EDWARDS - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Legal Drafting Coordinator
Abbie joined the Edwards Group team in May 2020 as a Drafting Assistant. Her smile is infectious and lends to our customers feeling welcomed and at ease. Abbie was born in Springfield and raised in Pawnee. She was introduced to the Edwards Group through a mutual friend.
The Edwards Group values align well with Abbie's passion. She says, "I am passionate about the importance of people taking care of themselves and their families and it is a big part of what we do at Edwards Group. The environment is welcoming to both clients and the employees. Everyone is great to work with, helpful and gracious. It is truly a wonderful company!"
In Abbie's short time with the Edwards Group, she has noticed how David and his process makes it easy to understand. Abbie says, "He has cut through the legalese and made it simple to comprehend. Clients are not only protected but they understand what they have."
Abbie's background in handling client information and having an eye for detail and accuracy, along with her cheery disposition, make her a great asset for the Edwards Group. When Abbie isn't at work, she loves spending time outdoors, taking her son on new adventures, playing soccer, traveling, hiking, cooking out, and spending as much time as possible with family and friends. She is also likes DIY projects when she has time. We are sorry to report that she is not a Cardinal fan, she cheers for a blue team up north, but we still love her and can see the value she brings to our team.
Job Titles:
- Elder Care New Client Specialist
Audri started with Edwards Group when she was in high school in 2016. She started as an office clerk and then moved into a full-time position as an administrative assistant. She is currently working as an Elder Care New Client Specialist. Audri was born and raised in Springfield and graduated from Lanphier High School. She babysat for Attorney Amanda Lundeen, who was once a part of the Edwards Group Team and was the one that brought Audri into the firm when she mentioned they were looking for help. Audri was such a great help we decided to keep her!
When asked about the Edwards Group process, Audri says, "it is made as simple as possible and the team goes above and beyond to guide clients through each step to ensure their goals and needs are being met. The best thing about working at the Edwards Group is that every client is treated like family. Dave and Melissa take a lot of time to help everyone, no matter their situation."
Audri comes to us as not having strong sports inclinations but comes from a family of Illini and Cardinal fans. She loves traveling, watching TV, and hanging out with friends and family. Audri has a new puppy named, Archie, who is as cute as can be.
Brandon joined the Edwards Group team at the beginning of 2022. At that time, he was researching part-time for us while he finished his final semester of law school at Regent University. After graduating Cum Laude from Regent University School of Law and taking the bar exam, he is now full-time and part of our Estate Planning and Estate Administration teams. Brandon comes to Edwards Group with experience and passion for estate planning. He has already been a guest lecturer on Wills, Trusts, and estates; and is the Ronald L. Fick Book Award Recipient for Will Trusts & Estates, Estate Planning, Federal Income Tax, and Family Law.
While Brandon comes to us with amazing credentials, there is more. He also has a passion for what we do. These areas of interest for Brandon match perfectly with Edwards Group's mission and vision:
Simplifying legalese into plain language,
Educating clients to empower their decision-making, and
Preserving an individual's freedom of disposition (the constitutionally protected right for a person to distribute their assets as they see fit.)
Brandon was born in Alton, Illinois, and is from the Edwardsville area. He is a fan of the Cardinals, Blues, and White Sox (because tickets were cheap while in college). He likes running, reading, gouache painting, sand volleyball, following movie box office performances, and watching live concerts and theatre. Brandon attends St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church in Chatham. His family has two Shih-Tzus, Rawlings and Tugger.
Job Titles:
- Estate Administration Assistant
Bridget first joined the firm in 2018 as a legal assistant to former Edwards Group Attorney Amanda Lundeen and Trust/Estate Administrator Liis Casey. The role of office manager was quickly added, as Bridget's previous experience in the legal and financial fields made her a great fit. She holds a bachelor's degree in accounting from Eastern Illinois University.
When asked about the Edwards Group firm, Bridget said she loves how the firm offers multiple important services in one place and how everyone on the team is really great with clients.
When Bridget isn't working, she enjoys volunteering with the Springfield Muni Opera where her husband, daughter, and many extended family members are heavily involved. In addition, she stays busy with soccer and school activities for her two sons. Bridget also joins the growing contingency of Cubs fans who are now a part of the firm.
Carla comes from a long line of Cardinal fans. Her mother used to listen to the Cardinals play when radio was the only way to catch the game. She does not have the obsession, I mean love, that many hold but will proudly wear the Cardinal colors. Her husband, daughter and son-in-law are Illini Alums. Carla is a published author and loves writing, cooking, spending time with family, and helping others think strategically about opportunities. She is a mother of three adult children and three (and counting) grandchildren. She says, "Being grandma is the best!"
Christy is our Atmosphere Coordinator, which sounds like an awkward title for a law office. However, we know that first impressions, and how the office feels, make a difference in the lives of our clients and staff. Christy has taken that title seriously and is awesome at welcoming our clients and taking care of staff. She helps to make sure we have what staff and clients need to keep things running smoothly. She always has a can-do attitude, a helper's heart, and is full of encouragement. Christy loves working at Edwards Group and quickly recognized how passionate we are about helping our clients.
Christy, originally from Sparta, is a Cardinals fan. Go TEAM Cardinals! She has a background in the animal care field, loves to camp, fish, garden (flowers), and pretty much anything outdoors. Christy loves spending time with family: Mike, her spouse; and kids Dustin (24), Cody (22), and Emma (7). We are pleased that Christy is part of our Edwards Group family.
In 2008, David Edwards ventured out on his own to start a different kind of law practice, one that allowed him to work with his clients, not just for them. In order for this shift in philosophy to work, his clients needed to know more about effective estate planning and how it impacts them and their loved ones. So, David started creating educational workshops, an extensive blog, informative videos, and a website full of helpful resources - all in an effort to educate his clients about estate planning.
Both of David's parents were school teachers, so creating a law firm with an educational foundation came very naturally to him. He loves guiding his clients into a better understanding of the decisions that will affect their futures. And he has created something truly unique - a type of law firm that was unheard of in Central Illinois. Even today, it is one of a kind in the area. Edwards Group LLC is focused on partnering with families to create estate plans that work flawlessly, protect their legacy, and move them confidently into the future.
Doug was born in Springfield a long time ago. The Cantrall family has deep roots in Sangamon County, as evidenced by the Village of Cantrall being named after one of Doug's forefathers. "Cantralls have been here for more than 200 years."
Doug became an Orthotics/Prosthetics Technician at SIU School of Medicine in 1992, moved into private practice in 2002 at Orthotic and Prosthetic Associates of Central Illinois, and just recently retired from Hanger Clinic at the end of a 31-year career in Orthotics and Prosthetics. During his years as a clinician, Doug served patients in Springfield, Decatur and Champaign-Urbana. Doug's experiences in healthcare gave him a compassionate understanding of the inevitable changes that accompany aging in life and function.
Doug came in contact with Edwards Group when a lifelong friend of his mother-in-law asked for help. Doug was named POA for Healthcare for his mother-in-law's friend and Guardian for Healthcare for her husband. "We were so blessed that she had been guided to David Edwards once the problems really started in earnest. I was so impressed with David's level of concern for his clients and his forward-thinking approach to a more holistic look at what his clients really needed. I've been hoping to get the opportunity to work with David and the Group for the last 5 years."
In his time away from the office Doug and his wife Sarah are building a house near Jacksonville, "with a lot of help from friends." Doug and Sarah, their daughter Shaylan, and their son Connor and his wife Jessica are all very active in the church that Sarah has attended from birth and Doug has gone to since he was 9 years old.
Considering other Edwards Group team members' bios, Doug has been a bit concerned about the way his lack of attention to professional sports might affect his fitting in at Edwards Group. "I played a lot of baseball and then church league softball for a lot of years, but I really don't have time to pay attention to it now. I really miss playing but I absolutely cannot throw anybody out from third base anymore, and I never really could hit, so…"
Gina joined Edwards Group in January of 2023 as a Client Care Coordinator. She was born and raised in Springfield. Gina has a busy family and home life with her husband, Dan, one daughter, two stepdaughters, five grandchildren, chickens, goats, dogs, cats, and numerous other small animals that her grandson enjoys raising. She likes spending time with grandkids and friends, fishing, boating, taking naps, and engaging in retail therapy.
Having a small faith-based team that works as a unit is one of Gina's favorite aspects of working for Edwards Group.
Gina's side ministry is helping other women live their best lives and advocating for those who have survived domestic abuse.
Job Titles:
- Finance Team, Life Group Leader and Worship Band Musician
Jennifer is our Client Care Manager. She comes to Edwards Group with extensive experience in the long-term care and banking industry. She started in the summer of 2021, basically doing a little of everything. Jennifer has stepped up to take over Asset Coordination for our Revocable Living Trusts and works with our Dynasty Members. She loves our clients and puts a smile on everyone's face.
Jennifer has also become our event planner. We didn't know what we were missing until she came on board. Now, every holiday and event at Edwards Group is something to look forward to. We love her seasonal decorations, the care she puts into our events to make everyone feel special, and the way she makes the staff feel every morning when she walks through the door.
Jennifer is married to Jason and has two children, Garrett and Eva. You will often find Jennifer at volleyball games or hanging out with her family for Sunday dinners and other events.
Job Titles:
- Estate Administration Fulfillment Manager
Liis joined the Edwards Group team as Asset Coordinator in September of 2011. She initially helped organize client assets and oversaw transfers both during planning and after death. In 2014 she transitioned to Trust/Estate Administrator role. As Trust/Estate Administrator, she helps families with the after-death probate and trust administration process.
Liis was born and raised in Estonia and moved to the States in 2001 to attend college. Outside of work she enjoys reading, running, and traveling. Liis lives in Champaign with her husband, Shawn, and son, Oliver.
Lori joined the Elder Care Team at Edwards Group in the spring of 2023 as an Asset Coordinator. Lori was born and raised in Southeast Missouri in Ste. Genevieve, Missouri. Even though Lori was raised close to St. Louis, she is not a St. Louis Cardinals fan. Her allegiance lies with the Dodgers. But we can't blame her for that. It is a family thing. Her grandfather loved them from the time they were on the East Coast.
Lori loves the atmosphere our employees and our work create. She has commented that "everyone is so kind and helpful and the job we do here is so important to supporting our elder community. I love helping people make the most of their financial picture - always have. I also love the fact that I get to help veterans and their families. I love that Edwards Group is filling this gap for families on how to help their loved ones in their elder years. Most families don't have any kind of plan or idea of what to do once a family member needs medical or living assistance. They are overwhelmed by the sheer volume of legwork and paperwork that can come with getting assistance and making a plan."
Before coming to Edwards Group, Lori was a personal banker for over 23 years and assisted many customers with navigating through a family member's illness or death on the financial side. Essentially helping them "drop" into someone's life and take over the finances, bill paying, and decisions that come with what comes next.
When Lori isn't at work, she loves working in her yard, doing DIY projects, crafting projects, and exploring new places and antique malls. She has two grown sons who are graduating in May 2023. Lori, as proud mom, says they are her best accomplishment. She also has a little dog named Miley.
Job Titles:
- Elder Care Director
- in 2014 As a Benefits Specialist
Melissa Coulter joined Edwards Group LLC in 2014 as a Benefits Specialist and in 2020 assumed her current role as Elder Care Director. She has been instrumental in further developing our Elder Care program with an emphasis on helping families identify appropriate care options, define strategies to pay for care needs, and assist with comprehensive estate planning when considerations for care are required. Melissa has vast experience with the intricacies of the long-term care Medicaid and VA Aid and Attendance programs. She successfully guides families through these processes on a daily basis.
Prior to joining Edwards Group, Melissa held various positions at the Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education in Springfield including Program Administration Coordinator and Assistant to the Director of Programs. Her time working at IICLE provided her the opportunity to become familiar with many in our local legal community which has shown to be advantageous to clients.
Melissa cultivates relationships with all who provide services to the geriatric population across Central Illinois. She currently coordinates the Sangamon County Aging Network and previously served on the Board of Directors of Sangamon County Senior Services.
Melissa is a native of Quincy with some time spent in New Mexico along the way. She is a faithful Cardinals fan married to Bryan and mom to teenager, Ethan.
Sandy has been with Edwards Group as the Education Coordinator since 2011. She helps with our Dynasty member events and mailings. She and her husband were actually the first members of our Dynasty program, so we often joke about how their member number is 1!
More recently, Sandy has used her experience and training as a physical therapist to help develop Edwards Group's Elder Care Advisor area. Sandy has been crucial in working with clients to help them (and their families) assess whether it's safe to stay at home, and what can be done so they can stay in their homes as long as possible. She finds this part of the role incredibly satisfying.
Sandy is married with two boys, and her husband, Jeff, helps Edwards Group with all our IT needs. Sandy is a great resource for anyone who has questions about what it's really like to be an Edwards Group client, because she was one even before she started working with us!
Tarina Burgess joined the Edwards Group team as the Client Coordinator in August 2013 and transitioned to Client Relationships Coordinator in 2017. Before that, Tarina and her husband were clients with Edwards Group. From the beginning, she loved the family atmosphere of the firm. She says because she was a client first, she understands firsthand how nervous clients can be when they come in, so she loves being able to help walk them through the process, know what to expect, and reassure them that they will be well taken care of.
Born in Minnesota, Tarina attended school during the year in Oswego, Illinois. During the summers, her family would go back to Warroad, Minnesota, where she would enjoy the great outdoors while her parents helped her grandmother run the restaurant and resort that she owned. Of her time in Minnesota, Tarina says, "It was a great way to grow up. I was a River Rat." She moved to the Springfield area in 1999.
Her favorite thing about the unique process Edwards Group offers clients is the follow-up and continual updates provided by the Dynasty Membership. "It makes plans work," she says of Edwards Group's one-of-a-kind process. And the staff gets to know clients really well. "It is so rewarding and satisfying to know that we are helping bring peace of mind to families."
Outside of her time at Edwards Group, Tarina enjoys spending time with her husband, Trent, and her son, Easton. They enjoy playing games together and attending sports practices and games. Secretly, Tarina has always wanted to be a country music singer, though she claims she can't carry a tune in a bucket.