Management Team - Smiles First Academy

Our Management Team

Donya Rashidi

Director of Dental Acquisition & Practice Community

Donya is a highly accomplished professional who earned her Bachelor of Commerce degree with a Major in Marketing from Saint Mary’s University in 2008. With over a decade of managerial experience and a proven track record, she has become a valuable asset to our team.

Fluent in both English and Farsi, and possessing working proficiency in Arabic and Hindi, Donya’s multilingual capabilities contribute to effective communication across diverse audiences. Her passion lies in fostering the growth and prosperity of businesses and individuals.

Donya’s diverse experience has equipped her with the ability to implement strategies that consistently deliver results. Her contributions have been instrumental in the significant growth of Smiles First Academy. In her role at the Academy, she leads initiatives related to marketing, audience growth, customer engagement, and monetization strategies.

With a keen understanding of consumer interests, Donya plays a crucial role in shaping the Academy’s content and fostering meaningful relationships with both speakers and participants. Her dedication to excellence has been a driving force behind the success of Smiles First Academy.

Mohamed Razakazi

Managing Director of Operations

Mohamed graduated from Carleton University with a Bachelors in Business Commerce and Marketing. Mohamed is an excellent coach and works with the leadership team to develop their leadership and management skills. He is now utilizing his leadership skills to develop Smiles First Academy into the leading educational provider, by providing innovative solutions and inspiring others through his exceptional management skills.

Leslie Carrafiello

VP of Operations

Leslie joined Smiles First from the dental sector, where she led the National Operations Team, overseeing 150+ practice locations and over 300 dentists. Leslie is known for her inspirational leadership and driving results through relationships and team building. She now oversees operations for Smiles First Academy, applying the same leadership skills she has utilized in all her roles, to create an exceptional team. Leslie has expanded the Smiles First Academy catalogue of courses from just dental and healthcare courses, to include management and self-improvement courses, and even creating her own educational material for Academy.

Dr Azim Parekh

CEO

Dr. Azim Parekh attended the University of Toronto and has a bachelor’s in Mathematics and Physical Chemistry. In 1996, he graduated from Western University with a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. As a dentist, Dr. Parekh understands the importance of quality continuing education and is inspired to offer his colleagues a variety of clinic learning options. Smiles First Academy’s inception began in 2018 and its goal is to become a leading educational platform.