Shannon Melendez
Office Manager/Legal Assistant

Shannon started with the firm in 1991. Her primary duty is office management and administration. In addition she is in charge of scheduling appointments, preparation of revocable living trusts, wills, probates, simple estate affidavits. She is also in charge of accounts payable and receivable.

Shannon, and her two daughters live in the Rogue Valley. In addition to being a mother of two young children, she enjoys being outdoors, camping, catching the big fish or just relaxing along the river bank. Shannon's email

Jill Gregg - Receptionist 

reception@epgoregon.com 

Jill started with The Estate Planning Group in 2022.  Her primary role is to welcome clients, both in the office and on the phone. She makes sure any questions are addressed and routed in the right direction within The Estate Planning Group. 

Jill is an Oregon native and grew up in the Rogue Valley, graduating from Ashland High School.  Jill had ventured away a few times, but always found her way back to the Rogue Valley.  Jill was lucky enough to be a stay home mom for most of her son’s younger years. Jill loves her job at The Estate Planning Group and says “We have amazing clients that make the workday even better!”   

Candace Coyle - Funding Administrator

candace@epgoregon.com

Candace worked at The Estate Planning Group from July 2007 through March 2011 as the Funding Assistant/Administrator, before she left to start a family with her husband.  Now that her two boys are grown and in school full time, she has returned and continues to assist our clients with the transfer of their assets into the name of their trust.

When not working, she volunteers at her kids’ school, and serves as the PTO President.  She enjoys spending time with her family, walks, and even playing ROBLOX with her boys.  

Melinda Deffenbaugh - Office Clerk

Melinda starting working for the Estate Planning Group in 2005 as the Receptionist.  After seven years in that position, in 2012 she left to pursue other endeavors and be more “retired”.  She has returned 10 years later, to work part time helping to organize client documents and files.  

Originally from the Willamette Valley, Melinda has lived in Ashland for 20 years, where she and her husband raised their four daughters.   She enjoys reading, cooking and spending time with her family.