About Dr. Schindel
Melissa Schindel-Kaplan, D.D.S.
Dr. Schindel graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a BA in the Biological Basis of Behavior and a minor in psychology. She then attended dental school at New York University College of Dentistry, where she remained for an additional two years to complete the postgraduate program in orthodontics. While at NYU, Dr. Schindel was an orthodontic teaching fellow in the pediatric department, and coordinator of the NYU Cleft Lip and Palate Team. She served as orthodontist for the Cleft lip and Palate Team of Sarasota for 15 years.
Dr. Schindel is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists, the Florida Association of Orthodontists, and the American Dental Association. She is a diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontists, which means she is board certified and has reached the highest level of professional achievement in clinical proficiency. In addition, Dr. Schindel continues to enrich her orthodontic knowledge through attending regular orthodontic conferences and meetings.
Dr. Schindel and her husband enjoy living and working in Lakewood Ranch. When not running their son and daughter from one activity to the next, they appreciate spending some down time at the beach and taking family vacations.
The Team
Amy Riddle, Financial Coordinator
Amy first joined Schindel Orthodontics in 2006 as an orthodontic assistant. Today, she primarily handles account management and patient scheduling. Amy believes that seeing the difference orthodontics makes in a person’s life is the best part of working with Dr. Schindel. She is a native of Manatee County and enjoys boating, fishing and being outdoors with her husband and daughters.
Rachael Frank, Orthodontic Assistant & Treatment Coordinator
Rachael has been a part of Dr. Schindel’s team since 2007 and has worked in the orthodontic field since 1999. She loves building relationships with patients as they mature and gain increased confidence and self-esteem with a beautiful smile. Born and raised in Manatee County, Rachael enjoys spending time outside and in the water – especially with her son.
Toni Legg, Scheduling Coordinator
A Schindel Orthodontics team member since 2009, Toni is the friendly face that greets you when you enter our office and schedules appointments for you on your way out. She also brings experience in chairside assistance and works with our team in the back office when needed. Toni loves her job, but also enjoys going to Disney and spending time with her daughters and nephews.
Brittany Campana, Orthodontic Assistant & Treatment Coordinator
Brittany’s experience as Dr. Schindel’s patient back in 2006 sparked her interest in dentistry. So, she went to school to become a dental assistant and joined the Schindel Orthodontics staff in 2013. Though Brittany began at the front desk, her true passion is working chairside with patients, directly involved in their orthodontic care and oral health. Outside of the office, Brittany enjoys spending time with her son and daughter.
Vivian Aycardi, Orthodontic Assistant & Treatment Coordinator
Vivian has called Manatee County home since 2010 when she moved here with her family from Miami. Now she and her husband Nicolas are raising their twins, Daniel and Camila, in a place where people aspire to vacation! When she is not working, Vivian enjoys spending time with her husband and kids and weekends are all about family time.
Leyanna Chesnut, Orthodontic Assistant, Lab Technician, and Treatment Coordinator
Leyanna became a part of Dr. Schindel's team in 2019 and has been working in the field since 2010. She enjoys working alongside the doctor to help create beautiful smiles and enjoys the fabrication of a variety of appliances. Leyanna is a born and raised Manatee County native. In her spare time she enjoys spending quality time with her family, being outdoors, going to church, and whipping up fun stuff in the kitchen.