Meet the Team

Say hello to some of the great people serving you here at Costello Family Dentistry in Carleton Place. From dentists to dental hygienists and more, we've got your dental care covered with caring and experience.

Meet Our Dentists

Dr. Hafsa Cherid grew up in Ottawa where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Carleton University with highest honours as well as a Master of Science degree from the University of Ottawa. Dr. Cherid obtained her Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree from McGill University in 2020. She then completed a one year Advanced Education in General Dentistry program with NYU Langone, USA in 2021.

Dr. Cherid takes pride in her ability to connect with patients on a personal level and is passionate about creating smiles that will last a lifetime. She enjoys treating families and generations within families. She has a deep-rooted sense of community and feels blessed to be able to give back to those in need.

Dr. Cherid believes in conservative and preventative dentistry and is a strong advocate for her patient's participation when planning treatment options. Her goal is to provide top notch dental care in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere where her patients feel acknowledged, heard and cared for.

Dr. Cherid and her husband Haytham are proud parents of a beautiful little girl. They enjoy trying different cuisines and love exploring the world to learn about different cultures.

Dr. Hafsa Cherid

Carleton Place & Kemtpville
Dr. Raj, as her patients usually refer to her, is our latest addition to the Yazdani Dental Family. Dr. Nagaraja obtained her Bachelor of Dental Surgery and Master in Periodontics from Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences in Bangalore, India.

Dr. Raj has practiced dentistry for many years and worked as faculty in a dental school in India before immigrating to Canada in 2016.

In 2018, Dr. Raj obtained her DDS degree from Western University with distinction and has been consistently on the Dean's Honour list at her school.

Dr. Raj enjoys all aspects of dentistry and interacting with patients. She is certified in moderate oral sedation and Nitrous sedation.

When Dr. Raj is not at the office, she enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter exploring the beautiful Canadian outdoors. Her hobbies include cooking, yoga and playing badminton with her latest interest being in gardening.

She loves to cook fresh meals using the veggies and herbs she grows in her little vegetable garden. Being able to take a luxury cruise around the world to explore different places and cultures is something she hopes to accomplish one day.

Dr. Chaitra Nagaraja

Carleton Place
Dr. Mathura Thillai completed her dental degree at the University of Liverpool (BDS) UK in 2006 and holds an internationally recognized Diploma at the Royal College of Surgeons of England (MJDF RCS Eng).

After several years of practicing in Wales, Hampshire and London, UK, Dr. Thillai went on to complete the Canadian National Dental Examination Board equivalency process. She has been an active member of The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of England and currently The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario and The Canadian Dental Association.

Dr. Thillai is a passionate dentist with a comprehensive and holistic approach to dentistry. She is a very caring, sympathetic dentist and dedicates her time to understanding her patient’s expectations as well as providing a relaxing environment for her patients. In pursuit of her desire to provide the very best dental care for her patients Dr. Thillai enjoys honing her skills and knowledge in the field of dentistry. Has attended many courses in the UK, Canada and America ensuring her patients benefit from the most comfortable dental techniques and procedures. She completed a certification in restorative and cosmetic dentistry, which aimed at providing beautiful natural smiles. She is also well reputed for her aptitude in pediatric dentistry.

Experienced in all areas of dentistry with a particular interest in Root canal treatments and restorative treatment such as filling, crown & bridgework, veneers and teeth whitening.

She currently has 2 kids, 3 year old girl and a 7 month baby boy who keep her active. She enjoys making wedding and elaborate birthday cakes for her friends and family. Learning the art of French Patisserie is on her bucket list.

Dr. Mathura Thillai

Carleton Place
Dr. Bhavesh Modi completed dental school in 2008 from Government Dental School Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India.

Dr. Modi received his Dental license in Canada in 2020, by direct licensing process by NDEB.

Dr. Modi also carries his Minimal sedation certificate.

Dr. Modi can't stand the cold and moved to the coldest country in the world in 2017. If time and money were not a factor, Dr. Modi would travel the world.

Dr. Bhavesh Modi

Carleton Place
Dr. Desai completed her BDS from Dharmsinh Desai University in Gujarat, India. It is considered one of the best Universities for Dental in the State of Gujarat. Dr. Desai graduated in 2016. After coming to Canada, Dr. Desai completed her NDEB equivalency in 2021.

Dr. Desai has completed her nitrous oxide sedation certification and plans on doing many others in the future.

Dr. Desai likes to know about different languages and cultures. If time and money were not a factor, Dr. Desai would take up courses from the best Universities.

Dr. Mrunali Desai

Carleton Place & Kemtpville

Meet Our Dental Hygienists

Victoria has a Dental Assisting Certificate from Algonquin College (2009), an Advanced Diploma of Dental Hygiene from Algonquin College (2014) and has worked at a dental office that specialized in pediatrics (2015-2018).​

Victoria grew up in North Gower and likes to volunteer. Previously, she volunteers with a dog rescue and food banks.​

Her family is still in North Gower, she has a sister who lives in Barrhaven with a nephew and niece on the way. As of right now, she does not have any permanent animals but likes to foster dogs from local rescues.​

Things Victoria cannot live without include music, friends & family, plants, Netflix and tea. Her bucket list consists of owning her own dog one day and travelling to Europe.​

Victoria

Carleton Place
Santana was born and raised in Antigonish, Nova Scotia. She moved to Ottawa in 2018, to attend school at the Canadian National Institute of Health. Santana graduated in March 2020, with a Diploma of Dental Hygiene with Honours. During her free time she loves singing, playing guitar and hiking. Santana also loves helping others, which she can now do by improving others oral health and overall health.

Santana moved to New Zealand for a year to work and travel. During her time there, she went bungee jumping and cage diving with Great White Sharks. One day, Santana would like to try skydiving.

Santana

Carleton Place & Kemptville Locations
Morgan was born and raised in Almonte, ON and attended Almonte and District High School, graduating in 2017. Morgan then graduated from Algonquin College with an Advanced Diploma in Dental Hygiene in 2021. WHen not working, she enjoys painting, collecting houseplants and spending time with her friends.

Morgan has been riding horses for 14 years. If time and money were not a factor, she would love to travel the world. She has never traveled outside of Canada!

Morgan

Carleton Place
Caitlyn graduated from Cambrian College from the Dental Hygiene Program in 2012.

Caitlyn is a chocolate lover but she always makes sure to brush and floss after. If money and time were not a factor, Cailtyn would love to go to luxurious cottage on a lake with her husband and 2 young kids.

Caitlyn

Carleton Place
Jennifer graduated from the Dental Hygiene program at Niagara College in 2009. Jennifer has also received the Hu Friedy Golden Scaler Award from Niagara College, has completed the Infection Control and Reprocessing at Fanshaw College in 2020 and also has a Joint Health and Safety Training with the Ministry of Labour.

Jennifer loves to spend time with her family and friends. Her husband, two young boys and frenchie keep her very busy. She loves to go on family bike rides, and snowboarding. Jennifer also loves going to the gym, running outside and spending time at the cottage.

If time and money were not a factor, Jennifer would travel with her family and renovate her home.

Jennifer

Carleton Place
Natasha graduated from Algonquin College with honours from Dental Hygiene in 2011. Currently, Natasha fosters dogs for a local rescue. Her family consists of her husband, 2 little boys and her dog Buddy.

Natasha cannot live without her family, dogs and her paddleboard. Did you know that Racing a dragon boat in the ocean is on her bucket list?

Natasha

Carleton Place &
Kanata Locations

Meet Our Dental Assistants

Theresa graduated from the Dental Assistant Level 2 Diploma Program at KLC College in Kingston, ON in 2004. Theresa has also attended many dental conventions and continuing education courses in Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia.

Currently, Theresa lives with her partner, their four children (combined) and two cats. As a former military child, she has had the opportunity to live and work in many communities across Canada.

She loves to travel and see new places (especially coastal destinations), she could write a book on Canada, although a month long trip to Europe is on her bucket list.

Theresa

Carleton Place
Christopher graduated from Level 1 & 2 Dental Assisting Program with honours at Trillium College in Kingston, ON in 2022.

Some fun facts about Christopher, he used to Pole Vault, loves Jiu Jitsu and served 5 years in the Canadian Armed Forces. He also plays guitar and piano.

If money and time were not a factor, Christopher would take a year-long world cruise that visits every port. He would also walk across Canada using the Trans Canada Trail.

Christopher

Carleton Place
Sarah received her Medical Device Reprocessing Technician diploma by MDRAO in 2017 and is graduating from Willis College as a level 2 dental assistant in July 202

Sarah is also an animal lover.

Sarah

Carleton Place

Meet Our Front Desk Team

Emma graduated from a 2 year Office Administration - Health Services program at St. Lawrence College in April, 2021.

Emma enjoys spending time with her family and friends and travelling to Europe is on her bucket list.

Emma

Carleton Place
Nicole graduated with honours as a Dental Assistant in 1995 from Career Canada college, she also graduated from Everest College in 2010 and obtained her Medical Laboratory Technician Diploma.

Nicole likes to jog and look for opportunities to fit in a daily workout. She enjoys attending live theater performances, gardening and spending time with family and friends. If money was not a factor, Nicole would love to go on a travel expedition around the world and learn about each country's history and culture.

Nicole

Carleton Place
Michelle completed the Medical Receptionist Program through Niagara College.

Michelle enjoys working in front-line customer service roles where she can meet and greet, keep things organized and learn new things.

In her spare time, Michelle enjoys staying active, gardening, cooking, soap making and spending time with loved ones. She also loves roller coaster rides and amusement parks. Her goals include staying healthy and traveling abroad. She would also like to run a non-profit charity organization.

Michelle

Carleton Place
Karen graduated from the Dental Office Administrative course in 2004 at George Brown College in Toronto.

Originally from the Toronto area, Karen moved to Carleton Place about 18 years ago. Karen has an 18 year old daughter and a 15 year old son. Karen is a twin, her sister lives in Toronto. She adores her dogs Simon and Bruno, and she loves hiking, being outdoors, and pilates when she has time.

If time and money were not a factor, a trip to Scotland is at the very top of her bucket list. Both of her parents are from there.

Karen

Carleton Place

Meet Our Sterilization Technicians

Maddy graduated from DRAO in 2021 with a certificate in Medical Processing.

Maddy also has a certificate in Medical Terminology as of 2021.

If time and money were not a factor, Maddy would build her dream house and travel to Africa and learn about their culture.

Maddy

Carleton Place

Meet Our Marketing Team

Lisa comes to the practice with a Small and Medium Enterprise Management Diploma (2005), a Business Marketing Diploma (2006) and an Advertising & Marketing Communications Post-Graduate Certificate (2008). She also has taken several continuing education courses to keep her skills current. She has completed a Marketing Masters program and a Telephone Certification Program through Scheduling Institute.

Lisa has been part of the Yazdani team since January 2014, and she stays active both inside and outside of the office. Lisa has climbed Mount Macy. At 5,343 feet, Mount Macy is the highest point in New York State.

She often volunteers her time for various community causes such as Relay for Life, Brain Tumor Walk and Shack Stock.

Lisa loves her dog Rose and visiting the Scottish Highlands is on her bucket list.

Lisa

All Locations
Raul has a Bachelor's in Communications (2009), a Post-Grad in IT Based International Business (2010) and a degree in the Creation and Administration of Content for Social Networks (2013).

He has experience in diverse front-line media environments including newsprint, radio and magazine.

Raul loves music, and when he’s not at work you will find him spending time with his two daughters and his wife. Raul does not have any pets right now, but he loves dogs.

Raul

All Locations
Josh graduated from the University of Waterloo in 2022 and obtained his Business Communications Degree.

In Josh's spare time, he shows ponies at fairs around the Ottawa Valley. He is also an avid traveller who has been fortunate enough to have visited 19 countries.

Josh

All Locations

Meet Our Support Staff

Amy graduated from Algonquin College Dental Assisting in 2006 and graduated in 2011 from Algonquin College and obtained her HR Certificate. Amy has also been awarded the Leaders in Practice Award in 2018.

A little something about Amy, she loves to laugh and travel.

Amy | Operations Team Leader

All Locations
Raul is a communications specialist and a business development professional with 18+ years progressive international experience in diverse front-line media environments including newsprint, radio and magazine. He has a Bachelor in Communications (2009), a Post-Grad in IT Based International Business in (2010) and a degree in Creation and Administration of Content for Social Networks 2013. Now, he is a proud member of the Marketing team at Yazdani Family Dentistry. He is working on a personal FM radio project that is about the pleasure of reading, writing and listening to music. Raul loves to exercise and he tried to run a marathon once but could only reach 25 kms, he knows one day he will achieve it. There’s nothing you can do to scare him, he has two daughters and a wife at home. He does not have any pets right now, but he loves dogs.

Raul | Marketing Assistant

All Locations
Anna comes to the practice with a Bachelor of Psychology with a minor in Business from Carleton University. Anna also received a Graduate Certificate in Human Resources Management from Algonquin College. Anna is born and raised in Kemptville and has a 3 year old dog – Keeping Anna very busy! Two things Anna cannot live without are Coffee and Music. She would also like to do a road trip on the Pacific Coast Highway from BC to LA.

Anna | Human Resources & Administration Specialist

All Locations
Anna comes to the practice with a Bachelor of Psychology with a minor in Business from Carleton University. Anna also received a Graduate Certificate in Human Resources Management from Algonquin College. Anna is born and raised in Kemptville and has a 3 year old dog – Keeping Anna very busy! Two things Anna cannot live without are Coffee and Music. She would also like to do a road trip on the Pacific Coast Highway from BC to LA.

Anna | Human Resources & Administration Specialist

All Locations

DO YOU REQUIRE

Emergency Dental Services?

Both our Kemptville and Kanata clinics offer same-day appointments for your emergencies. If you need a dentist near you to help you in a crisis, please do not hesitate — call us right away!