Family Dentistry
in Ladysmith, BC
Ladysmith Smiles family dentistry is dedicated to providing the community of Ladysmith, BC with exceptional and accessible dental care. We promise to provide each and every smile with a welcoming, safe and respectful experience. All smiles welcome.
The Story Behind Our Smile
Dr. Nadia Stymiest has been practicing as a general dentist and serving the Nanaimo area since 2013. Her practice includes all aspects of dentistry, with a particular interest in oral surgery, pediatrics and restorative dentistry. Since graduating from Boston University, Nadia has continued to invest in continuing her education with courses such as Invisalign, Nitrous Oxide Sedation and botox.
Being a mom of two herself, Nadia is passionate about creating a safe, friendly environment for young families, all the way through to retired couples. Above all else, Nadia is on a mission to make excellent dental care accessible to every smile in Ladysmith and the surrounding area. Ladysmith Smiles aims to feel like your dental home, a place where you’ll always be treated like family.
Meet Our Team
The Ladysmith Smiles team prides itself on providing exceptional dental care for the Ladysmith community and surrounding area.
Dental Associates
Dr. Heather Cooke, DMD
Dr. Jung Kim, DMD
Dr. Kim has a deep passion for… connecting with his patients and making a positive impact—not just on their smiles, but on their overall well-being. He was born in Seoul, Korea, and raised in Vancouver, BC. After graduating from Temple University in Philadelphia, he returned to Canada to practice dentistry. When he isn’t helping his patients smile, you’ll find him making his son and twin daughters smile—and enjoying some good Korean food with his wife. What makes Dr. Kim smile? Golfing, mountain biking, fitness, and working on his coffee enthusiast status by perfecting his latte art.
Dr. Gillian Marvel, DMD
Dr. Gillian Marvel brings a warm and… compassionate approach to patient care, with a strong focus on helping people feel comfortable and confident in their oral health. She holds a Bachelor of Life Sciences from Queen’s University and earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine from the University of Sydney in Australia.
With several years of experience in dentistry in Campbell River, Dr. Marvel enjoys building genuine relationships with her patients and takes pride in making a positive difference in their lives. Whether it’s easing dental anxiety or helping someone smile with confidence, she finds fulfillment in every aspect of her work.
What makes Dr. Marvel Smile?
Skiing, running, reading a good book and hanging out with her cat and dog at home.
Dr. Aarthi Sankar
Dr. Aarthi Sankar is a general dentist who… graduated from the University of Toronto and has practiced in Ontario before relocating to the West Coast. Prior to moving to Canada in 2019, she practiced dentistry in India, bringing a diverse range of clinical experience and a well-rounded perspective to patient care. Dr. Aarthi enjoys treating patients of all ages, with a special interest in working with children. Known for her calm and gentle approach, she focuses on helping patients feel at ease while providing clear guidance and high-quality care tailored to their needs. She believes
in building long-term relationships based on trust and open communication, and is committed to creating a positive and comfortable experience for every patient.
What makes Dr. Sankar smile?
Spending time with her two young boys, cooking, and dancing.
Dr. Avdeesh Shetty, DDS
Dr. Shetty, is a highly qualified dentist… who originally trained as a dentist in India. After moving to Canada in 2011, Dr. Shetty gained experience as a dental lab technician and a certified dental assistant before retraining as a certified Canadian dentist at the University of Alberta. His unique dental career has equipped him with vast industry knowledge and a holistic outlook on dentistry.
Known for his caring and soft-spoken demeanour, Dr. Shetty prides himself on helping his patients cope with their dental phobia and taking the time to listen to their concerns. When he’s not helping his patients smile, you’ll find Dr. Shetty hiking with his wife and their goofy pup, Zoe.
What makes Dr. Shetty smile?
When his team, Manchester United, scores or when eating some good lamb biryani!
Dr. Riaz Vejdani, DMD
Dr. Vejdani is passionate about providing… thoughtful, patient-centred dental care in a calm and welcoming environment. He began his academic journey at the University of British Columbia before earning his dental degree from Griffith University in Australia. His clinical focus is restorative dentistry, Invisalign® clear aligner therapy, and oral surgery—including wisdom tooth extractions.
Dr. Vejdani takes pride in delivering precise, personalized treatment while building genuine, long-term relationships with his patients based on trust and transparency.
What makes Dr. Vejdani smile?
Time with family and friends, playing musical instruments, and continuing his education to stay at the forefront of modern dentistry.
Registered Dental Hygienists (RDH)
Charlene
Charlene studied at the College of… New Caledonia in Prince George and has been a Vancouver Island resident for 20 years–she loves the ocean best of all. Charlene knew she wanted to pursue a career in dentistry since she was 14 years old!
Outside of work, she enjoys boating, spending time with friends, and watching reality TV.
What makes Charlene smile?
Working with a fantastic team and going on vacation!
Jubie
Jubie is a dental hygienist at Nanaimo…Smiles who is passionate about creating a comfortable and welcoming experience for every patient. She believes that visiting the dentist should never feel intimidating, and she strives to ensure patients feel relaxed, supported, and never judged during their appointments.
Jubie enjoys being part of the Nanaimo Smiles team and values the positive atmosphere created by both her coworkers and patients. For her, it’s the people that truly make the clinic such a special place to be.
What makes Jubie smile?
Crocheting and creating small stuffed animals, a hobby that allows her to relax and express her creativity.
Justine
Justine was born and raised in the… Nanaimo/Ladysmith area and along with her husband, feels fortunate to be raising their three young children on our beautiful island. Justine knew from a young age that she had a desire to be a dental hygienist and graduated top of her class at Vancouver Island University in 2013. She has been practicing clinical hygiene ever since.
What makes Justine smile?
Watching her son and twin daughters grow up on the island and date nights with her husband.
Kirstin
Kirstin is a dental hygienist at Ladysmith… Smiles who is dedicated to helping patients feel comfortable, safe, and heard during every visit. She takes pride in listening to patient concerns and ensuring their needs are met, creating a supportive and reassuring experience from start to finish.
Kirstin values the strong team environment at Ladysmith Smiles and enjoys working alongside colleagues who genuinely support one another. While the beautiful views are an added bonus, she believes it’s the people that truly make the clinic such a great place to work.
What makes Kirstin smile?
Spending time with her family, especially her young kids, and being outdoors exploring the beautiful Ladysmith area where they’re lucky to live and play.
Leah
Leah graduated from the Vancouver College… of Dental Hygiene in 2010 and has lived on Vancouver Island since moving from Saskatchewan in 1999. She loves the Island’s natural beauty, especially spending time at the ocean and beach, where she enjoys relaxing and connecting with nature. Leah developed an interest in dentistry at a young age while growing up on a farm and was further inspired by her aunt, who worked as a dental hygienist. She enjoys the detailed, hands-on nature of dental hygiene and takes pride in providing thoughtful, patient-focused care.
Outside of work, Leah enjoys spending time with her children, along with her dog and cats, and working in her yard and gardens.
What makes Leah smile?
Watching her son play hockey and her daughter do gymnastics.
Meghan
Meghan is a registered dental hygienist who is… dedicated to helping patients feel comfortable, safe, and confident in their care. She focuses on providing comprehensive and individualized treatment, ensuring each patient leaves feeling supported and well cared for.
Meghan values working in a collaborative environment where patient care comes first. She enjoys being part of a team that works closely together to provide thoughtful, personalized care for every patient.
What makes Meghan smile?
Spending time with family and friends, enjoying the outdoors in Nanaimo, playing tennis, going to the gym, and connecting with coworkers outside of the clinic.
Sara
Sara is a dental hygienist who brings a calm… and reassuring presence to each appointment. She understands that while some patients enjoy visiting the dentist, others may feel anxious, and she focuses on creating a comfortable, organized, and supportive experience for everyone. By taking the time to explain each step, move at a pace that feels right, and ensure patients feel heard, Sara helps make dental visits more relaxed and positive.
Sara enjoys being part of a supportive team and values the welcoming, well organized environment that helps both patients and staff feel at ease.
What makes Sara smile?
Spending time with her partner and staying active outdoors. Camping, hiking, volleyball, and rock climbing are some of her favourite ways to enjoy time outside, along with anything that involves movement and fun.
Zoe
Zoe may be a familiar face in the office as she… worked with the practice for many years. She has been a dental hygienist for over 20 years working in both Vancouver and on the island. She is known for her gentle touch and the time she takes to make sure each patient feels involved in their care.
In 2018, Zoe received her 800-hour International Yoga Teacher Training certification and now teaches at the Vijnana Yoga Center. Zoe’s passions also include interior design, gardening, and cooking.
What makes Zoe smile?
Spending time with her friends and walking in nature with her son.
Licensed Dental Assistants (LDA)
Amber
Anita
Anita, a VIU graduate, was born and raised on… Vancouver Island but spent time in England and on the mainland before happily returning to her island home. She appreciates the island’s beautiful oceans, lakes, and lack of traffic jams. With 41 years in dentistry, inspired by her own orthodontic experiences as a child, Anita is dedicated to her work.
Outside of the office, she enjoys spending time with her family and granddaughter.
What makes Anita smile?
Her wonderful colleagues and the opportunity to help her patients.
Emma
Faith
Faith graduated from Medic College in… Scarborough, ON in 2019 and has called Vancouver Island home for the past year. She loves the island’s weather and friendly people. Drawn to dentistry because it blends science and art, Faith enjoys using her creativity and caring nature to help others.
Outside the clinic, Faith spends her time organizing her place, caring for her dogs, working on art projects, socializing with friends and listening to self‑help podcasts.
Her goal is to make every patient feel at ease, supported and heard.
What makes Faith smile?
Recognition from patients and colleagues for her hard work and perseverance, spending time with her family, and savouring good food.
Ivy
Ivy graduated from Discovery Community… College in Surrey in December 2023 and has been enjoying life on Vancouver Island for six months. She loves the island’s peaceful atmosphere and friendly people. Ivy chose a career in dentistry because she enjoys working on people’s teeth and loves seeing smiles cleaned and fixed.
Her gentle approach helps patients feel comfortable and relaxed during their visits.
Outside of work, you’ll find her swimming or spending time with friends as she explores her new home.
What makes Ivy smile?
Spending time with family and friends.
Kailey
Kyle
Reese
Reese studied at Okanagan College in… Kelowna and graduated in 2019. As a dental assistant, she believes it’s important for patients to feel comfortable and confident when visiting the dentist, and she enjoys being part of a team that helps people feel heard and at ease during their appointments.
Reese has lived on Vancouver Island on and off for about six years and loves the many places it offers to explore. Outside of the clinic, she enjoys creating art, with embroidery, beading, and painting being some of her favourite forms of expression. She also spends plenty of time outdoors with her dog Luna, swimming and hiking together.
What makes Reese smile?
Dancing always makes Reese smile!
Steph
Stephanie studied at the College of the Rockies… and graduated in 2009. She recently moved to Vancouver Island and is already enjoying getting to know the area and settling into island life.
Stephanie chose a career in dentistry because she enjoys working with people and finds it rewarding to help others feel cared for and supported.
Outside of work, she enjoys walking, reading, and cooking. She also appreciates the natural beauty of Vancouver Island and looks forward to exploring more of it.
What makes Steph smile?
Her cats and a good sense of humour. 😁
Tiffany
Tiffany focuses on helping patients feel calm…, welcomed, and comfortable during their visit. Having experienced dental anxiety herself, she understands how nerve-wracking appointments can feel and strives to create a reassuring environment where patients feel at ease and supported throughout their care.
Tiffany appreciates working in a clean, open, and organized space, and values being part of a welcoming team where strong relationships and friendships help create a positive atmosphere for both patients and staff.
What makes Tiffany smile?
Spending time with her dog, getting outdoors for hikes and camping, road trips and travel, and enjoying nature with her partner.
Treena
Treena studied in Nanaimo and…. graduated in 2001. Having spent most of her life on Vancouver Island, with a few years living in Vancouver, she appreciates the balance of familiarity and change that has shaped her journey in dentistry. Treena chose a career in dentistry after years in hospitality, looking for a path that allowed her to move away from night shifts while still working closely with people. She enjoys being part of a profession where she can connect with patients and support their care in a meaningful way. Outside of the clinic, Treena spends much of her time with family, whether that’s watching her son play baseball, walking her dog, or catching up with friends. She especially values the outdoor lifestyle Vancouver Island offers.
What makes Treena smile?
Being out on the ocean with her husband and son, sunshine-filled days, and of course, a little bit of chocolate.
Administrative
Amber
Amber is part of the reception and… administrative team at Nanaimo Smiles, where she helps create a welcoming and positive experience for patients from the moment they arrive. She wants every patient to feel comfortable, happy, and even excited about coming to the dentist.
Amber enjoys the uplifting atmosphere at Nanaimo Smiles and appreciates the clean, modern environment that helps patients feel at ease. For her, it’s the positivity of the clinic that makes it such a great place to work.
What makes Amber smile?
Spending time with her family, whether she’s hanging out with her nieces or enjoying time with her spouse.
Angele
Ashley
Ashley holds a Master’s degree in Human… Resources and Organizational Psychology and has built her career in healthcare administration. She finds joy in connecting with people from all walks of life and helping them feel comfortable and supported.
When she’s not working, Ashley loves spending time with loved ones, exploring new experiences and taking moments to recharge and reflect.
Her calm, positive presence and genuine conversations help ensure everyone who interacts with her feels welcome and heard.
What makes Ashley smile?
Good energy, heartfelt conversations, and seeing others happy and at ease—especially when she knows she played a small part in that.
Cheryl
Cheryl studied Business at the diploma … level and is currently working toward her ACCA to deepen her knowledge of finance and administration. With more than seven years of experience in customer service and client‑facing roles, she loves being the first point of contact, welcoming visitors and ensuring everything runs smoothly behind the scenes.
Cheryl’s passion for working with people shines through—she wants everyone who walks through the door to feel at ease, supported and heard, knowing they can count on her for a friendly face and a listening ear every time.
What makes Cheryl smile?
Helping clients succeed, seeing a well‑organized office, and learning something new.
Ella
Ella, a 2023 graduate of Nanaimo District… Secondary School, has called Vancouver Island home since she was five. She loves the island’s proximity to the ocean and its stunning natural beauty.
With a long-standing interest in dentistry, Ella eagerly embraced the chance to learn about the field and office operations. Outside of work, she enjoys swimming during warm weather and having fun with friends.
What makes Ella smile?
Seeing animals, especially cats, and spending quality time with friends and family!
Emily
Hesy
Holly
Karissa
Karissa is part of the front desk administration… team and is passionate about creating a welcoming and comfortable experience for every patient. She wants patients to feel at ease from the moment they arrive, like they’re visiting a familiar and friendly space rather than feeling anxious about their appointment. Clear communication and a streamlined experience are important to her, helping patients focus on their care and leave feeling confident and stress free.
Karissa enjoys being part of a supportive team and values helping patients feel comfortable, informed, and excited about their visits.
What makes Karissa smile?
Plants and animals. Karissa enjoys gardening, taking cuttings and growing new plants, repotting, and spending time with her two cats and her leopard gecko.
Lewis
Lewis studied Social Work, driven by a… passion for understanding people and making a meaningful difference in their lives. Today, he works in the dental field—an unexpected but deeply personal path inspired by his own childhood fear of the dentist. He believes everyone deserves to feel seen, heard and comfortable in the chair.
Lewis greets every patient with empathy, patience and a genuine smile, believing the world can be cruel enough, so spreading kindness during dental visits matters.
He’s dedicated to creating calm, positive experiences where patients feel at ease and supported from start to finish.
What makes Lewis smile?
Travelling, meeting new people, spending time outdoors and exploring all things tech—he loves learning, discovering and staying curious about the world around him.
Lorraine
Lorraine is a passionate Human Resources… graduate with several years of experience in the dental field, where she discovered her love for building strong teams and fostering a positive workplace culture.
This role perfectly combines her HR expertise with her love for people-centred environments. Lorraine thrives on helping others grow, succeed, and feel valued in their roles.
What makes Lorraine smile?
A good book, adventuring to new places and enjoying quality time with family and friends.
Makena
Makena graduated from the Canadian… National Institute of Health for Dental Hygiene in March 2026 and has called Vancouver Island home for 17 years. She loves living near the ocean and enjoying the island’s natural beauty. Drawn to dentistry by her desire to create a positive space and provide the best care possible, Makena strives to help patients feel confident and happy with their smiles.
When she’s not in the clinic, she enjoys spending time outdoors—going for walks and being with family and friends.
What makes Makena smile?
Being close to the ocean, spending time with loved ones and soaking up the natural beauty around her.
Marylyn
Marylyn is a vibrant professional with an… Honours Degree in Information Technology. She began her career in IT before transitioning into healthcare—specifically the dental sector—where she has gained experience in both dental coordination and revenue cycle management.
Marylyn loves connecting with people, exploring new environments, and building strong relationships. Taking on this role felt like a natural fit, allowing her to meet patient needs while ensuring every visit ends up with a “permanent smile.”
What makes Marylyn smile?
Fitness training, playing hockey, watching basketball, exploring network marketing—and, as a true foodie, enjoying delicious meals.
Nader
Nader studied at the Faculty of Dentistry at… the University of Alexandria in Egypt and brings a strong passion for helping people feel confident in their smiles. Since moving to Vancouver Island a year ago, he has enjoyed getting to know the community while continuing his journey in dentistry.
Nader is currently studying for his equivalency process as he works toward continuing his dental career in Canada. He appreciates the natural beauty of the island and the relaxed pace of life it offers.
What makes Nader smile?
A good road trip and the opportunity to help people rediscover their smile.
Natasha
Natasha is a Psychology grad with a passion… for people and a knack for making smiles shine! With a Bachelor of Science Honours degree in psychology and over 2 years of dental experience, she’s all about helping patients achieve their dental goals. She’s a people person through and through!
What makes Natasha smile?
A good book, cheering on her favourite football team, belting out her favourite tunes, or sharing laughs with loved ones.
Panashe
With a degree in Computer Systems… Engineering and a Master’s in Software Engineering, Panashe has always loved building cool things. But what he values most in his role is connecting with people, especially patients.
Panashe believes a friendly smile and a listening ear can make all the difference in someone’s day. He’s excited to be part of the team and to help create a positive experience for everyone who walks through the doors.
What makes Panashe smile?
Catching the latest movies, streaming shows, and listening to music.
Russell
Russell studied Mechanical Engineering… at the University of Zimbabwe, imagining a future spent building robots. Today, he’s a dental coordinator, helping people feel at ease with something most folks dread: the dentist’s chair.
Turns out, making people smile (literally), is pretty awesome! His goal is simple: to make every dental visit less “ugh” and more “hey, that wasn’t so bad.” Maybe even… kinda nice.
What makes Russell smile?
Lifting weights, tinkering with contraptions, diving into philosophy, and DJing (mostly in his own head). He’s also big on music, mindfulness, and life’s big questions. Oh—and snacks. Always snacks.
Samantha
Samantha is a finance graduate with a… passion for numbers and precision. Her love for numbers and contributing to people’s oral health and well-being have allowed her to experience a whole new fulfilling career path in the dental field.
What makes Samantha smile?
Cheering on her favourite teams at live sporting events, enthusiastically supporting basketball, rugby, cricket, and soccer.