At The Tennessee Family Guide, we help families make life’s most important decisions with clarity and confidence. From estate planning and retirement to Medicare guidance and elder care, we provide trusted support to protect your loved ones, preserve your legacy, and bring peace of mind for generations to come
Take the first step toward securing your family’s future.
Reach out to discuss your estate, Medicare, and elder care needs.
Proud to call East Tennessee home, Melissa moved to the area in 2014 to pursue an advanced degree in urban and cultural geography. Although she remains passionate about the field, Melissa discovered an even greater calling: educating and advocating for families. In 2021, she became an insurance broker and retirement planner, crisscrossing East Tennessee, sitting with families at dinner tables and in living rooms—listening, learning, and uncovering what matters to them most.
Melissa often finds while families have taken financial steps to create a legacy, they frequently overlook estate planning—the final, critical piece in enshrining it. Melissa is passionate about bridging that gap, guiding families through those crucial decisions so their values, assets, and wishes are secured for generations to come.
Partner with professionals around East Tennessee who are experts in their field. After getting to know you and listening to your concerns, we pair you with the best person to best address your needs.
Nathan Smith is an independent financial advisor in Knoxville, Tennessee, specializing in retirement income planning for pre-retirees and retirees. With over 13 years of experience, Nathan helps clients transition from building wealth to creating sustainable retirement income. His background—growing up overseas and serving in the Army National Guard—brings a grounded perspective to financial planning. Nathan’s practice focuses on bringing clarity through simplicity, helping clients achieve their needs, goals, and dreams.
A proud East Tennessean and lifelong advocate for families, Lucas I. Abbott brings both a deep reverence for heritage and years of practical legal experience to his estate planning work. As the founder of Shield Wall Legal, he has guided clients through the complexities of wills, trusts, and probate matters with compassion and clarity. Drawing from his academic background in law, theology, and psychology, as well as his own Cherokee and Appalachian roots, Lucas understands the importance of legacy—not just in documents, but in lives. He currently teaches estate planning, property, and constitutional law, and is deeply committed to helping individuals protect their families and preserve their stories for generations to come.
The Tennessee Family Guide is rooted in East Tennessee. We understand the values, traditions, and unique needs of local families, and we’re proud to provide guidance that’s personal, practical, and connected to our community.
