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Our Team
At Alternatives, our team is committed to guiding and supporting families with genuine compassion every step of the way. Each professional brings a unique blend of expertise, dedication, and empathy to their role, ensuring you feel cared for and understood during life’s most challenging moments.
We pride ourselves on fostering a supportive environment grounded in trust, respect, and kindness, so you can navigate your journey with confidence. Meet the individuals who make Alternatives a trusted resource and discover how their passion for serving families truly sets us apart.
Tyrel Burton
Managing Director
Years of Experience
13 years
What do you love most about working for Alternatives?
I have the privilege of working with a great team; people who genuinely care about the families we serve. Supporting families through loss and helping them plan ahead with clarity and peace of mind is work that matters, and it takes a team that matters to do it well.
How do you celebrate small victories or moments of joy in life?
For me, it really comes down to taking the time to appreciate the small things.
Lawrence Little
Founder
Lawrence G. Little, founder of Alternatives Funeral & Cremation Services® (the new name for Personal Alternative® Funeral Services), has a distinguished 54-year career in the British Columbia funeral industry. Lawrence began his apprenticeship in the funeral business in 1971. After completing a two-year apprenticeship and Mortuary College, Lawrence received his Certificate of Apprenticeship and Certificate of Trades Qualification for "Funeral Directing and Embalming" and was issued his license by the Province of B.C.
In 1980, Lawrence began a six-year term as a Director of the British Columbia Funeral Association and served as Chairman of the Professional Education Committee, the Public Education Committee and Chairman of the Management Committee. Little has designed and conducted numerous funeral service training seminars and workshops throughout B.C., as well as international seminars for the International Order of the Golden Rule, an affiliation of funeral homes world wide.
Throughout his career, Lawrence has received several "Service Awards" for his contribution to funeral service and has served on numerous government and legislative Advisory Boards spanning his career. Early in 1987, Lawrence joined a large independent funeral company as their Regional Manager, overseeing the operation of eight funeral home locations, a crematorium, florist shop and monument company. In 1989, the company was sold to a funeral conglomerate based in the United States.
August 1, 1992, Lawrence established Personal Alternative Funeral Services® to provide consumers throughout the entire Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley with a comfortable, affordable and common-sense alternative to the escalating costs found in traditional funeral homes and Memorial Societies.
In 2009, Lawrence was elected to the Board of Directors of the prestigious International Chicago based Cremation Association of North America and served 3 years as a Director of the Board. British Columbia has the largest cremation rate (nearly 90%) of any jurisdiction in North America.
In 2011, Lawrence rebranded Personal Alternative Funeral Services® to Alternatives Funeral & Cremation Services®. Lawrence sold Alternatives Funeral & Cremation Services® on its 25th anniversary - August 1, 2017.
Andre Carelse
Director of Family Care
Relevant Education & Certifications
Licensed Funeral Director & Embalmer
Years of Experience
30 years
What do you love most about working for Alternatives?
It’s the standard we set. We’re always looking to be better than we were yesterday, and I take pride in leading a team that keeps raising the bar.
How do you celebrate small victories or moments of joy in life?
I acknowledge it, we share it as a team, and keep building and improving.
Adrene Linton
Financial Administrator
Relevant Education & Certifications
Bachelor of Business Administration
Years of Experience
6 years
What do you love most about working for Alternatives?
The commitment to provide quality service and care to the families we serve.
How do you celebrate small victories or moments of joy in life?
I treat myself to a nice meal or go for a walk.
Alika Kinley
Administrator
Years of Experience
6 years
What do you love most about working for Alternatives?
My co-workers, who make each day more enjoyable through their support, teamwork, and shared purpose.
How do you celebrate small victories or moments of joy in life?
Good food, especially when shared with family or friends.
Leonard "Lenny" Parker-Kinley
Fur-ever Aftercare
Relevant Education & Certifications
Expert in tail wags, morale boosting, and midday breaks.
Years of Experience
1 year
What do you love most about working for Alternatives?
The friendly atmosphere and being part of a caring, supportive team.
How do you celebrate small victories or moments of joy in life?
With freeze dried liver treats and walks, of course!
Alissa Benteau
Administrator
Years of Experience
3 years
What do you love most about working for Alternatives?
At the heart of my work as an administrator and client care specialist is a commitment to supporting families during one of life’s most difficult times. I take pride in creating a space where families feel cared for, respected, and understood, guiding them with empathy and clarity while honouring each loved one with dignity.
How do you celebrate small victories or moments of joy in life?
I like to go for walks and eat good food to help appreciate my day-to-day life
Amanda Hanscom
Apprentice Funeral Director
Relevant Education & Certifications
Hotel Operations Management Certificate, Event & Conference Planning Certificate
Years of Experience
15+ years
What do you love most about working for Alternatives?
That we are family owned and operated. Our team also works really well to support one another.
How do you celebrate small victories or moments of joy in life?
With my family and friends.
Ännika Anderson de Ángel
Licensed Funeral Director
Years of Experience
6 years
What do you love most about working for Alternatives?
Guiding families with kindness is both a privilege and a responsibility I don't take lightly, and I'm grateful every day to do work that truly matters.
How do you celebrate small victories or moments of joy in life?
Outside of work, I have a soft spot for all creatures great and small…and scaly…and occasionally eight-legged. My home is a lively mix of reptiles, amphibians, arachnids, and a couple of cats who do their best to keep everyone in line.
Brittany Maurice
Administrator
Relevant Education & Certifications
Criminal Justice Diploma
What do you love most about working for Alternatives?
As an administrator, I take pride in being a steady, supportive presence for families during difficult times. It’s meaningful to help things run smoothly behind the scenes, ensuring every detail is handled with care and respect.
How do you celebrate small victories or moments of joy in life?
By taking a pause to acknowledge them, reflect with gratitude, and sometimes sharing them with someone close to me. Even the simplest wins deserved to be recognized.
Carolyn Cizmok
Licensed Funeral Director
Years of Experience
5 years
What do you love most about working for Alternatives?
I'm dedicated to supporting families with compassion and respect, and I value ensuring that every service uniquely reflects the life and wishes of their loved one. With my empathetic nature, I consider it an honour to serve families and provide meaningful care during such hard times.
How do you celebrate small victories or moments of joy in life?
Outside of work, I enjoy gaming, spending quality time with friends, art, and travelling.
David Singbeil
Crematorium Operator
Years of Experience
4 years
What do you love most about working for Alternatives?
Being able to help families by getting their loved ones back home.
How do you celebrate small victories or moments of joy in life?
By enjoying the outdoors (Mountains/Rivers).
Dwayne Little
Financial Administrator
Dwayne was born and raised in Delisle, Saskatchewan and began his retail career in a well established men’s apparel store and then at The Bay in Saskatoon where he developed a sound and disciplined business ethic. He later moved throughout Western Canada, holding senior management positions in Woodward’s, Eaton’s and again at The Bay, this time in Edmonton and then settled in British Columbia in 1991. Once in British Columbia, he was recruited by a large national retail clothing chain as Western Regional Manager, overseeing the operations of 37 stores between Vancouver Island and Winnipeg.
Dwayne joined Alternatives in 2007.
Erin Proby
Administrator
Years of Experience
1 year
What do you love most about working for Alternatives?
Having the opportunity to help serve families and members of my community during some of their hardest times.
How do you celebrate small victories or moments of joy in life?
Good food & good people!
Gaymond Wong
Licensed Funeral Director
Years of Experience
25+ years
What do you love most about working for Alternatives?
I joined the Alternatives team in May of 2016, and what I love most is the people. I try to make everyone around me feel welcome, and I take genuine pride in being a meaningful presence for the families we serve during their most difficult moments.
How do you celebrate small victories or moments of joy in life?
When I'm not serving others, I find joy in a wide selection of popular music and indulging my love of trivia, along with a fondness for non-fiction reading.
Hipólito Reyes
Manager of Community Outreach & Advance Planning
Hola, soy Hipólito Reyes, originario de Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, México, y residente de Vancouver, Columbia Británica desde 1997. A lo largo de los años, he tenido el privilegio de formar parte de esta comunidad diversa y vibrante, y también he visto la gran necesidad de apoyo y orientación que enfrentan muchas familias, especialmente dentro de la comunidad latina, al atravesar la pérdida de un ser querido.
Mi vocación surgió en 2021, tras el fallecimiento de mi madre. En ese momento, me sentí perdido sin saber por dónde empezar, hasta que fui guiado con empatía por el equipo de Alternatives Funeral & Cremation Services. Esa experiencia marcó mi vida y me impulsó a dedicarme a ayudar a otras familias a transitar estos momentos con claridad, dignidad y respeto.
Hoy, me enorgullece ofrecer servicios funerarios y de planificación anticipada completamente en español, diseñados para brindar tranquilidad y acompañamiento a quienes más lo necesitan. Nuestro equipo se enfoca en honrar cada historia de vida con sensibilidad, cuidando siempre las tradiciones y valores culturales de nuestra comunidad.
Además de los arreglos personalizados, también contamos con amplia experiencia en la repatriación de seres queridos a países de Centro y Sudamérica, colaborando estrechamente con casas funerarias en otros países, consulados y embajadas para facilitar todo el proceso de manera respetuosa y eficiente.
En Alternatives Funeral & Cremation Services, nos diferenciamos por nuestro enfoque humano, la transparencia en los precios y el compromiso de tratar a cada familia como si fuera parte de la nuestra. Estoy aquí para servirte, escucharte y acompañarte en cada paso.
Con nosotros, no estás solo.
Hello, I’m Hipólito Reyes, originally from Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico, and a resident of Vancouver, British Columbia since 1997. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of being part of this diverse and vibrant community, and I’ve also witnessed the great need for support and guidance that many families—especially within the Latin community—face when experiencing the loss of a loved one.
My calling began in 2021, after the passing of my mother. At that time, I felt lost and unsure of where to start, until I was compassionately guided by the team at Alternatives Funeral & Cremation Services. That experience changed my life and inspired me to dedicate myself to helping other families navigate these moments with clarity, dignity, and respect.
Today, I’m proud to offer funeral and pre-planning services entirely in Spanish, designed to provide peace of mind and support to those who need it most. Our team is committed to honoring every life story with sensitivity, while always respecting the cultural traditions and values of our community.
In addition to personalized arrangements, we also have extensive experience in the repatriation of loved ones to countries in Central and South America, working closely with funeral homes abroad, consulates, and embassies to ensure a respectful and efficient process.
At Alternatives Funeral & Cremation Services, we stand out for our compassionate approach, transparent pricing, and our commitment to treating every family as if they were our own. I am here to serve you, to listen, and to support you every step of the way.
With us, you are not alone.
James Ternes
Crematorium Operator
Years of Experience
2 years
What do you love most about working for Alternatives?
I see caring for those entrusted to us as a quiet and meaningful responsibility.
How do you celebrate small victories or moments of joy in life?
With music and small moments of celebration.
Jesús Angel Hernandez
Apprentice Funeral Director
Relevant Education & Certifications
Licensed Apprentice Funeral Director & Embalmer, Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.), Ordained Elder, Certificate in Conflict Resolution, Certificate in Grief Facilitation & Bereavement Support
Years of Experience
3 years
What do you love most about working for Alternatives?
We truly care about the families we serve. It’s not about pushing services—it’s about making sure people feel supported, understood, and taken care of during a really hard time.
How do you celebrate small victories or moments of joy in life?
By spending time on what brings me joy and connection, especially with my family. I also enjoy playing Dungeons & Dragons, board games, and giving back to my community.
Karmin Gray
Administrator
Relevant Education & Certifications
Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
Years of Experience
15+ years
What do you love most about working for Alternatives?
That the company is focused on family wellbeing and care. I think the people who work here all have such wonderful personalities that it makes even the toughest days at the office a bit brighter.
How do you celebrate small victories or moments of joy in life?
I think what it comes down to is microdosing things that make you happy. Whether that’s sharing the news with others, going thrifting, grabbing yourself a treat, or giving yourself permission to do your hobbies.
Kristi Olson
Licensed Funeral Director
Relevant Education & Certifications
Funeral Director License, Bachelor of Arts (BA) Criminology
Years of Experience
7 years
What do you love most about working for Alternatives?
Supporting families and guiding them through difficult times.
How do you celebrate small victories or moments of joy in life?
Spending time with friends.
Lisa Hodgkinson
Licensed Funeral Director
Relevant Education & Certifications
Licensed Funeral Director
Years of Experience
18 years
What do you love most about working for Alternatives?
I value the strong sense of teamwork and mutual respect at Alternatives, along with the support from management. Everyone shows up for each other, which creates a collaborative environment and allows us to provide meaningful care to the families we serve.
How do you celebrate small victories or moments of joy in life?
I celebrate meaningful moments by spending time with family and friends, prioritizing myself and enjoying music, and going to concerts. Taking time to reflect and recharge helps me stay grounded and present, both personally and in the work I do.
Maria Javier
Life Planning Manager, Alternatives Life Planners
Years of Experience
30+ years
What do you love most about working for Alternatives?
I love that we lead with integrity, offering families all the options without pressure. It's truly about helping people make the right decision for their unique needs.
How do you celebrate small victories or moments of joy in life?
Like many Filipinos, I celebrate with food and drinks, surrounded by the people who helped make the victory possible.
Michelle Herz
Advance Planning Administrator
Years of Experience
3 years
What do you love most about working for Alternatives?
I enjoy coming into work each day knowing I am surrounded by people who share the same passion and kindness towards the profession.
How do you celebrate small victories or moments of joy in life?
Share those moments with family, friends and colleagues. Being around those I love most, my husband and 2 daughters, is where I’m happiest.
Myles Lorenson
Advance Planning Administrator
Years of Experience
10+ years
What do you love most about working for Alternatives?
The visionary leadership and watching the business grow and adapt to the needs of the communities we serve.
How do you celebrate small victories or moments of joy in life?
Simple moments in nature, meditation and good conversation.
Patrick Maas
Advance Planning Representative
Years of Experience
6 years
What do you love most about working for Alternatives?
Knowing that when we help families that we provide the best service for the price.
How do you celebrate small victories or moments of joy in life?
I celebrate everything with family and friends!
Phyllis Koop
Aftercare Coordinator
Years of Experience
8 years
What do you love most about working for Alternatives?
I enjoy the families I am able to serve and the great team I get to work with.
How do you celebrate small victories or moments of joy in life?
I enjoy exploring nature by golfing and cycling with a great cup of coffee to end the activity.
Vanessa King
Community Outreach Manager
Relevant Education & Certifications
Event Planning Certificate, Floral Design Certificate
Years of Experience
15 years
What do you love most about working for Alternatives?
There’s a lot of room for growth, as well as shared values for education.
How do you celebrate small victories or moments of joy in life?
I treat myself to something I want. This could be delicious food, a lengthy 2 hour gym session, or a nice massage.