Meet the DEntal team!
Sharon Fernando - Dental Manager
Sharon received Honours in her Certified Dental Assisting Diploma and has now been in the dental field for 22 years. She began her career as a Dental Assistant before transitioning into office management and operations.
What she loves most about REACH Dental is getting to work alongside dedicated professionals who share the common goal of improving patients' oral health, reducing barriers to care and supporting vulnerable populations in the community. She finds working with her team and patients rewarding and fulfilling.
In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her two daughters, trying new recipes and crafting. Sharon’s primary language is English.
Dr Farzad Farah-Josteh – Dental director/Dentist
Dr Farah-Josteh earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree and spent two decades at his own practice in Iran, before relocating to Canada. After immigrating, he successfully completed the National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB) Equivalency Process.
He has been working in dentistry for 36 years and is committed to providing high quality, ethical patient care. What he enjoys most about working at REACH Dental is being part of a large, multicultural team that is dedicated to supporting and caring for vulnerable members of the community.
Outside of work, he enjoys gardening and travelling. Dr Farah-Josteh is fluent in English and Farsi.
Dr Melineh Stepanian - DENTIST
Dr Melineh Stepanian has been working as a Dentist for over 25 years.
She is known for prioritizing patient comfort and taking the time to help people feel at ease during their dental visits. With a compassionate and patient‑centered approach, she strives to create a positive experience for every individual she treats. She especially enjoys working as a Dentist at REACH Dental, where she can give back to the community and support patients who may face barriers to care.
Outside of work, she loves reading and watching TV. Dr Stepanian is fluent in English, Farsi and Armenian.
Dr Nivedita Sood – Dentist
Dr Sood graduated with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree from Panjab University in 2012 and later upgraded her credentials by successfully completing the National Dental Examining Board (NDEB) process in Canada.
She is passionate about providing patient-centered care and creating a comfortable experience for every patient.
What she loves most about REACH Dental is the opportunity to be part of a collaborative and community-focused team, and to contribute to making dental care accessible and positive for patients.
Outside of work, she enjoys cooking, practicing yoga, going for walks, and listening to music. Dr Sood is fluent in English, Hindi and Punjabi.
Crystal Au – Dental Hygienist
Crystal graduated from Dental Hygiene school and REACH was her first job as a Dental Hygienist. She has now been with REACH Dental for more than 7 years!
She enjoys being part of the REACH team because of the mutual trust and respect they have for each other, while feeling supported in her professional and personal growth. Crystal finds reward in patients' appreciation for dental care, and in supporting them through feeling anxious about dental visits to feeling comfortable and committed to their routine maintenance.
She is grateful to enjoy after-hours activities including volleyball, softball, hiking, and trying new experiences. Crystal’s primary language is English
Andrew Ho - Dental Hygienist
Elsa Fernandez - dental receptionist
Haleh Niknami - Dental Receptionist
Haleh is a certified dental assistant with over 20 years of experience in dentistry. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, and later obtained her Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) license in 2018, followed by completing the Dental Administration program at BCIT in 2020.
With a background in accounting and a passion for patient care, Haleh brings both strong organizational skills and a warm, friendly approach to the team. She has been with REACH since 2020 and enjoys connecting with patients to create a positive experience.
In her free time, she loves traveling, hiking, camping, and practicing yoga. Haleh is fluent in Farsi and English.
