Meet the Team

We recognize that all our patients are unique and deserve to receive orthodontic care that reflects their individual needs. Our experienced and talented team is committed to working with you and your family to create a comfortable, stress-free, and rewarding orthodontic experience every time you visit our practice.

We are pleased to welcome you and your family, and we look forward to working with you.

 

April

Lab Technician

I get to fabricate orthodontic appliances for each patient. I was a clinical assistant for 12 years before I became a lab tech and have now worked in orthodontics for more than 30 years. I enjoy making appliances and retainers and seeing which designs patients will come up with . . . they are always different! I have a lot of respect for Dr. Sallapudi and I see how much he loves his job.

I was born and raised in sunny Florida and have been happily married to my amazing husband for 30+ years. Outside of work, I love diving into a good book and spending quality time with him. We have two wonderful children - Dalton and Hope. Hope is married AJ, and we always look forward to visiting , no matter where their adventures take them!

 

Bri

Orthodontic Assistant

As an assistant to Dr. Sallapudi, my role involves changing the wires and colors on patient's braces and placing appliances such as anchorages and expanders. I graduated from Charlotte Technical School with my CDA in 2023.  One of my favorite parts of working for Dr. Sallapudi is removing the braces at the end of treatment to see how great the results are.  I love to see how happy the patients get when they see their new smile! We have a hard working team that cares about each other.  We have a great time and Dr. Sallapudi is great to work for.

I have a variety of interests, including playing Fortnite, hosting bonfires, and spending time with my friends and family. Additionally, I am passionate about about playing guitar and exploring my creativity through drawing.

 

Caitlin

Records Technician

I graduated from Florida State University with a degree in Biological Sciences in May 2023 and I'm currently applying to dental hygiene school. My favorite part of working in orthodontics is seeing the confidence gained by patients after having braces. Everyone here is always so positive and happy, which creates a great work environment.

I grew up with five sisters and have 3 cats and a dog.  I love video games, going on the boat and fishing. 

 

 

Clarissa

Orthodontic Assistant

I started in sterilization ensuring the instruments and equipment is sterilize and ready for use, while supporting Dr. Sallapudi and the rest of the team with their needs.  I am now being trained on the job as an assistant.  My favorite part of the job is getting to see the transformation of patients' smiles throughout the stages of treatment!  Everyone is so helpful, friendly, and encouraging with questions and supporting each other.

In my free time, I like to play guitar and dance; especially now that my daughter is dancing!  I was a competitive dancer, and I also enjoy spending time with my two cats.

 
 
 

Deanna

Orthodontic Assistant

I starting working in the dental field in 1992, after earning my dental certification from PIMA Medical Institute in Tucson, Arizona. I have 33 years of dental experience, with 18 years of experience in orthodontics. I enjoy interacting with patients and getting to know my co-workers. Dr. Sallapudi is very sweet and the team works amazing together. 

I've been with my husband for 34 years. We have 2 beautiful daughters and I'm about to be a grandmother! I moved to Sarasota from Indiana in 2022 to enjoy the sunshine! I enjoy going to the beach and hanging out with friends.

 

Erick

Orthodontic Assistant

I studied dental assisting and Charlotte Technical College, where I discovered my interest in orthodontics during clinical rotations as Dr. Sallapudi's office. What I love the most is connecting with patients and getting to know all about them. I would consider myself a "people-person". I truly enjoy working with amazing coworkers  - we know how to keep things fun and full of laughter while staying professional.

Outside of work, I'm the oldest of four brothers, and I'm currently in school to pursue a career as a social worker. Oh, and I'm a total sneakerhead - ask me anything about shoes, and I've got you covered!

 

Jen

Clinical Coordinator

I was born and raised in what used to be small-town Venice. I graduated from Venice High School in 2008, later studied for certification in dental assisting in 2012 and started working with Dr. Sallapudi as my first dental job in 2015. I enjoy seeing the smiles and excitement of all of the patients when they get their braces off. I also love seeing the excitement from the little ones who are getting braces for the first time! The results of treatment can be life changing for some, and it's great knowing I'm a part of the journey. 

I met my husband when I was 12 and we’ve been inseparable ever since. We have two children who both play competitive soccer. So if I'm not putting on braces with Dr. Sal, you can guarantee I'm at the soccer fields cheering them on!

 

 

Jess

Scheduling Coordinator

I have the pleasure of helping our patients maintain their treatment schedule goals while supporting the front desk and welcoming new patients to the office! I also verify patient insurance benefits and work with the marketing committee. My prior work experience is primarily financial and customer service in the horticulture field. Dr. Sallapudi is an amazing doctor, and we have a warm and welcoming team. We have a fun and  knowledgeable staff, which makes it easy to brag about them!

I moved to Venice over 10 years ago from Michigan with my wife and two kids. When I am not playing cards and games with my family, I enjoy taking our dog for walks, finding shark teeth, riding my bike, and watching sports.  I spend my free time volunteering for the Great Cycle Challenge, the American Cancer Society, All Faiths Food Bank, and coastal cleanup projects.

 

Jessica

Scheduling Coordinator

At the front desk, I schedule and welcome patients with a smile!  I was new to the dental field when I started, but I bring years of customer service experience to the office.  My favorite part of my job is when we get to see the patients have their braces removed and celebrating their new smile.  Dr. Sallapudi and the team are so friendly and a joy to be around every day!  Their positive attitudes make it a fun place to work.

I was born and raised in Venice, have a beautiful baby girl, a husband, and 2 dogs.  When I'm not at work, I am usually soaking up all of the family time I can get!

 

 

Katie

Treatment Coordinator

I joined the front desk at Ehrlich & Sallapudi Orthodontics in 2017. As Treatment Coordinator I get to meet new patients and their families, welcoming them to our practice, and getting them started on a path to a beautiful smile. Our staff is an amazing group of fun people who enjoy their jobs! Dr. Sallapudi goes above and beyond to design a perfect treatment plan for each patient. It is truly a blessing to work with someone who puts so much heart into perfecting smiles.

My husband and I moved to Florida from rainy Portland, Oregon in 2014.  When I’m not at work, I am spending time traveling with my husband, exploring new places. I love the beach with a good book and my family and friends.

 

Kayla

Orthodontic Assistant

I joined the team in early 2023 after gaining experience in the general dental field. After attending Charlotte Technical College and developing a strong passion for orthodontics, I was excited to make the transition. One of my favorite parts of the job is helping Dr. Sallapudi remove braces and seeing the excitement of our patients' brand new smiles. I also love how our team works seamlessly together to keep everything running smoothly - it makes each day both rewarding and enjoyable! 

Weekends are for boating with my boyfriend or hanging out with our dog, Oakley.  In my free time, you'll find me enjoying concerts with my best friends.

 

KayLee

Scheduling Coordinator

I started working in the dental field in 2017 and joined Dr. Sallapudi’s office in 2024. As a scheduling coordinator, I have the joy of welcoming patients, keeping their visits scheduled seamlessly, and ensuring the front office runs smoothly. It’s a role I truly love and find incredibly rewarding.

I had braces as a teenager, during which time I became fascinated with how the process works. This inspired me to pursue a job in the dental assisting program at the University of Southern Indiana. I worked in orthodontics for about a year, tried other fields, and decided orthodontics is where I belong.

I live with my boyfriend, Dillan, and my cat, Biscuit. I enjoy spending time with friends, playing video games, crafting, and watching stand-up comedy.

 

 

Kecia

Financial & Insurance Coordinator

I earned a B.A. in History from the College of Charleston and a B.S. in Textile Marketing from the University of North Carolina-Greensboro. In Greensboro, I worked for Ciba Specialty Chemicals in customer service and supply chain managment before moving to Venice in 2001. I stayed at home for a few years with my children, then taught at Grace United Methodist Preschool for nine years. My goal is to nurture positive relationships with our patients. In addition to managing our patient's financial accounts and insurance benefits, I also have the pleasure of speaking to elementary schools, organizing field trips, and representing the practice at community events.  I love photography, gardening, and the beach.  My two sons are graduates of Venice High School.  Go Indians and USF Bulls!

 

Laura

Treatment Coordinator

As a treatment coordinator, I get to be part of our patients’ process from the very beginning. The changes that occur are astounding! I love to see the excitement on the faces of patients as they come in for consultations, help answer any questions they have, and really make each patient feel like a part of our big family. Dr. Sallapudi and our staff truly care about each patient and their individual experience. We all go out of our way to make every person feel special and every result stellar. I love working in a practice that I feel so strongly about!

I grew up in Grand Ledge, Michigan and moved to sunny Venice in 2013. When I am not working, I spend all my free time with my husband and our two daughters: playing games, watching movies, playing volleyball or swimming at the beach, and always laughing a lot!

 

McKayla

Orthodontic Assistant

I attended the dental program at The Institute of Medical and Dental Technology.  My externship at the program brought me here and I loved it, so I wanted to stay! My favorite part of working with Dr. Sallapudi is watching how happy patients are when they get their braces off and see their new smile. 

I grew up in Englewood and graduated from Lemon Bay High School. My boyfriend and I had our first baby in 2023, so I love hanging out with them in my free time. We like trying new restaurants and spend a lot of time at baseball fields.

 

 

Oksana

Inventory Specialist

I was born in Ukraine and grew up in Sarasota County. What I love most about being an orthodontic assistant is seeing the final results of a beautiful smile and being part of our patients’ lives as they go through braces. I really enjoy helping to create beautiful smiles with a wonderful doctor and fantastic co-workers. It is a huge blessing to be a part of a caring and awesome work family.

In my free time, I enjoy going to the beach, kayaking, and relaxing with my family and friends.

 
 

Patti

Business Manager

Our practice really is part of our community, and I am proud to be part of such a wonderful team. I began my career with Ehrlich & Sallapudi Orthodontics more than 30 years ago, first as an assistant, then as administrative assistant, and now as our practice manager. Being here for so long has allowed me to reconnect with former patients who bring in their own children for treatment. I love seeing our patients’ smiling faces as they see the transformation of their changing bite. It is so rewarding to make a difference in how people view themselves.

I was born and raised in Michigan and moved around with my husband as he served in the Air Force for 21 years. When I’m not working, I love visiting my two children and three grandchildren and traveling with my husband.

 

 

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