Our Staff
Shannon Melendez
Office Manager/Legal Assistant
shannon@epgoregon.com
Shannon began her career with the firm in 1991. Her primary duties include office management, scheduling appointments, preparation of revocable living trusts, wills, probate filings, accounts payable and receivable. She has a strong sense of dedication with The Estate Planning Group. She has many years of hands on experience and long term knowledge of our clients to enable a smooth process for you and your family.
In addition to working for the Estate Planning Group, Shannon, her husband and two daughters live in the Rogue Valley. She enjoys being a wife, mother, a grandma, being outdoors, camping, catching that BIG fish or just relaxing along the riverbank.
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.