee Gross, BA (Hons.) (she/her)
Child & Youth Program Manager

Karlee Gross, BA (Hons.), began her journey with Chilliwack Hospice Society as a volunteer and joined the staff team in September 2025 as a Child and Youth Program Manager. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with honours in psychology from the University of the Fraser Valley and is passionate about supporting children and youth as they navigate grief and experiences related to death and dying.

Believing in the power of creativity and connection, Karlee incorporates art, play and developmentally appropriate activities into her work. These approaches give children and youth opportunities to explore and express thoughts and emotions that can sometimes be difficult to communicate through words alone.

Karlee strives to create a welcoming environment where every child and young person feels seen, heard and safe. Through individual, family and group support, she meets participants with compassion, curiosity and respect, recognizing that each young person experiences and expresses grief in their own way.

Lucy Fraser, MSW (she/her)
Director of Programs

Lucy Fraser, MSW, has served Chilliwack Hospice Society since 2004 and is the organization’s longest-serving employee. As Director of Programs, she provides leadership and oversight for the Society’s grief and palliative care support programs, including group programming, one-to-one and family grief support, the Traumatic Loss Group and the Relaxation Program. Her work also encompasses program development, volunteer training, public education and community engagement.

Lucy’s passion for helping people find their own voices, while educating and advocating for those who may be disenfranchised or marginalized, is deeply reflected in her work. Over more than two decades with the Society, she has walked alongside countless individuals and families during some of life’s most difficult experiences, contributing compassion, wisdom and a profound commitment to inclusive, person-centred support. Recognized as an elder in the community, Lucy continues to be a respected source of guidance, knowledge and connection.

Lucy is the mother of three adult children and shares her home with three cats and a dog. An avid birdwatcher, she enjoys spending time at the Yarrow Wetlands and observing the great blue herons at the nearby heronry.

Desmond Devnich, AA, MCPRS (he/him)
Director of Marketing & Communications

Desmond Devnich, AA, MCPRS, has been connected with Chilliwack Hospice Society since 2012, first as a volunteer and later as an independent contractor before joining the staff team full-time in 2021. As Director of Marketing and Communications, he provides strategic leadership for the communications, marketing and public engagement activities of both the Society and its Thrifty Boutique social enterprise.

Desmond works to ensure community members know where to find grief and palliative care support, educational opportunities and ways to become involved in the Society’s mission. He oversees media and public relations, digital communications, advertising, publications and brand management, helping strengthen the organization’s visibility, accessibility and connections throughout the community.

A cause-driven communications professional, Desmond represents the Society as a partner with Chilliwack Healthier Community and is actively involved with the Canadian Public Relations Society and Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce. He is an honorary Paul Harris Fellow and can often be heard singing the national anthem at local events.

Kaylee Lovesy, BSW, RSW (she/her)
Child & Youth Program Manager

Kaylee Lovesy, BSW, RSW, joined Chilliwack Hospice Society in early 2025 as a fourth-year Bachelor of Social Work practicum student from the University of the Fraser Valley. After completing her practicum and Bachelor of Social Work degree, she joined the staff team as a Child and Youth Program Manager in April 2025. Kaylee also holds a Social Service Worker diploma and a Professional Communications Essentials associate certificate.

Guided by a commitment to client-centred care, Kaylee uses a family systems approach to support children, youth and families as they navigate grief and experiences related to death and dying. She incorporates play, art and developmentally appropriate activities into programs and support tailored to each participant’s age, circumstances and individual needs.

Kaylee values working collaboratively within the non-profit sector and contributing to a team focused on developing responsive programs for the community. She finds deep meaning in meeting children and youth where they are in their grief and helping create an environment where they feel safe, supported and understood.

Deanna Fedorkew joined Chilliwack Hospice Society in February 2024 and has served as Community Education Manager since January 2025. She leads the Society’s community education initiatives, helping individuals and families access practical information and meaningful support related to grief, caregiving, serious illness and end-of-life planning.

Deanna facilitates free workshops and presentations for individuals, community groups and organizations. Topics include advance care planning, legal and financial planning, expressive arts and accessible self-care practices such as gentle chair yoga. She is also the lead staff member responsible for Basic Hospice Training and supports the Supportive Walking Group and Second Step Grief Peer Support Group.

In addition, Deanna leads several of the Society’s memorial events, including the annual Memorial Celebration, Celebrate A Life, and gatherings recognizing days of significance. Her connection to Chilliwack Hospice Society began as a middle school volunteer, inspired by her mother, Coletta Holmes, who was an integral part of the Hospice team at the time. Known for her warmth and genuine care, Deanna also builds meaningful personal connections with the Society’s volunteers.

Outside of work, Deanna enjoys spending time with her husband and their two energetic daughters.