Welcome

I love to get people involved in learning about their families’ histories. After getting my best friend interested in her family tree, the two of us took a trip to England where both our families came from. We traced her Suffolk lineage back to her multi-great grandfather and found his will. We also visited the graves of many of her ancestors in the local cemetery. Goosebumps! When asked how the trip affected her, my friend had this to say,

Words come to mind more than a statement. First word, “connected”. Recognition of being connected to a history, a timeline, a country, that I came from “good stuff”. Next word “reverent”. I was touching the same paper he did. Ran my fingers across the signature written by his pen, his hand. They became alive in the moment as I thought of them, reviewed the evidence they existed. They were not forgotten to time. [It] was little Clement’s grave that affected me the most deeply. He was a complete unknown to his living family and, not to sound over important, you and I brought him back to life, recognized his existence.

The key to getting started on your family tree is understanding what you’ve already got and then figuring out where to go from there. It can seem daunting but it really doesn’t have to be. It also does not have to be expensive. The journey is priceless and full of fun.

I can help you get started on your family tree. You will be able to dive in, learn the best practices on how to do the research, where to go looking for information about your ancestors, and I'll give you some ideas on how to present the stories and information you collect.

My Qualifications

My Grandmother is the one who started me on my genealogy journey and she likely had no idea what she’d started! Our hobby helped me realize what I wanted to do with my life. It informed my education resulting in a University degree in Anthropology – the study of human history; and a Certificate in Genealogical Studies (PLCGS). I’ve worked the last 20 years providing professional genealogical and historical research services to a variety of clients, including the Department of Indian Affairs for the Government of Canada. I enjoy every minute of finding out all that I can about individuals, what their lives looked like, and what they experienced – all in the context of global history. I love being able to find out more than names, dates and place so I can better understand the people I’m studying and I would love to share that passion with you.

Along with my focus on genealogy and history, I have worked in the field of information and records management, as well as adult education. I bring these skills to the table to every project.

What I Offer

I offer a number of genealogy services. These include research planning, coaching, courses, auditing your work, and creating presentation materials for you. Check out my page on this site, What I Offer to get more details or arrange a free 15 minute call by clicking the BOOK button in the section below..