RootsTech Speakers

Stephen T. Rockwood is the president and CEO of FamilySearch International, a global nonprofit sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Prior to joining FamilySearch, Rockwood specialized in creating unique service offerings for worldwide customers of such brands as MasterCard International, AT&T, Disney, Office Depot, and Citibank among others. He also started two companies that were later acquired by larger companies. Most recently Steve served as director of the international division at FamilySearch.

Abigail Gatherum is a Family History student at Brigham Young University with a minor in Scandinavian Studies. She specializes in Scandinavian and German family history and has enjoyed doing genealogical research for many years.

Dr. Adina Newman, EdD, the creator of My Family Genie, is a professional genealogist and educator. Her specialties include Jewish genealogy, genetic genealogy, social media, and New England, and she presents on these topics in a variety of venues, from major genealogy conferences to local genealogy societies. Her findings have received international media attention, such as mentions in The Daily Mail, Washington Post, AP News, TODAY, People, and The Times of Israel, and she has made appearances on several news outlets such as NPR and I24NEWS. She co-founded the Holocaust Reunion Project, a program to raise awareness about the potential of DNA testing within the Holocaust survivor community and provide survivors and their children with commercial DNA tests. She volunteers as a Team Lead for the DNA Doe Project, which uses investigative genetic genealogy to identify unidentified deceased persons and as a moderator for a popular Jewish genetic genealogy Facebook group. She was also a 2020 recipient of the AncestryProGenealogists scholarship.

Aimee Rose-Haynes is an experienced genetic genealogist specializing in unknown parentage cases. A former Associate Director of DNAngels, she has been helping families reconnect through DNA research since 2016. As a proud citizen of the Cherokee Nation, Aimee is passionate about identifying lost Native relatives and restoring connections to tribal heritage. She has presented at major events including the 2024 RootsTech conference and various state seminars. Learn more at AimeeRoseHaynes.com.

Alec Ferretti is a New-York-City-based professional genealogist, who has worked for the Wells Fargo Family & Business History Center, researching family histories for high net worth clients.  Alec specializes in the genealogy of 20th century immigrants to the United States.  He is a regular lecturer at genealogical societies and conferences.  He serves as the President of the New York Genealogy & Technology Group, serves actively on the Board of Directors of the Association of Professional Genealogists, and on the Board of Reclaim the Records, a nonprofit dedicated to wrangling public records from obstinate government agencies. 

Alice Childs, AG® is a professional genealogist accredited in the United States Mid-Atlantic region and the Assistant Director of the BYU Center for Family History and Genealogy. Alice enjoys teaching at genealogy conferences and is the author of the GenealogyNow blog at alicechilds.com where she shares family history resources and inspiration for genealogists of all ages and stages.

Attorney for over 50 years. Non-professional Genealogist for 12 years. Widower twice, father of 4 and grandfather of 6. President of Jewish Genealogical Society of Palm Beach County (FL), and editor of its newsletter, Scattered Seeds. Presenter at Rootstech 2022-23, and IAJGS 2021, 2022 and 2024. Go ahead - ask me about my ancestors!

Following graduation from BYU-Idaho, Alynda Kusch taught in the Culinary Arts Program there until she and her husband left to preside over the Mexico Cuernavaca Mission. Upon their return, they moved to Utah where both she and her husband now serve at Ensign College, he as the President and she as his Special Assistant. She created and taught a culinary course at Ensign College. Alynda was also a speaker at BYU Women’s Conference. Her callings in the Church include early morning seminary teacher and principal, Primary President, Stake Young Women’s Counselor, Ward Young Women’s Counselor, Relief Society Teacher, Sunday School Teacher and Ward Choir Director. The power of food and its ability to connect us with the past and present is powerful and sharing her experience with students from all over the world as well as her own children and grandchildren is exciting and fun.

Alyssa Martinez graduated from Brigham Young University Idaho in December 2021. She graduated with a degree in Professional Studies with two certificates in Family History Research. After graduating, she became an intern at the FamilySearch Library. Currently, Alyssa is a Research Specialist on the U.S. and Canada team at the FamilySearch Library. She is in the process of becoming a Certified Genealogist. Alyssa has presented over 30 classes and webinars. She has given presentations for FamilySearch, the Utah Genealogical Association, the Genealogical Forum of Oregon, the Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research, the BYU Family History Library, the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy, and RootsTech. Topics covered include using the FamilySearch website, United States Federal Census records, the 1950 United States Federal Census, Naturalization records, Immigrant Name Changes, Early U.S. Military Records, and Organizing Records. Alyssa was a former member of the Utah Genealogical Association board.

Amber Larsen is an Accredited Genealogist®. She graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in Family History - Genealogy with a Scandinavian emphasis, and currently works for FamilySearch developing content for the FamilySearch Research Wiki.

Andrew Redfern is a passionate family historian with an eclectic mix of ancestors—including convicts, murderers, priests, wealthy gentlemen, travelling musicians, and the odd asylum inmate. Inspired by his mother, he began researching his family history in high school and hasn’t stopped since.

A director of the Society of Australian Genealogists, Andrew leads their AI & IT Special Interest Group and serves on both the education and technology committees. He was instrumental in the Ironclad Sisterhood project, which digitised records of more than 4,700 convict women.

Andrew has a strong interest in using technology to enhance genealogical research and storytelling. He has developed and delivered numerous courses and webinars on digital skills for family historians, helping researchers organise, manage, and present their work more effectively. He is also fast gaining recognition as a leader in the use of artificial intelligence in family history, having presented to audiences across Australia, the UK, and the US.

His session Researching Convicts Transported to Australia was listed as of the most popular talks at RootsTech 2025. He has also spoken at the Connections 2025 conference and delivered highly rated sessions for Legacy Family Tree Webinars. With backgrounds in education, technology, and theatre, Andrew brings both clarity and creativity to every presentation.

Angela Packer McGhie, CG, is a professional researcher, lecturer, and instructor. She is the Vice President of the Board for Certification of Genealogists. She enjoys coordinating and teaching courses at the Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research, the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy, and the Genealogical Institute on Federal Records. Angela served as the administrator of the ProGen Study Program from 2008-2014 and is now on the board of directors. She was honored with a certificate of appreciation from the Association of Professional Genealogists for her leadership and service.

Anna holds an M.A. in history from Warsaw University and a Ph.D. in history from Bydgoszcz University. Her past affiliations include the Polish Academy of Sciences and the Jewish Historical Institute in Warsaw. She has more than 20 years of experience as a genealogical researcher, serving individuals and families, as well as handling complex cases for professional clients.

Anna regularly speaks on genealogical and historical topics at international and Polish conferences. She is a member of the Association of Polish Professional Genealogists, the Warsaw Genealogical Society, and the Association of Professional Genealogists (USA).

Anna’s institutional clients have included the award-winning TV series Who Do You Think You Are, JRI-Poland, State Trustees (Australia), the Bristol Hotel in Warsaw, and Ancestry.

Banai is a professional genealogist specializing in Jewish and Eastern European research. She has volunteered for the Utah Jewish Genealogical Society as an officer in various positions since 2006 and has volunteered with IAJGS and IAJGS Conferences from 2005 to 2019. Banai is also a web site developer and the creator of CSI: Crowd Sourced Indexing, a free platform for organizations to use to more easily index genealogy records; and GeneaSearch, a genealogy search engine.

Benjamin M. De Hoyos is a 17-year-old professional genealogist accredited at 16 by the Mexican Institute for the Certification of Professional Genealogists. He serves as a Research Assistant and Volunteer Research Specialist for FamilySearch, providing advanced research consultations and guided tours in Spanish, English, and Portuguese for Latin America, Spain, and Portugal. Since 2022 he has volunteered with FamilySearch, logging 500 + volunteer hours, and supported RootsTech as 2024 and 2025 Ambassador. As a freelance genealogist he undertakes client projects focused on Mexican records and is actively preparing for AG accreditation in Mexico. He is fluent in Spanish and English, conversant in Portuguese, knowledgeable of Italian and Catalan, and currently learning Tongan. He loves ducks, dancing, learning, and listening to music. As a senior in High School, he's excited to graduate and serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

In high school, Benjamin has been deeply involved in service and leadership: he is President and founder of the Bingham Native American Club, Vice President of Scholarship for the National Honor Society, Vice President of People of the Pacific, and has served as Secretary and Officer in the German Club Presidency. He also represents POP, LIA, and German at the Multicultural Council, is an active member of Latinos in Action (Service Committee), and tutors fellow students in Secondary Math 2 & 3.

Bonnie loves teaching youth how to discover and unite their families. Since 2021, she has hosted multiple youth summer family history camps at the Alpine FamilySearch Center teaching hundreds of kids how to grow their family tree.

Bonnie Wade Mucia, Accredited Genealogist® in the New England Region, is the owner of Keeper of the Past Genealogy, LLC. She specializes in New England research, with a particular focus on the colonial period. Bonnie serves as the Director of the Mayflower Families Silver Books Project for the General Society of Mayflower Descendants, where she leads research on the descendants of Mayflower passengers. In addition, Bonnie is a volunteer docent and Historian at Beaufort National Cemetery and has conducted military repatriation casework for the U.S. Army and the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) on World War II soldiers. An experienced speaker and member of the Genealogical Speakers Guild, she regularly lectures on advanced genealogical methodology and historical research. She is actively pursuing the Advanced Genealogical Lecturer (AGL) credential to further strengthen her expertise in teaching and public scholarship. Her articles have appeared in leading journals, including The Mayflower Descendant (NEHGS), Rhode Island Roots, The Maine Genealogist, and The Nova Scotia Genealogist. Originally from Rhode Island, Bonnie lives in South Carolina with her husband, Joseph.

Carolyn Ladd holds a Certified Genealogist® credential from the Board for Certification of Genealogists® and has been accredited in African American genealogy by the International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists (ICAPGen™). She is a published author; one of her books is in the FamilySearch Library. She is passionate about identifying ancestors, learning their stories, and preserving them for future generations.

Cassandra Holland is a research consultant at FamilySearch with over a decade of experience in U.S. genealogical research. She studied family history and genealogy at Brigham Young University and has worked on a variety of projects professionally over the last 6 years. Cassandra is a member of NGS and APG and is currently pursuing certification through the Board for Certification of Genealogists®. She presented for the first time at RootsTech 2025 and enjoys helping others learn more about their roots. Outside of research, she enjoys playing the cello, reading historical fiction, and spending time with family and friends.

Cathi Nelson is a pioneering leader in the field of photo organization and legacy preservation. As the founder and CEO of The Photo Managers, the leading international educational community for professional photo organizers, Cathi has spent over 16 years empowering families, caregivers, and professionals to preserve their visual histories and tell meaningful stories through photos and technology.


A sought-after speaker and educator, Cathi has presented at RootsTech in 2022, 2024, and 2025. Her past sessions include Organizing Your Photo Legacy, Preserving Iranian Family History: Unveiling the Journey of Immigration through a Box of Photos, and Helping Caregivers of Dementia Patients Capture Family Stories Using Technology. Each presentation reflects her passion for using photos as a bridge between generations, cultures, and life transitions.



Cathi’s work is grounded in empathy and innovation, blending practical tools with heartfelt storytelling. She continues to advocate for preserving family narratives in ways that are accessible, inclusive, and lasting.

Cathy Wallace is the Special Projects Coordinator at BillionGraves, where she combines a passion for family history with a deep commitment to preserving memories through innovative technology. Cathy plays a key role in coordinating global initiatives to digitize headstones and cemetery records, helping people around the world connect with their ancestors. Cathy also writes BillionGraves’ blog, with more than 650,000 followers. Her work bridges the gap between history and modern storytelling, making her a natural fit for classes about legacy, heritage, and the power of remembering.

Cecelia is a family legacy coach, technology professional and researcher who’s been working on her ancestral legacy for the last decade. Active with the Franklin County, OH Genealogical and Historical Society since 2016, she currently serves as President of the organization. Her love for genealogy and family history creates opportunities to travel, create and serve the discipline via volunteerism and consulting. Her lectures and webinars have been conducted on behalf of RootsTech, Appalachian Studies Association, the Ohio Genealogical Society, GRIP, Universities, public libraries, museums and more. She’s an avid reader and jazz aficionado in her spare time.

Aanii boozhoo indinawe maaganidog [hello to all my relations]. Anishinaabe kwe indow [I am a life carrier of the original peoples – Anishinaabe / Ojibwe]. Anangkwe or Charity ndizhinikaaz [my spirit name is Anangkwe / Star Woman, my Christian name is Charity]. Name ndoodem [my clan is Sturgeon Clan]. Wabauskang First Nation, Lethbridge Alberta ndoonjibaa [I come from around].

I am a CEO at Siksika Family Services, have worked provincially and nationally in mental health and indigenous relations roles, and am a woman entrepreneur owning several businesses - private practice mental health clinics and a training and development business. I have taught at universities the last 15 years. One area of clinical speciality I have is treating historical and intergenerational trauma. I believe reclaiming our family histories, reconnecting to our ancestors and engaging youth in family history work is key to healing the “seven generations”.

Charlotte Ward-Kelly is the Digitisation Operations Manager at Findmypast. She holds a Masters in Naval History and has extensive experience working in heritage, archives, and museums, developing her expertise and knowledge of naval and maritime history. Charlotte has appeared on Podcasts including History Hit and History Hack, has spoken at numerous public events, and has written for the Georgian Group magazine. She also regularly contributes to research projects at Findmypast and creates content for the website and social media on naval and maritime history.

Cheri Hudson Passey is a professional genealogist, instructor, writer, speaker and the owner of Carolina Girl Genealogy, LLC. She is the host of the YouTube genealogy chat show GenFriends and is a genealogical researcher, subcontracted by Eagle Investigative Services, Inc., for the US Army Past Conflict Repatriations Branch. She is treasurer of GeneaBloggers and National Genealogical Society Vice President of Society & Organization Management.

Clevlyn Anderson is a native of Chicago, Illinois, with ancestral roots from Macon, Noxubee County, Mississippi. She has been actively researching her family history for fifteen plus years and has traced enslaved ancestors back to the early 1800s. Enhancing her research, she was awarded the 2022 MDAH Family Genealogy Fellowship and the 2023 BCG Paul Sluby Scholarship. In 2023, she was admitted to Sons and Daughters of the US Middle Passage.

A member of the AAHGS Metro Atlanta Chapter since 2010, Clevlyn has served as Chapter Secretary and currently serves as Corresponding Secretary. She has contributed articles on research strategies to the AAHGS News bi-monthly newsletter. Since 2020, she has served on the board of the Noxubee County Historical Society (NCHS) and is the current editor of the NCHS Quarterly Bulletin.

Clevlyn has presented introductory genealogy workshops and case studies at AAHGS chapter meetings and local community venues. At the 2023 AAHGS National Conference, she presented the session “Why Is It So Hard to Find My Stevenson Family?”

She has participated in numerous genealogical workshops and webinars and has attended leading institutes including the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy (SLIG) and the Midwest African American Genealogical Institute (MAAGI). Clevlyn holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Bishop College in Dallas, Texas, and master’s degrees from the University of Iowa (Public Affairs) and Kennesaw State University (Technical and Professional Writing).

Colette Hokanson loves people—both the living and the dead. She holds a B.S. from Brigham Young University and is accredited in Swedish research through the International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists (ICAPGen).

She currently serves on both the United States & Canada team and the Nordic team at the FamilySearch Library. With over 20 years of experience in family history, Colette has traveled extensively with her husband in search of ancestral connections. She's not afraid to climb a wall, knock on a stranger’s door, or drive to the top of a Norwegian mountain in pursuit of new genealogical discoveries.

Colette is passionate about learning, good chocolate, her family, and meaningful connections—past and present.

D. Joshua Taylor, MA, MLS, FUGA, is a nationally known and recognized speaker and author on genealogy and family history. Passionate about the diverse and dynamic field of genealogy, Joshua is the President of the New York Genealogical and Biographical Society (NYG&B). He is the recipient of numerous awards and honors, including RootsTech’s Distinguished Presenter Award, the Federation of Genealogical Societies Award of Merit, the Rubincam Youth Award from the National Genealogical Society, Library Journal’s Movers and Shakers Award, and the Stuyvesant Pear Award from the Society of Daughters of Holland Dames. In 2022, Joshua was named as a Fellow of the Utah Genealogical Association for his “distinguished contributions and on-going commitment to the field of genealogy.” He holds an MLS (Archival Management) and an MA (History) from Simmons College and has been a featured genealogist on Who Do You Think You Are? and was a host on the popular PBS series Genealogy Roadshow.

Dana Palmer, CG®, CGL® specializes in lineage society applications, publishing family books, and Midwestern research – specifically Ohio. In addition, she is part of the Mayflower Silver Books team revising the Eaton book.

Dedicated to Genealogy since 1986, Daniel was the teacher and the study guide editor of the family history project "Searching for My Roots" in Venezuela for 15 years. He was a board member of The International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies (IAJGS) for 10 years, now is involved in several crowdsource digitization and transcription projects, and holds a board-level position at The Israel Genealogy Research Association (IGRA). Since 2006 Daniel has been working at MyHeritage liaising with genealogy societies, bloggers, and media, as well as lecturing, and attending conferences around the world.

Danielle is an Accredited Genealogist® in the U.S. Midwest States. She has worked for FamilySearch since 2000 and is the Content Manager for the FamilySearch Research Wiki.

David Allen Lambert has been on the staff of American Ancestors/NEHGS since 1993 and is the organization’s Chief Genealogist. David is an internationally recognized speaker on the topics of genealogy and history.

Lambert has published many articles in the New England Historical and Genealogical Register, the New Hampshire Genealogical Record, Rhode Island Roots, Mayflower Descendant, and American Ancestors magazine. He has authored and or co-authored in the published genealogies presented to David McCullough, Ken Burns, Angela Lansbury, Michael and Kitty Dukakis, Nathaniel Philbrick, Doris Kearns Goodwin, and Boston Mayor Thomas Menino. He has also published eleven books including A Guide to Massachusetts Cemeteries (NEHGS, 2018), and Vital Records of Stoughton, Massachusetts, to the end of the year 1850 (Massachusetts Society of Mayflower Descendants, 2008). David received his B.A. in History from Northeastern University with a focus on Colonial American and African-American history. David is an elected Honorary Fellow of the Massachusetts Historical Society in Boston, Mass., and a life member of the New Hampshire Society of the Cincinnati and the General Society of the War of 1812. David also serves as the tribal genealogist for the Massachusett Tribe at Punkapoag in Massachusetts.

Areas of expertise: New England and Atlantic Canadian records of the 17th through 21st century; Genealogy in the United Kingdom; American and international military records; DNA research; and African American and Native American genealogical research in New England.

David Ouimette, CG®, CGL®, leads FamilySearch Content Strategy for Asia-Pacific. He has researched in the archives and record repositories of over seventy countries spanning all continents, identifying written and oral records of greatest genealogical value. Previously, David was lead developer and product manager at Ancestry.com, responsible for family trees, U.S. records, and DNA testing.

Dawid Walendowski graduated from Columbia University in New York with degrees in history and international relations. He has performed genealogical research for professional clients such as Ancestry, JRI-Poland, and U.S. law firms, as well as for numerous families and individuals. Dawid is a member of the Association of Polish Professional Genealogists and the Warsaw Genealogical Society.

Debbie graduated with honors from Brigham Young University with a bachelor’s degree in family history. She has made research trips to Spain, Portugal, Virginia, and North Carolina. She is employed by FamilySearch at the Family History Library in Salt Lake City. Fluent in Spanish, she can also read genealogical documents in Portuguese, Italian, and French. Debbie holds four AG® credentials. They are for the United States Mid-South region, Spain, Mexico, and Portugal.

Diahan Southard has been helping people use DNA to explore their roots for over 20 years. She started her career at the Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation, which created the DNA database that became AncestryDNA. After witnessing the power of DNA for family history–and the difficulties people face in using it effectively–she launched a pioneering career in DNA education.

Over the last 20 years Diahan has given hundreds of lectures on DNA from Burbank to Oslo, London to Seattle, to crowds of tens to thousands. Diahan’s talents for making DNA accessible, exciting and relevant are on full display as host of the PBS special, Your DNA Secrets Revealed. Diahan teaches on global platforms such as RootsTech, GenealogyTV and Legacy Tree Webinars. She appears on popular genealogy podcasts and is a DNA columnist for Family Tree Magazine.

Diane Grant is a Qualified Genealogist who attained a MSc in Genealogical, Palaeographic and Heraldic Studies from the University of Strathclyde and is also a member of the Register of Qualified Genealogist. Her professional background has been in Music Publishing, for the past twenty five years. She is also a Director of a publishing company that owns the largest catalogue of Caribbean music in the world.

She is first generation born in Britain, to Guyanese parents. They were part of the mass migration to the U.K of Caribbean born British Citizens. They are now known
as the “Windrush Generation.” Diane experienced reverse migration when her family moved to Barbados in the early 80’s and she received her education there from the age of eight to sixteen.

Diane’s passion for research commenced with her own family history. Although she started from the age of fifteen, the seed was planted at an even younger age when she visited Guyana at four years old. She accompanied her great grandmother on this visit and became the recipient of great tales of her Caribbean heritage. Her keen interest is in researching all aspects of Caribbean history. She is determined to open the portal and widen the scope, for those wishing to venture into such research.

Dr. Penny Walters has been a University lecturer for 30 years, teaching Masters’ Business studies at British Universities. Penny's interest in genealogy started after having her first child, and then wondering about her own biological parents, as she was adopted. Penny has six mixed race children, who have all been fascinated with discovering their roots through DNA ethnicity results - there were very mixed feelings about discovering enslaved ancestors. Penny’s two ethnicities were revealed as half Irish and half Welsh, which again caused mixed feelings with the discovery of ancestors fleeing the Irish Famine. This wealth of experience has inspired all of Penny’s presentations: adoption, unknown ethnicities, ethical dilemmas, being English but discovering Irish and Welsh ancestors, and wondering about the psychology behind searching. Being British gives her great insight into records available in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Penny lectures internationally in-person including throughout the UK, Ireland, America, and Australia; writes articles for a variety of magazines; is sought after for a wide range of webinar topics; and is a regular consultant on television and radio programmes. Penny has authored the books: 'Ethical Dilemmas in Genealogy' (2019) and ‘The Psychology of Searching’ (2020) available on Amazon.

Sarah Reed is Assistant Professor of History at Brigham Young University. She joined the department in fall 2018 after completing a PhD in German with a minor in Women’s Studies at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. At BYU, she serves in the family history, history, and women's studies programs and teaches classes on German, Scandinavian, women's and immigration history and Scandinavian and German family history and paleography.

Drew Smith is an associate librarian emeritus at the University of South Florida Libraries in Tampa. Co-host of The Genealogy Guys Podcast and host of the Genealogy Connection podcast, he writes a regular productivity column for the Association of Professional Genealogists Quarterly.

Drew’s books include Advanced Genealogy Research Techniques, Organize Your Genealogy: Strategies and Solutions for Every Researcher, and Generation by Generation: A Modern Approach to the Basics of Genealogy.

He is a founder and administrator of The Genealogy Squad Facebook Group with over 45,000 active members.

In 2016, he received the Filby Award for Genealogical Librarianship, presented by the National Genealogical Society. In 2024, Drew received the Lloyd DeWitt Bockstruck Distinguished Service Award from the Dallas Genealogical Society. In 2025, he received the History Section Genealogy / History Achievement Award from the Reference and User Services Association (RUSA), a division of the American Library Association (ALA).

Drew regularly speaks at conferences and meetings of national, state, and local genealogy societies, and many of his recorded presentations can be found at the Genealogy Guys Learn page at Legacy Family Tree Webinars.

Edward A. Rueda is a New York City-based journalist and the editor of PLANADVISER. He co-hosts "Rediscovering Latinidad," a podcast about Latino genealogy and Latin American culture. For over 30 years, Edward has researched his Colombian and Jewish family history, and he is working on a larger project about a 19th-century Jewish family in England, the Caribbean, and South America. Edward is inspired by his parents, Eduardo and Barbara, and his two children, Matteo and Cecilia.

Eleanor Brinsko is a professional genealogist who specializes in Scandinavian-American genealogy by looking at genealogical and social trends on both sides of the Atlantic.

Eleanor has given lectures for the Wisconsin Historical Society and public libraries, genealogical societies, and family reunions across the country. She taught a graduate-level genealogy course for the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s iSchool. Eleanor has contributed the PBS Show “Henry Louis Gates Jr.’s ‘Finding Your Roots.’”

French-born Elisabeth Zetland earned her Ph.D. (with Honors) in medieval history from Paul Valéry University in Montpellier, France. Her ground-breaking original research traced the family trees of Jewish families residing in Florence, Italy in the 15th Century, and enabled Elisabeth to document an economic and social history of Tuscan Judaism between 1437 and 1464. Elisabeth’s research talents and experience, as well as her passion for genealogy, made her a natural fit for MyHeritage, when she joined the company in 2011. In 2012 she became MyHeritage’s country manager for French-speaking markets, and since 2016 she has been a full-time member of the MyHeritage genealogy research team. She considers herself addicted to family history and totally devoted to the subject.

Elizabeth Swanay O’Neal, Certified Genealogist®, is a researcher, writer, educator, and national genealogical speaker. Her specialties include methodology, technology, and online research resources. Since 1987, Elizabeth has made it her goal to research, share, and preserve her family stories. She is a co-host of the Branching Out Genealogy Podcast (https://branchingout.show) and the author of the family history lifestyle website Heart of the Family™ (https://www.thefamilyheart.com). Her mission is to help others make the past part of their present.

Ellen Jeppson is President of International Society of Daughters of Utah Pioneers. She was a school teacher for 35 years in Davis School District. She has a Bachelor Degree from BYU and M Ed. Degree from Weber/Utah State in Education. She writes lessons for Daughters of Utah Pioneers and has served as Lesson Committee Chairman, Second Vice-President, First Vice-President, and President of Daughters of Utah Pioneers.

Eva Holmes, CG®, AG®, is a professional genealogist, educator, and writer from Portland, Maine with New England roots going back 12+ generations and ancestors who arrived more recently from Italy. Prior to transitioning to professional genealogy, she worked as an information technology consultant and project manager. Her specialties include writing and the application of technology to genealogical research.

Eva is the executive editor of Crossroads, the quarterly publication of the Utah Genealogical Association and has published articles in periodicals including the National Genealogical Society Quarterly. Eva is the author of the Research in the States Guide to Maine published by the National Genealogical Society in 2024. She is currently researching and writing a volume for the General Society of Mayflower Descendants Silver Books Project, documenting five generations of descendants of Mayflower passenger George Soule.

As a dual credentialed genealogist, Eva is committed to genealogical education which increases awareness of professional standards. She serves as the Program Administrator of the GenProof Study Groups and as a trustee of the BCG Education Fund. She has mentored genealogists through programs such as ProGen, the Certification Discussion Group, and the NGS Advanced Skills in Genealogy course. She has presented and taught at national and regional events including RootsTech, the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy, and the New England Regional Genealogical Consortium.

Forrest is a passionate professional genealogist with a love of Nordic family history. For more than seven years, he has been growing his professional skills: including Nordic, DNA, and Forensic research. The highlights of his career include a bachelor's degree in Family History-Genealogy from Brigham Young University, an internship at the Norwegian Emigration Museum in Norway, an internship with the Chester Fritz Library in Fargo, ND, and three years of heir search experience with American Research Bureau.

Originally from Port Angeles, Washington, Forrest currently lives in Utah with his wife and three children. Together they enjoy swimming, crafting, making yummy food, and spending time with their many cousins.

Geoffrey Fröberg Morris AG® has been doing Swedish genealogical research for over 35 years. He has been employed for 20 years at the Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah as a Nordic research specialist. Among his work assignments, Geoff has helped thousands of people search for their Swedish ancestors, engaged in many archival visits in Sweden, authored hundreds of pages into the FamilySearch Wiki and routinely presents at conferences. He is the author of the book, A Practical Guide to Swedish Church Records for Genealogy and Family History, which was published in 2020.

Gregory Kontos is the founder and director of Greek Ancestry, a Greek genealogy company based in Athens, Greece. Since its foundation in 2020, Greek Ancestry has been recognized as the leading Greek genealogy organization at an international level with a long list of collaborations with companies, organizations, TV shows etc. The Greek Ancestry team offers professional Greek genealogy services, including archival research, translations, DNA analysis, assistance with citizenship applications, ancestral trips etc. At the same time, Greek Ancestry is committed to record preservation and accessibility through digitization and indexing projects throughout the country. Currently, the Greek Ancestry database consists of over 2 million records or approximately 8 million names. Several new collections are expected to be released by the spring of 2026.

Gregory holds degrees in history from the University of Athens and the University of Leiden and currently is a PhD candidate at the University of Athens. His academic work focuses on the history of migration, nationalism and religion.

Dr. H. Wallace "Wally" Goddard is a distinguished author, educator, and family life specialist renowned for his significant contributions to the fields of family relations, parenting, and personal development. He has served as a Professor of Family Life at the University of Arkansas, Auburn University, and Utah State University and has been heavily involved with the Cooperative Extension Service, where he developed and disseminated educational programs aimed at strengthening family dynamics and enhancing individual well-being.

Dr. Goddard has authored several influential books, including “Discoveries: Essential Truths for Relationships,” "The Soft-Spoken Parent: 55 Strategies for Preventing Contention with Your Children" and "Between Parent and Child." His writings are celebrated for their practical wisdom and deep insights into fostering positive family environments. His approach integrates principles of positive psychology with actionable advice, making his work accessible and impactful for a broad audience.

In addition to his written work, Dr. Goddard is a sought-after speaker and workshop leader, known for his engaging style and ability to connect with diverse audiences. His programs often focus on themes such as effective communication, emotional resilience, and the cultivation of loving, supportive relationships.

Dr. Goddard's contributions have earned him widespread recognition and national awards including the Outstanding Family Life Educator Award.

Heather is on a mission to empower others to discover and preserve their family’s legacy through storytelling. With a degree in education, she spent more than two decades creating and delivering content and instruction to people of all ages.

She is an associate marketing manager and genealogist for Storied. She understands the importance of connecting with one's past, and through her work, she is committed to helping others embark on their genealogy journey and uncover their family stories.

Jana Greenhalgh is an Accredited Genealogist® specializing in England research. She teaches family history at BYU as a member of the History Department adjunct faculty. She holds a BA degree in Genealogy & Family History from BYU, and an MSc degree from the University of Strathclyde in Genealogical, Palaeographic & Heraldic Studies. She has instructed for BYU-Idaho’s online family history degree program, served on the Board of Directors for the Utah Genealogical Association, chaired the Level 1 Testing Committee for ICAPGen, and served on the ICAPGen Conferences & Education Committee for many years. She has presented at various genealogy conferences/institutes and loves to help people make family history discoveries. Jana and her husband Brent live in Lehi, Utah. They have seven children and enjoy hiking, biking, skiing, gardening, and vacationing.

Janalee McBride holds a Bachelor of Science in Professional Studies with an Associate in Family History Research from Brigham Young University Idaho. Janalee is a United States and Canada Research Specialist at the FamilySearch Library in Salt Lake City, Utah. She specializes in the United States Southwest region, DNA, and Latter-day Saint records.

Janet Few is an experienced and well-known British family, social and community historian who has lectured at previous RootsTechs, at conferences across the English-speaking world and at sea. She is an author of both historical fiction and non-fiction, as well as many magazine articles. In addition, she has worked with the UK 'Who Do You Think You Are?' television programme. As an educator, Janet runs online genealogy and social history courses for Pharos Tutoring and Teaching. She is currently serving as the President of the Family History Federation and is actively involved in several other family history organisations.

For Janet, the joy of genealogy lies in the context and she believes in the importance of understanding the history of the places in which our ancestors lived and the social history of their time. Her particular interests include the seventeenth century and she can often be spotted working as an historical interpreter in the guise of her alter ego, Mistress Agnes.

As someone with a particular interest in women’s history, Janet is part of the A Few Forgotten Women team, who seek to preserve the stories of marginalised women who might otherwise be overlooked by history.

Dr. Janette Silverman is a professional genealogist, heading a team of researchers specializing in Eastern European and Jewish research at AncestryProGenealogists® the division of Ancestry® that does private client research. Her research on behalf of clients takes her all over the U.S., Europe, and beyond.

Janette holds a Doctorate in Jewish Studies from Spertus Institute. Her dissertation, "In Living Memory" explored her family's journey from Europe to the U.S. from the 1880s to the 1920s,

contextualizing their experiences. She has written numerous articles, and speaks in person and virtually at conferences and meetings world-wide.



Her journey into genealogy began over 40 years ago as a hobby with her dad. It became an obsession and then a profession. Janette's book's "Stories they Never Told Us" was published in 2025.



Janette was the lead co-chair of the 2016 IAJGS conference in Seattle, JewishGen's 2017 Volunteer of the Year, former chair of the Phoenix Jewish Genealogy Society, and an IAJGS Board member. She is currently on the board of the Southern California Genealogy Society (SCGS).

Jeanette K.B. Daniels has been a professional genealogist since July 19, 1977, when she passed her first accreditation test in Southern United States research. She received her accreditation when The Family History Library (then Genealogical Society) administered the AG testing. She has been doing genealogical research since February 1971. She got another accreditation in Norwegian research in 1995 and volunteered on the Scandinavian research counter at The Family History Library for 2 1/2 years in the 1990s. She created Heritage Genealogical College, officially licensed in the state of Utah on April 6, 2000, in order to help others learn how to do genealogical research. She has authored African American Genealogical Research, Volume 1 and African American Genealogical Research, Volume 2 with approximately 600 pages of research helps for those wanting to trace their slave ancestors. She also authored Structural and Practical Genealogical Research, explaining how to do genealogical research quickly and efficiently; how to figure out why you are not able to go back further with research; determining the accuracy of information you find; spotting fraud in genealogical secondary sources; and other research helps necessary for success in your research. She has also taught Live Web Research Workshops online, for free, where her students or others wanting to find their ancestry attend and work together solving each others genealogical research problems.

With a multidisciplinary background in physics, engineering, and data science, Jean-Michel has over 20 years of experience designing high-precision systems and intuitive digital tools. As a volunteer leader of the Black Périgord Genealogy Association (France), he applies these skills to serve historical memory, public access to data, and collaborative genealogy.

Jean-Michel is the architect behind multiple online interfaces created for genealogical research. These include a powerful search engine for military conscription rolls, an index of 1870–71 war casualties, and an interactive visualization tool for psychogenealogical analysis. Each platform is freely available, user-friendly, and developed to assist both beginner and expert genealogists.

Our 1870 project began locally to honor forgotten French soldiers and has evolved into a national pilot. he helped design the indexing workflows, coordinate volunteers, and build the databases that power this initiative, allowing users to explore detailed records of enrollment, wounds, deaths, and prisoners.

In parallel, Jean-Michel created the first digital “family link generator,” a psychogenealogy tool that translates internal family cycles into a dynamic map of transgenerational influence—bridging science and emotion, ancestry and healing.

Committed to opening France’s genealogical landscape, he also supports international collaboration, helping connect overseas researchers to local archives and expertise. he believe it is our responsibility to explore new human, digital, and historical connections—and to make these resources accessible to all.

Jenny Hansen is a professional genealogist specializing in Scandinavian research. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Family History and Genealogy from Brigham Young University and has been an Accredited Genealogist® in Danish research since 1999. In 2023, she earned the Accredited Genealogist Lecturer™ designation, demonstrating her expertise in both research and genealogical education.

As a freelance researcher and instructor, Jenny is passionate about helping others uncover their ancestral roots. She also served as a commissioner for The International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists (ICAPGen) and is currently the Director of the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy (SLIG), contributing to the advancement of professional genealogical standards.

Based in Eagle, Idaho, Jenny enjoys reading, discovering historic churches and cemeteries, and spending time outdoors with her family. She shares insights and stories on her blog, MyFavoriteAncestor.com.

Jill Nock, AG®, is a professional genealogist accredited through ICAPGen℠ in the U.S. Upper South with nearly five decades of research experience. She operates Mountain State Genealogy and also subcontracts with Family Locket Genealogists. A graduate of ProGen59, she has completed advanced training at the Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh (GRIP) in Advanced DNA Evidence, Fundamentals of Forensic Genealogy, and Tools & Strategies for Tackling Tough Research Problems.

A former Level 1 Mentor for ICAPGen℠ study groups, Jill has helped genealogists develop professional skills and meet accreditation standards. Her expertise combines traditional record analysis with advanced DNA interpretation, specializing in transforming complex research findings into clear, professionally written reports.

Joe Price is a professor of economics at Brigham Young University and the Director of the BYU Record Linking Lab (rll.byu.edu). His lab employs 60 research assistants and combines machine learning and family history to auto-index historical records, link records together, and create new family history experiences.

John is a trailblazer in professional African and African American genealogy research, based in Ghana, Africa. He actively contributes to genealogical organizations, serving as an Africa Online Genealogy Specialist with FamilySearch online free consultations and Temple and Family History leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Cape Coast.

John studies professional studies with a focus on Family History research at Brigham Young University-Idaho. He has authored several articles, including “African Genealogy” and “Road Map to Finding Ancestors in Africa” (https://capecoastgenealogist.wordpress.com). He also conducts online workshops on methodological approaches in professional research for groups in the United States and the United Kingdom.

Dedicated to advancing genealogy in Africa, John invests in genetic genealogy projects aimed at reconnecting Africa and its diaspora. Given the challenges of scarce records and limited digitization, he employs unique strategies for locating ancestors in Africa. John offers record searches and heir-finding services in Africa.

Prince Jon James Olomo is the founder and CEO of Tribal Tapestry, a visionary company reconnecting the African diaspora with their ancestral homelands through DNA, genealogy, culture, and spiritual tradition.

Prince Omowale has presented at the FamilySearch Library during RootsTech 2025, speaking to 24 African dignitaries during a panel at FamilySearch, and has delivered talks at iPada Carnival and numerous diasporic summits. His storytelling blends technology, history, and healing, offering a uniquely African perspective on the future of genealogy.

Judy has been researching her family tree from the age of 12, specializing in French-Canadian, Acadian, Native American and Michigan research because of her own family heritage. Owner of Lineage Journeys, she conducts research for clients and offers presentations in churches, libraries and organizations, and she travels extensively to research locations and the locations of her ancestral homes.
Judy is the President of the Oakland County Genealogical Society, President for the Michigan Genealogical Council, board member and Awards Chair of the National Genealogical Society, and a member of many societies – among them: Ontario and Quebec Genealogical Societies, Detroit Society for Genealogical Research, French Canadian Heritage Society of Michigan, a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland and many more.

Julia A. Anderson has a master's degree in history and is an Accredited Genealogist® and Accredited Genealogist Lecturer™ with expertise in the U.S. Gulf South Region. She is research specialist at the FamilySearch Library in Salt Lake City, Utah, and teaches research and accreditation classes for Salt Lake Community College's online genealogy certificate program. Julia is the owner and managing member of Anderson Genealogical Research, LLC and serves as the conference chair for the Utah Genealogical Association. She and her husband, Scott, live in Orem, Utah and are the parents of nine children and grandparents of nine.

Julie Merrill is an Accredited Genealogist and is employed as a Research Manager at Ancestry ProGenealogists®. She has been the main researcher for episodes of Who Do You Think You Are and other high-profile media projects. Before working for Ancestry, she served a five-year service mission at FamilySearch, serving in Historical Records, Research Assistance, and Early General Authorities Research departments as well as a FamilySearch Library trainer for onboarding missionaries. Having a passion for finding families has driven her more than thirty years of experience. She is a frequent lecturer at national and local genealogical conferences and seminars and specializes in Southern United States, African-American, and Scandinavian research.

Kailey Hopkins is a third-year undergraduate student at Brigham Young University. She comes from an amazing family of 6 and her love of family cultivated a passion for using genealogy to bring families closer. Working closely with AI, both professionally and academically, led to an exploration of the combination of both family history and modern technology. As a creative person, she is passionate about finding new ways, including the incorporation of AI, to further the work of uniting families with their ancestors.

Kaitlyn Pauley, a professional genealogist and former teacher, was born and raised in Western New York and now resides in West Virginia. She is a graduate of BYU-Idaho's Family History Research Program and ProGen 66. Kaitlyn owns Pauley Genealogy, specializing in New York, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia research. She aims to highlight ancestors' stories and experiences.

Karen de Bruyne is a professional genealogist with over 25 years of international research experience. She holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Genealogical, Palaeographic and Heraldic Studies and is an Associate of AGRA (Association of Genealogists and Researchers in Archives). Karen specializes in tracing London families and those with connections to British India, the Far East, and the Dutch East Indies.

Her credentials include a Certificate in British India Ancestors from the National Institute for Genealogical Studies, and she serves as a research agent at the British Library’s Asia and Africa Reading Room, supporting family history inquiries. In addition to her professional work, Karen is an active contributor to the genealogical community, volunteering as a host for the Society of Genealogists and coordinating events for the London Westminster & Middlesex Family History Society.

Karen Kowallis is an Accredited Genealogist® for England. She also specializes in US research, holding a certificate in American Genealogical Studies from the National Genealogical Society. Karen is also a Commissioner for the International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists (ICAPGen). She has a bachelor's degree (BS) in Secondary Math Education from Brigham Young University-Idaho and a master's degree (MEd) in Education Leadership from George Mason University.

Karen Stanbary, MA, LCSW, CG®, CGG®, BCG Trustee, is an author and national lecturer on topics about the use of genetic evidence correlated with documentary evidence to solve genealogical brick walls. A Chicago local, she holds a Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work from the University of Chicago and completed advanced graduate studies in Social Anthropology at the Colegio de Michoacán, Mexico. Her genealogical practice specializes in Midwestern U.S., Chicago, and Mexican research as well as complex problem-solving, unknown parentage, and DNA analysis. She is a coordinator and faculty member two genealogical institutes: IGHR and SLIG. The National Genealogical Society honored her twice for two scholarly articles that incorporate traditional documentary research and autosomal DNA analysis in the June 2016 and June 2023 issues. She published “Drowning in DNA? The Genealogical Proof Standard Tosses a Lifeline” in Debbie Parker Wayne’s book Advanced Genetic Genealogy: Techniques and Case Studies. She holds the credentials Certified Genealogist® and Certified Genetic Genealogist® from the Board for Certification of Genealogists where she serves as a Trustee and is chair of the DNA Committee.

Kate Penney Howard is a genetic genealogist and speaker specializing in endogamy and breaking down challenging research barriers with DNA. She brings decades of experience in family research and hundreds of successfully solved genetic genealogy cases.
Known for her compassionate approach, Kate helps clients uncover ancestral mysteries while providing them with more complete family medical histories and a stronger sense of identity. Her presentations captivate audiences by seamlessly blending historical context, technical guidance, and well-placed humor that keeps listeners engaged throughout.
Kate discovered her passion for teaching during her cancer journey, finding fulfillment in sharing knowledge with fellow genealogists. She approaches her work with integrity, deliberately addressing historical injustices and dispelling common myths in her presentations.
Kate studied vocal music and earned a Master of Divinity from Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis in 2011. She has served as a pastor in Fort Wayne since her ordination in 2012.
Past speaking engagements include RootsTech, East Coast Genetic Genealogy Conference, the International Congress on Medieval Studies, Strathclyde Institute for Genealogical Studies, International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies, the New England Regional Genealogical Consortium, the Society for German Genealogy in Eastern Europe, the Foundation for East European Family History Studies, and presentations for state and local organizations.

Kate is a former professional investigator turned genealogist, specializing in Pennsylvania genealogical research. She also has experience with records from Ohio, West Virginia, and New York City, as well as expertise in immigration, naturalization, and court records. Kate owns Family History Investigations LLC.

Kate has spoken at national and local genealogical societies, libraries, and conferences, including the National Genealogical Society Family History Conference, New England Regional Genealogical Consortium, Ohio Genealogical Society Conference, and RootsTech.

Kate completed Boston University's Certificate in Genealogical Research in May 2020. Since then, she has completed continuing education at the Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research (IGHR), the Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh (GRIP), and the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy (SLIG). She is a graduate of ProGen 58. She previously served as the Vice-Chair, Chair, and Immediate Past-Chair of the National Genealogical Society Delegate Council. Kate holds the Certified Genealogist® credential as of February 2024.

Although Kate has been working on her own family history since she was sixteen, her interest in investigating and researching on a professional level was piqued when she served as an Archives Technician at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) while completing her undergraduate studies. She worked as a resource for amateur and professional genealogical researchers, alike, assisting them in conducting database and archives records research. Additionally, she gained experience with primary source documents in her first position with NARA, where she worked in the holdings maintenance department, preserving and cataloging records dating back to the 1800s.

A native of Southwestern Ontario, Canada, Kathryn Lake Hogan, UE, PLCGS, is a professional genealogist and educator with deep roots in Canada through her five Loyalist ancestors. Since founding Looking4Ancestors in 2007, Kathryn has assisted family history researchers in uncovering their Canadian ancestry, combining her expertise with an approachable and insightful teaching style.

Kathryn graduated from ProGen 4 and the National Institute for Genealogical Studies, where she earned professional learning certificates in English and Canadian genealogy.
Kathryn has written articles featuring Canadian genealogy for CrossRoads, Family Tree Magazine, The In-Depth Genealogist, and the APG Quarterly. Having held leadership roles within notable organizations such as Ontario Ancestors, the Association of Professional Genealogists, and the United Empire Loyalists Association of Canada, she continues to advocate for greater accessibility, inclusivity, and diversity in family history.

Kathryn is a sought-after speaker who captivatingly engages audiences at genealogy society meetings and regional and national conferences. As a course coordinator and instructor of Canadian and Ontario courses at the Genealogy Research Institute of Pittsburgh (GRIP), Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy (SLIG), and Applied Genealogy Institute (AppGen), she helps family history researchers sharpen their skills and dive deeper into their Canadian family history.

Kathryn Moore, AG®, is an Accredited Genealogist specializing in U.S. Midwest research with over 12 years of professional experience. She served as a research manager at Ancestry ProGenealogists for eight years, solving family mysteries for more than 800 clients and contributing as a lead researcher for Who Do You Think You Are? Kathryn is a founding member of Ancestry’s unknown parentage team and a former forensic genetic genealogist with Othram Inc., identifying unknown persons nationwide.

She currently teaches as an Online Genealogy Instructor for BYU–Idaho and runs Generations Bound, a research and education-focused genealogy business. Kathryn is passionate about making family history meaningful and accessible, using simple principles and the power of ancestral stories to foster connection and healing.

Kathy Meade is the North American representative for ArkivDigital AD AB, a company that offers online access to newly photographed color images of the Swedish church books and other historical records. She has been working with Swedish genealogy for more than eighteen years. Ms. Meade serves on the advisory board for the Swedish American Genealogy Research Center at the Swedish American Museum in Chicago. She volunteers at the Swedish American Museum in Chicago and the Arlington Heights Memorial Library in Arlington, Heights, Il helping patrons with their Swedish genealogical research.

Kaye Prince-Hollenberg is a professional genealogist based in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. She specializes in Jewish Genealogy and Holocaust Research. A Librarian by day, Kaye is also the Director of Education for Gesher Galicia, and the founding Curator of the Margaret's Legacy Holocaust Learning Centre. She is a member of the Board of Directors for the Association of Professional Genealogists and is the JRI-Poland town leader for Korolowka and Zaleszczyki.

Kelley Conner Lear, CG® is a West Virginia native whose genealogical work in Virginia and Central Appalachia focuses on the lives of often overlooked ancestors, guided by BCG’s standards. A former advertising creative director, Kelley brings twenty years of communication experience to her genealogy practice. She also taught in the country’s top advertising programs, including Virginia Commonwealth University’s Brand Center and the Creative Circus. Currently, she mentors ProGen 69, and is President of the Virginia Genealogical Society. Kelley chaired APG’s Professional Development Committee (2025) and served on its Board from 2024–2026. She holds a B.A. in Communications, a Professional Learning Certificate from the International Institute of Genealogical Studies, and completed ProGen 52, Certification Practicum 2, and GenFed. Kelley is committed to supporting ethical, high-quality genealogical work, and fostering the next generation of genealogists.

Kelli Bergheimer is a writer, teacher, editor, and international genealogical speaker. Kelli holds a Bachelor’s in Biology, a Master’s in Education: Curriculum and Instruction, and a Master’s in Business Management. Kelli is the Director of Curriculum and Assessments for Blue Kayak, a K-12 textbook company. She also works as the Director of Education for Your DNA Guide. Kelli runs a small business—Mess on the Desk, a genealogical organization company with a YouTube channel. Kelli is the facilitator for Genetics, Genealogy, and You, an online DNA Interest Group. Kelli is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists and the Genealogical Speaker's Guild.

Kelly Renee Summers is an Accredited Genealogist® and an Accredited Genealogist Lecturer™. She holds five premier genealogical credentials through the International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists (ICAPGen), demonstrating expertise in genealogical research and lecturing.

Kelly currently works at FamilySearch as a Content Strategist for Asia, with responsibilities for many Asian countries including China, Taiwan, Japan, and Korea. She has a deep passion for helping individuals with Chinese ancestry discover their roots in China.

She has served as president of the Utah Genealogical Association (UGA) and as the Testing Committee Chair for ICAPGen. Kelly was the SLIG Course Coordinator for Chinese Genealogy: Research Methods & Sources—offered both in person (2020) and virtually (2021).

Her research interests include kinship research in primary source records and rural community reconstruction.

Kelly Richardson is an Accredited Genealogist® specializing in the New England region. She is the founder of Venone, a strategic communications and research agency, and the prime contractor providing genealogical services to the United States Marine Corps.

A recipient of the 2024 ASG Grant for her work on the Gualala Cemetery Project, Kelly’s expertise includes untangling complex research and land records—particularly in New Hampshire and California, from the Land Grant Era to Early Statehood.

Kori Robbins, AG®, now manages the team that oversees FamilySearch affiliates, which include libraries, museums, and archives. She holds a BA in Family History/Genealogy from Brigham Young University and is accredited in research in England. Alongside her husband, H.J., she tag teams wrangling six kiddos. Her interests outside of family history include learning, music, personality tests, and a good night’s sleep.

Kristilee J. Manuel is the author of Introduction to Genealogy: A Modern Family History Methodology. She received her formal training from Brigham Young University and has designed genealogical tools and created content for BYU’s Family History Workshops. Kristilee enjoys developing innovative research solutions.

She has taught and presented in a variety of settings, including RootsTech, the Mormon History Association, and BYU’s Women’s Conference. Kristilee has also served as a FamilySearch Center Director.

Kristyne Thieme is a professional genealogist specializing in British Isles research and DNA research. She works for the Wilford Woodruff Papers Foundation as a digital curator and senior research specialist, is a guest lecturer for the Osher Institute at Boise State University, and serves as an adjunct instructor for the FHGEN program through Brigham Young University–Idaho/BYU Pathway.

Kristyne holds a BS in Professional Studies with an emphasis in Family History Research from Brigham Young University–Idaho. She also earned a Master of Library and Information Science and a Graduate Certificate in Archival Studies from Louisiana State University.

When she is not working, Kristyne volunteers as a lecturer at the Boise, Idaho FamilySearch Center and helps at local elementary school libraries.

Kristy Wheelwright Taylor is the author of Prepare Me for Thy Use: Lessons from Wilford Woodruff's Mission Years. She serves as the board secretary for the Wilford Woodruff Papers Foundation and contributes to transcription and writing for the Wilford Woodruff Papers Project.

Kristy holds a master’s degree in humanities from Brigham Young University and has worked as an English instructor at Purdue University, copy editor, technical writer, travel writer, and historical researcher and writer. She now spends much of her time volunteering in community and church work while also writing for various websites and publications.

With a career at FamilySearch spanning nearly five decades, Larry Telford brings a wealth of experience and insight into the preservation and accessibility of genealogical records. Beginning in 1977 as a microfilm camera operator, he later managed field operations across multiple U.S. regions until 2004. That year marked a pivotal transition to Salt Lake City, where Larry played a key role in the global shift from microfilm to digital image capture.

In subsequent years, Larry oversaw camera operations throughout the Western Hemisphere, further deepening a lifelong commitment to original records. Today, as the Content Strategist for North America, he focuses on identifying and prioritizing record collections that offer the greatest value to individuals pursuing their family history. Larry’s passion for connecting people with their ancestral roots continues to shape the strategic direction of FamilySearch’s content initiatives.

Laura Hedgecock is an author, international speaker, and freelance writer, passionate about helping others tell family, ancestor, and personal stories.

Laura serves as president of the 125-year-old Detroit Working Writers, as well as secretary of the Genealogical Speakers Guild. She’s a past president and lifetime member of the GeneaBloggers Organization and a panelist on the GenFriends YouTube show.

Her website, TreasureChestofMemories.com, provides pragmatic advice on preserving and sharing memories and family stories. Likewise, her book, MEMORIES OF ME: A COMPLETE GUIDE TO TELLING AND SHARING THE STORIES OF YOUR LIFE, guides and empowers writers and storytellers with practical advice and creative ideas.

inda Debe is a lecturer, writer, and lifelong student with 40 years of genealogy experience.

Affectionately known as The Sleepless Genealogist, she maintains a website by the same name. Linda has many genealogy passions, with maps and deeds at the top of the list—and technology running a close second. Since becoming Microsoft Office certified in Access and Excel, she applies her training to assist others with their genealogy research. Her motto is “Work smarter, not harder,” and using technology allows her to do just that. She especially enjoys creating spreadsheets to analyze her research.

Linda holds an AAS degree in Electronics Technology from the United States Air Force. She is an alum of ProGen 54 and expects to graduate from the International Institute for Genealogical Studies in 2026.

She currently serves as Program Chair for the North Hills Genealogists in Pittsburgh and leads their newly formed Technology SIG. Linda is also a member of several state and local genealogical societies in the various states where she conducts research.

Linda presents at libraries and genealogical society events across the U.S. In 2025, she presented at the UGA Summit of Excellence on Native American Rolls and was a guest lecturer for three IGHR classes in Course 4: Unearthing Your Family’s Past Using Maps. In 2024, she presented at the UGA Summit of Excellence on military records, at the Atlanta State Archives for their inaugural Native American Symposium, and served as a course coordinator and lecturer with the Applied Genealogy Institute on Native American records. Back in 2021, Linda lectured at RootsTech and had an article published in Kentucky Blue Grass Roots.

Lisa Vogele is a professional genealogist and Certified Travel Advisor (CTA). She is the Chief Tree Climber at Travel Your Tree: Where Ancestry Meets Adventure, a European family history research, travel planning, and custom tour operator. Lisa is passionate about traveling in the footsteps of your ancestors to make or re-establish connections of personal and historical significance.

In 2016, she authored Food & Folklore: A Year of Italian Festivals, a guidebook designed to help travelers incorporate heritage festivals into their itineraries, get off the beaten path, and experience local culture through food and historic events. She earned a Certificate in Genealogical Research from Boston University in 2019 and holds the Certified Travel Associate (CTA) credential.

Her travel tips have been featured in The Huffington Post, 1000 Travel Tips, and on her travel blog LisaLovesToTravel.com. Lisa holds a master’s degree from Clemson University, was raised in Connecticut, and currently resides in Colorado.

Liz Snow received a BA in Family History from Brigham Young University in 2011. She specializes in Hispanic, British, and Latter-day Saint research. Liz is an Accredited Genealogist® with credentials in Spain and has conducted research in archives in Utah, England, and Spain.

Since 2007, she has been working on a reconstruction project of a sixteenth-century village in Spain. Liz currently teaches at BYU–Provo, where she instructs Hist 205: Introduction to Family History Doctrine and Practices and Hist 206R: Latin American Research. She has taught classes at RootsTech, the BYU Library Family History Center, the BYU Family History Conference, and various Family History Centers throughout Utah. She has also served as a Family History Center Director.

Liz is married, has six children and twenty-four grandchildren, and has lived in Mapleton, Utah, for thirty-three years.

Loretta Evans, AG®, AGL™, is an Accredited Genealogist® researcher specializing in the Midwestern United States. She has been reading microfilm, wandering cemeteries, and fostering a love/hate relationship with her computer for over 40 years.

A popular lecturer at state and national conferences, Loretta is the author of numerous magazine articles and seventeen published family histories. Her recent projects have included writing family histories, digitizing photographs, and cataloging family heirlooms.

Lori Samuelson, M.A., M.Ed., NBCT Emeritus, is an author, educator, researcher, and lecturer. She blogs weekly at GenealogyAtHeart.com, focusing on sensitive subjects and heartwarming genealogical finds. Lori has written for a number of genealogy publications and journals and authored an eBook, Perseverance Amidst Adversity: The Ancestry of Three George Harbaughs. She has presented on a variety of genealogical topics throughout the U.S.

In May 2024, along with six other professional genealogists, Lori presented Rapid Roots: Seven Share Their Secrets in Seven Minutes at the NGS online conference. She will be presenting Preserving the Past, Preparing for the Future: Diversifying Your Genealogy Practice in an Uncertain World for the online Association of Professional Genealogists Professional Management Conference, and Tracing Noble Roots at the International Conference of Genealogical and Heraldic Sciences in person in Boston in September 2024.

Lynn Turner graduated with a BA in Family History and Genealogy from Brigham Young University with an emphasis in Spain and Latin America. He has been accredited genealogist in Spain research since 2006. Lynn has worked at FamilySearch for seventeen years in various roles and is currently the Director of the FamilySearch Library.

Lynn has extensive experience in lecturing and presenting classes on Hispanic genealogy. He has presented as a guest lecturer at the national archives of Peru and has also given presentations in Spain, Colombia, and Brazil. He has presented Hispanic workshops at both NGS and FGS as well as coordinating weeklong genealogical institute courses at the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy (SLIG) and the Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research (IGHR).

Mark Thompson is a professional genealogist and public speaker specializing in the application of artificial intelligence to genealogy. As co-host of the Family History AI Show podcast alongside Steve Little, Mark helps genealogists bridge the gap between high technology and their family history research.

With a background in executive IT leadership, Mark brings a unique perspective to the rapidly evolving field of AI-assisted genealogy. He currently serves as President of the Victoria Genealogical Society and chairs their DNA Special Interest Group.

A member of the Association of Professional Genealogists, Mark is a frequent presenter on technology-centric genealogy topics including AI, Genetic Genealogy, and Family Archiving.

When not exploring family histories, he enjoys photographing nature in his home province of British Columbia.

Contact: Mark@MakingFamilyHistory.com | www.makingfamilyhistory.com

Mckell Keeney shares good news and innovative information as a community connector with a global reach. She is part of the RootsTech media group, helping to promote RootsTech new content that is now year-round. She has been a Search Angel (volunteer) for adoptees and those with unknown parentage since 2016, helping hundreds of people build trees using DNA matches to discover their biological relatives. She is the founder and coordinator of the Phoenix East Valley DNA Interest Group, which meets monthly in person and on Zoom to talk about the latest in researching with DNA. Mckell is a frequent speaker at numerous genealogical associations and conferences, including RootsTech and the Southern California Genetic Genealogy Jamboree. She volunteers in her community to showcase family history with an interactive booth at festivals and events. Her passion is helping people find the next discovery in their family history journey.

Merrill White has worked for FamilySearch for 26 years. He currently serves as an Area Manager in North America. He is a graduate of Brigham Young University and has a Family History Certificate from Brigham Young University-Idaho. During his career, he has managed the Family History Library in Salt Lake City, created and launched the FamilySearch Discovery Centers, Product Manager for FamilySearch Memories, and as a North America Area Manager.

Michael Willis is a Professional Genealogist with 24 years' experience as a researcher, educator and speaker specializing in African American family history with an emphasis on Louisiana Genealogy. As a passionate instructor and public speaker, he has presented on a range of topics such as researching courthouse records, United States Colored Troops of the Civil War and their widows, oral history, online research, the Family Search Catalog, Freedmen’s’ Bureau Records, and Genetic Genealogy.

Michael’s inspiration in the field began when his maternal grandmother taught him to memorize seven generations of his maternal ancestry at the age of eight years old. As a result, he recently published his first book, "When Your ANCESTORS Choose You: Finding Binkey" which is now available on Amazon. The book details how he was able to validate the oral history shared by his grandmother to solve 160-year-old mysteries, discover new relatives, find his 5x great-grandmother, and more!

Michael appeared on CBS13’s Good Day Sacramento (CW31) in 2018, 2019, and 2025 to promote the Annual African American Family History Seminar held in Sacramento, California where he instructed genealogical workshops 10 times. Michael's clients include two former California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) members, former California Assemblyman and current Sacramento County Sherriff, Jim Cooper, and former Senator and member of California’s Task Force to Study and Develop Reparations Proposals for African Americans, Steven Bradford.

Michael currently serves as Board Chair of the African American Genealogical Society of Northern California. He is also a member of Le Comité des Archives de la Louisiane, a non-profit genealogical support group for the Louisiana State Archives, the Terrebonne Genealogical Society in Houma, Louisiana, and a member-at-large of the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society, Inc.

For more information, please visit: https://michaelawillis.com

Michael Brophy is a nationally known, professional genealogical researcher, heir search specialist, and lecturer from the Boston area. He is currently the President of the Council for the Advancement of Forensic Genealogy (CAFG) and the first Treasurer of the New England of Association of Professional Genealogists. Mike earned an MBA degree from Suffolk University and a BBA from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Mike was featured on the TV series Who Do You Think You Are? and the Irish TV series Dead Money, a genealogy show about heir searchers. Mr. Brophy was hired to conduct research for Ancestry.com. and several historical authors. He has lectured on a wide variety of genealogy subjects at the National Genealogy Society’s Annual Conference in 2023, 2022, 2019, 2014, 2012, and The Institute of Genealogy and Historic Research (IGHR). He specializes in New England and Irish genealogy subjects. His genealogy education includes eight certificates from the Institute of Genealogy and Historic Research (IGHR) and certificates in Private Investigation and Advanced Forensic Genealogy from Boston University. He is a licensed private investigator in Massachusetts.

Michael Cassara is a professional genealogist and lecturer based in New York City, specializing in Italian/Sicilian genealogy, New York and New Jersey research, and genealogical technology. He has frequently presented at regional societies as well as national conferences, including six years of presentations at RootsTech, the 2018 Association of Professional Genealogists Professional Management Conference, a popular 2019 APG webinar on genealogical technology, and talks at FGS, OGS, SLIG, the New York State Family History Conference, Allen County Public Library, and more.

Michael holds a Certificate in Genealogical Research from Boston University (OL19) and is a graduate of the ProGen Study Group (ProGen 43). He is the past president of the Italian Genealogical Group (ItalianGen.org) and currently serves as president of the Metropolitan Postcard Club, the oldest continuously operated deltiological organization in the United States.

In his “other life,” he is a leading New York City-based casting director, specializing in musical theatre projects worldwide. He blogs about his research at digiroots.net, and you can find him on Facebook at @DigiRoots.

Michael L. Strauss, MA, AG®, AGL™, is a military historian and professional genealogist. His research expertise is recognized in the judicial systems of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, where he provides testimony as an expert witness in kinship and forensic estate investigation. Strauss has a BA in history with a concentration on the Civil War from Shepherd University in West Virginia and an MA in military history from the University of Massachusetts in Boston. Michael is an approved genealogist with the United States Army to locate DNA-qualified persons MIA from Korea, Vietnam, and World War II. Strauss has lectured at universities, conferences, and institutes and contributed to publications, including books and edited collections, peer-reviewed journal articles, popular history writing, blogs, and book reviews, that demonstrate his background in military history.

Dr Michala Hulme FHEA is an award-winning historian and professional genealogist specialising in 19th-century social history and urban death practices. She has been an academic for the past decade, working most recently at the University of Birmingham and is an honorary Fellow at Manchester Metropolitan University.

Michala is one of the most well-known genealogists in the UK. She is a familiar face and voice in the media, with numerous appearances on primetime British TV shows, such as WDYTYA (BBC) and DNA Journey (ITV). She is the host of the hit podcast "Unearth the Past" and co-host of Ancestry’s "Behind the Headlines of History" podcast. Passionate about making history accessible, she regularly speaks at conferences and delivers workshops on genealogy, working-class history, and urban death

Michelle Tucker Chubenko, AG®, AGL™ specializes in the Mid-Atlantic region and Eastern European research and serves as a committee member of the Ukrainian History and Education Center’s “Nashi Predky -- Our Ancestors” Family History Group. Michelle hosts a monthly Q&A session "Have Questions? Get Answers" focusing on research in the historical region of Galicia in the Austrian Empire.

Miles is a scientist by training and has been active in genealogy for over 25 years in a variety of ways. His expertise revolves around new technologies, internet research and FamilySearch. He is the principal researcher for OurAncestories Genealogy, a Family History Consultant, and current Director of the Vero Beach Florida FamilySearch Center. He is also the Director of Education for The Family History Guide (www.thefhguide.com). He has presented at a variety of international genealogy conferences, including RootsTech Salt Lake (2019, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024), RootsTech London (2019), The Genealogy Show UK (Spring, Summer and Winter 2022), The Society of One Place Studies Conference UK (2023), and the One World One Family Conference Toronto (2021). Additionally, Miles has been a beta tester for several genealogy companies. And when he has time, Miles also manages several blogs on genealogy related activities.

Molly Petersen is a Family History and Genealogy major and Business minor at Brigham Young University. She has worked on the Welsh Saints Project at BYU’s Center for Family History and Genealogy. She also enjoys U.S. and Croatian research.

Morag is a professional genealogist from Glasgow, Scotland who completed her Masters degree in Genealogical, Palaeographical and Heraldic Studies at the University of Strathclyde in 2023. Her interest in all things family history related was sparked as a teenager when a visiting distant relative from the United States presented the family with a huge, hand-drawn family tree chart. Blessed with an unusual paternal surname to research, she soon uncovered generations of ancestors living in south east Scotland, and across the Scottish border into Northumbria. Morag specialises in British and Irish research, and is also interested in travel from and to Scotland, or through the country as part of a larger emigration journey story. She now runs her own company, helping others uncover their own roots in Scotland.

Nancy A. Peters, CG, CGL, is a full-time genealogist and former coeditor of the National Genealogical Society Quarterly (2019-2022). She holds the Certified Genealogist and Certified Genealogical Lecturer credentials from the Board for Certification of Genealogists (BCG). She served as a trustee and officer of BCG and edited its newsletter.
Nancy conducts in-depth genealogical research to solve complex problems of identity and kinship. Her personal and client research focuses primarily on the southeastern United States, New York, England, and Germany. Nancy lectures at national and local conferences and institutes. She has instructed on skill-building topics and genealogy standards at BCG Education Fund workshops, Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy (SLIG), and SLIG Academy. Her articles have appeared in the NGS Quarterly, The Genealogist, and other genealogical journals. She authored the “Research Reports” chapter in Professional Genealogy: Preparation, Practice, & Standards (2018). Nancy holds postgraduate degrees from University of Arizona and London School of Economics in London, England.

Naomi Cortes Child graduated from the BYU College of Life Sciences with a degree in Genetics and minors in Family History and Spanish. Her specialties include Caribbean genealogy, genetic genealogy, and forensic investigative genetic genealogy.

Naomi conducted a six-week research project in Puerto Rico, administering autosomal DNA tests and working in local archives to resolve a misattributed parentage case. Her findings earned first place in the History category at the 2024 Mary Lou Fulton Conference.

She currently volunteers with Intermountain Forensics and the DNA Doe Project, applying forensic investigative techniques to help identify unknown individuals. Naomi also works on a contract basis with East Coast police departments, focusing on cases involving Caribbean ancestry.

Nicholas Redmon is a professional genealogist at AncestryProGenealogists with a passion for German research that began in childhood, inspired by his Opa, Alfred Reinhold Wegner. He holds a master’s degree in history—where he wrote his thesis Stories Behind the Berlin Wall—as well as a master’s in educational leadership. A former high school and college-level German and history teacher, Nicholas blends academic expertise with heartfelt enthusiasm. His love for German heritage runs so deep that he named two of his children Lincoln Reinhold and Berlin.

Olena Vladyka is a genealogist, researcher, and founder of RODYNA Agency, the first Ukrainian-based organization dedicated exclusively to genealogical research for descendants of Ukrainian emigrants. With a Master’s degree in History and Cultural Studies from the Ukrainian Catholic University, Olena brings a rigorous academic approach to uncovering family histories and preserving cultural memory.

Her journey into genealogy began in 2020, sparked by a wave of research requests from Brazilians of Ukrainian descent. What started as a personal interest quickly evolved into a professional mission to help individuals around the world reconnect with their Ukrainian roots.

Since founding RODYNA in 2021, Olena has led a team of four specialists in completing over 100 genealogical cases across more than 20 countries, including Brazil, Canada, the United States, Argentina, Australia, and Israel. The agency specializes in archival research, ancestral village identification, surname analysis, and the creation of extended family trees, heritage maps, and visual genealogical charts.

In addition to client work, Olena is passionate about education and community engagement. She regularly hosts workshops and lectures to empower others in their own genealogical pursuits. In 2023, she led a lecture series across southern Brazil titled How to Find Your Relatives in Ukraine, offering practical tools and foundational methods for descendants of Ukrainian immigrants.

Orice Jenkins is a recording artist, genealogist, educator, and author, born and raised in Hartford, Connecticut. He began researching his family history after discovering that Whitney Houston’s grandparents were from his grandmother’s hometown of Blakely, Georgia. Since then, he has traced his ancestry back to 1745 in Central Virginia, uncovering the stories of several formerly enslaved Americans.

Orice is a member of the Sons and Daughters of the U.S. Middle Passage and the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society. He has presented his findings at the College of William & Mary, Yale University, FamilySearch’s RootsTech Conference, and the International African American Museum’s Center for Family History. His research has been featured in The Washington Post, National Parks Magazine, PBS’s Finding Your Roots, and on the National Park Service website.

He is the author of The Early County Massacre: Goolsby vs. The State of Georgia, a book chronicling the family of Grandison Goolsby, a prominent farmer who was extrajudicially lynched in Early County, Georgia, in 1915. Orice also publishes a blog called Chesta’s Children and serves as the Executive Director of a youth music program in Greenfield, Massachusetts.

Paula is a professional genealogist who has been researching for more than two decades, primarily in the southern U.S. states, and has been using DNA to solve genealogical problems for over a decade. She has studied at IGHR, SLIG, GRIP, and the Genealogical Institute on Federal Records (Gen-Fed).

In addition, she serves as a board member of both the Virginia Genealogical Society and the Genealogical Research Institute of Virginia (GRIVA), where she also facilitates the DNA Special Interest Group. Paula has taught at the IGHR and GRIP institutes and has lectured for Legacy Family Tree Webinars, the Southern California Genealogical Society’s Genealogy Jamboree, and the National Genealogical Society Conference, among other organizations.

She also serves as the Virtual Tech Coordinator for the GRIP Genealogy Institute.

Peggy Clemens Lauritzen, AG®, AGL, FOGS, has an amazing ability to bring laughter into the lives of her audience members. One of her favorite photos is of her mother on the way to a church picnic, followed by an afternoon of cemetery transcribing. It was taken just four days before Peggy was born!

Peggy is a frequent lecturer at many local societies in Ohio, as well as across the United States. She has presented at Brigham Young University and ICAPGen, and has taught Continuing Education classes at several community colleges and at The Ohio State University. One of her proudest moments was achieving the credentials that qualified her to become an Accredited Genealogist®—a designation she has maintained for nearly thirty years—which helped polish her research skills.

She is a featured columnist in Reminisce magazine, has written several Legacy QuickGuides, and has filmed as an instructor for Ancestry Academy. In 2018, she was honored as a Fellow of the Ohio Genealogical Society and received the Laura G. Prescott Award for Exemplary Service to Professional Genealogy. She enjoys serving as a board member for both the Utah Genealogical Association and the Association of Professional Genealogists. In 2025, she was awarded the Rabbi Malcolm H. Stern Lifetime Achievement Award. Peggy is also a former researcher at AncestryProGenealogists.

Peggy and her husband, Kerry, serve as Family History Center Directors in north-central Ohio.

I was born in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and raised in a small farming town in central Utah. When I was 11, I was diagnosed with a deterioration of the retina. I gradually lost my vision over the next 35 years. A spiritual experience I had at Girl’s camp helped me know this is part of my earthly test.

I went to elementary school in Leamington, Utah and attended junior high at the Utah School for the Blind where I learned Braille. I graduated from Delta High as Salutatorian and from BYU in with a BS in Food Science and Nutrition. I served a mission in Washington D.C i. I became a certified medical transcriptionist and worked at several hospitals for the next five years. While at the BYU Health Center, I received my MS degree in Computer Science. I worked as a software engineer for the next 30 years and received a software patent.

Music has always been an important part of my life. I took piano lessons and learned to play by ear and compose music at a young age. I have served as the Primary and Relief Society pianist multiple times and love accompanying others. I am currently the Ward Music chairman. I have released 4 instrumental CDs and a children’s CD with original compositions.

I married the love of my life, Mike Carter We live in Mesa, Arizona. I was unable to have any children, but helped Mike raise his 3 young daughters. These were busy, challenging years.

We started working on our family history in earnest in 2002 & have performed research and ordinances for many of our ancestors. I was called as a FamilySearch support missionary and am still serving. I have a strong testimony of the importance of family history work.

My goals for the future include spending time with my family, serving others, continuing family history work, and composing/arranging new music. Most important, I want to live the covenant path and pray that my family can be together forever.

Rhonda Lauritzen is a professional biographer and keynote speaker, with 2026 marking nine years presenting at RootsTech. Holding an MBA from the University of Utah, she served as CEO of her family’s business and a state college vice president. Her storytelling began with her parents’ business saga, leading to founding Evalogue.Life in 2016. Rhonda has written over a dozen books with four traditionally published. She is a regular feature writer for Family Tree Magazine and has been interviewed by major media worldwide. Her professional work has included being hired to tell the stories of families, buildings, and cities. Rhonda believes that when you tell your story, it changes the ending.

Ric Murphy is an educator, historian, lecturer, author and documentarian, and. He is the founder of the Society of the First African Families of English America and currently serves as the President General Emeritus. His award-winning book, the Arrival of the First Africans in Virginia was turned into a documentary with the same name and has won over twenty international films awards, including being selected as Best Director. His family lineage dates to the earliest colonial periods of Plymouth, Massachusetts, and of Jamestown, Virginia. Mr. Murphy’s lineage has been evaluated and accepted by several heredity societies, including the Daughters of the American Revolution; the National Society of the Sons of Colonial New England; the Sons of the American Revolution; the Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War; and the Sons and Daughters of the U. S. Middle Passage. Mr. Murphy was a Resident Fellow at Harvard University, Kennedy School of Government; and he has a Masters in Urban Affairs from Boston University, and a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Massachusetts.

Rich Venezia is a New Jersey native who now calls Philadelphia home. He was a member of the research team of Genealogy Roadshow (PBS) for two seasons, and also consulted on Follow Your Past (Travel Channel).

He is an expert in the research of 20th-century immigrant ancestors, especially underutilized record sources and federal records, often unwrapping volumes of records at the National Archives that haven't been opened in decades. He has coordinated weeklong institutes on 20th-century immigration research for the Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh, the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy, and the Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research.

He also specializes in Italian and Irish research. Additionally, he assists clients with dual citizenship applications for Ireland and Italy, and is a proud Italian dual citizen.

He holds a Certificate in Genealogical Research from Boston University. He lectures nationwide, including several keynotes, and spoke about "How to Grow Empathy From Uncovering Your Roots" at TEDx Pittsburgh 2017.

Rich is also a records access advocate, having coordinated the #RecordsNotRevenue campaign since 2019 against the proposed fee hikes for records held by the USCIS Genealogy Program. This campaign received international press and garnered him the Shirley M. Barnes Records Access Award from the Massachusetts Genealogical Council. He continues to fight for fairer access to these records.

Roberta Estes, author of the book, DNA for Native American Genealogy, and popular blog www.DNAexplain.com is a scientist, National Geographic Genographic affiliate researcher, Million Mito team member and founding pioneer in the genetic genealogy field.

An avid 40-year genealogist, Roberta has written over 1900 articles at DNAexplain about genetic genealogy as well as how to combine traditional genealogy with DNA to solve those stubborn ancestor puzzles. Roberta took her first DNA test in 1999 and hasn't stopped.

Roberta's book "DNA for Native American Genealogy" is available for purchase on Amazon.

Ruth D. Hunt, a distinguished family historian and research specialist, has dedicated over 40 years to the intricate and rewarding pursuit of genealogy. Her passion for tracing family roots has led her to uncover her ancestry as far back as the 1600s, 1700s, and 1800s, meticulously piecing together the stories of her forebears. Through diligent research and heartfelt family interviews, Ruth has been able to document and establish compelling slave narratives for her second great-grandparents from Southwest Virginia—an endeavor that honors their lives and preserves their legacy.
Among Ruth’s remarkable discoveries, her most treasured find was locating her long-lost half-brother, Barry Hunt, born in England during World War II. This extraordinary reunion occurred long before the advent of widely accessible DNA matching services and online genealogical platforms, marking it a truly miraculous achievement. Ruth is channeling this profound experience into her forthcoming book, *The Scent of My Father*, which chronicles her journey to find her brother and the emotional resonance of their reunion.

Beyond her genealogical pursuits, Ruth has made significant contributions to the field. From 2017 until the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, she spearheaded monthly genealogy workshops at the New York City VA hospital, offering veterans the tools and guidance to explore their familial histories. Her efforts in this sphere earned her recognition from the U.S. Department of Defense for her unwavering commitment to the State of New York's veterans.

Ruth is an active and proud member of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, one of the nation’s oldest and most esteemed genealogical organizations. Her involvement extends to other prominent organizations, including the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society and the Saint Andrews Society, among many others, showcasing her dedication to historical preservation.

Ruth is a family historian working professionally in education and research management, and is currently the Chief Executive of the Society of Australian Genealogists. She has been a family historian since her teens and has worked in both Australia and the United Kingdom in higher education and professional associations.

Ruth has been a member of the management committee of the NSW & ACT Association of Family History Societies since 2021. She is also a member of the National Archives of Australia NSW Consultative Forum and the Mitchell Library Consultative Committee. Additionally, Ruth serves as a Trustee of the UK-based Family History Federation.

I began my adult life as an educator of young children and their families in the 1990s, and later raised my own family. I had always been interested in family history as well, but my professional journey truly began in 2019 when I entered the Family History program at BYU–Idaho. Before graduating, I interned with the Wilford Woodruff Papers and was hired immediately upon graduation in 2022.

There, I am immersed in church history and the identification of individuals found in Wilford Woodruff's documents. Connecting these people in history to their families, gaining some understanding of their lives, and sharing that information with others—so that they, too, can connect—has brought a lot of joy and light into my life. My hope is to help others feel that same joy as they connect with the past in a meaningful way.

Savannah Larson is an accredited genealogist and enthusiastic bookworm. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Family History from Brigham Young University and worked for six years on the FamilySearch Library's Nordic Research Team. She currently works at the FamilySearch Library on the United States and Canada team and spends much of her time building training for volunteers who help at the Library. When she's not unraveling family histories, Savannah enjoys sipping Dr. Pepper, spending quality time with her family, and creative writing.

A wife, mother of 3, and entrepreneur, Seema is an experienced software instructor and a professional genealogist. Based on over 20 years of research, her known roots are deep in New England as well as England, Germany, and Sweden. Her DNA research has now added The Netherlands to that list.

Seema has a certificate in Genealogical Research from BU, completed ProGen and is an active member of several societies and part of the NERGC planning committee.

Featured on BBC, NPR, Radio Sweden, and The Atlantic, Shannon Christmas, Genetic Genealogist Program Director for the GU272 Descendants Association and Genealogist for ITV's documentary series Born From The Same Stranger, is an internationally recognized genetic genealogy expert, influencer, educator, practitioner, thought leader, biological family reunification specialist, and lecturer. With over a decade of experience pioneering DNA techniques to identify ancestors and solve mysteries, Shannon harnesses expertise in adoption/unknown parentage research, colonial American, Southern, and African American genealogy. He relishes unleashing the power of DNA to amplify voices long silenced by traditional archiving, bringing hidden ancestors into full view.

A former 23andMe Ancestry Ambassador and Ancestry.com Ace, Shannon manages the Captain Thomas Graves of Jamestown Autosomal DNA Project and the Jesuit Enslaved DNA Project. He also serves as co-administrator of the Hemings-Jefferson-Wayles-Eppes Autosomal DNA Project and the Macon DNA Project. Shannon was among a select group of genetic genealogists invited to participate in the American Society of Human Genetics’ Roundtable on Genetic Ancestry Inference.

As a genetic genealogy instructor on the faculty of the Midwest African American Genealogy Institute, Shannon has received invitations to lecture at Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage, James Madison’s Montpelier, Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, the White House, and the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.

A certified product manager who has advised DNA testing companies, Shannon earned a Bachelor of Arts in Government from Harvard University, a Master of City Planning from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and a Master of Liberal Arts in History from Harvard University.

Shannon Combs-Bennett is an award-winning author and lecturer based in Northern Virginia. She presents on various topics, from genetic genealogy to methodology. Shannon is a doctoral student at the University of Strathclyde in History with Genealogical Studies, studying trends in American genealogy and lineage societies from 1970-2020.

Stephanie O'Connell is a professional genealogist who holds the Certified Genealogist credential from the Board for Certification of Genealogists. With a specialty in Irish research, Stephanie is passionate about delving into the social histories of our ancestors, especially illuminating the often-overlooked stories of women. She has served as a ProGen Mentor and SLIG instructor and has spoken at major genealogy conferences, including RootsTech, NGS Family History Conference, and the New York State Family History Conference.

Sunny Jane Morton is a genealogy educator who has created hundreds of articles and tutorials for genealogists. She is a Contributing Editor at Family Tree Magazine (US); Content Director at Your DNA Guide; co-author of the award-winning How to Find Your Family History in U.S. Church Records; and author of Story of My Life: A Workbook for Preserving Your Legacy, now in its 2nd edition. She will be teaching a writing course at GRIP Genealogy Institute in 2025; you can also find her courses on Family Tree University and at Legacy Family Tree Webinars.

Accredited in Pacific States and Canada: Western Provinces by ICAPGen, Susan Skilton works as a Research Manager for AncestryProGenealogists. Her publications background includes writing on the topic of correcting the identification of a captive in the French and Indian War, published in the New York Genealogical and Biographical Record (2017). She speaks and writes on topics related to history and genealogy that are relevant to U.S. researchers.

Susana Leniski was born and raised in Mexico City, Mexico. She attended Universidad Metropolitana in Mexico City, where she majored in International Business and Financial Markets, subsequently working for various U.S.-based firms in both Mexico and the United States. In 1990, she relocated to the United States and has since resided in New York, Philadelphia, St. Louis, and Seattle. She is bilingual and bicultural in English and Spanish and holds dual citizenship in Mexico and the United States.

Due to her family history, Susana specializes in research pertaining to Mexico and Spain from the late 1900s to the 1500s. She has successfully traced some of her family lines back to the 1600s in various regions of Mexico, including the old Nueva Galicia and the northern regions of the country. Other lines have guided her research to Spain’s Basque Country, Catalonia, and Andalusia, tracing back as far as the 1500s.

She has served as a board member and instructor for Los Bexareños Genealogical and Historical Society in San Antonio, Texas. In 2022, she was a guest lecturer at the 42nd Annual Texas Hispanic Genealogical and Historical Conference. She is the current treasurer and board member of the Jewish Genealogical Society of Washington State (JGSWS).

In 2024, she attained the designation of Accredited GenealogistⓇ professional and currently holds credentials for genealogy research through the International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists (ICAPGen). Her area of expertise is focused on Mexico.

Suzanne Russo Adams, MA, AG®, is an Associate Teaching Professor of Family History and Director of the Center for Family History and Genealogy at Brigham Young University. An Accredited Genealogist® specializing in Italian research, she holds a BA in Family History/Genealogy, a BS in Sociology, and an MA in History from BYU. Suzanne previously worked at Ancestry.com and FamilySearch.org in a variety positions including content strategy and record acquisition.

Tahitia McCabe is the head of the Strathclyde Institute for Genealogical Studies at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow. She holds an MLS from Syracuse University and a Postgraduate Diploma in Genealogical, Palaeographic and Heraldic Studies from the University of Strathclyde. She is honoured to serve on the board of the Association of Genealogy Educators and Schools. Tahitia is also a PhD candidate working on a study of Americans in Scotland, 1850-1900 and her areas of research interest are migration and British and American genealogy.

Tamra Stansfield is the North America Manager of FamilySearch. She began her employment at FamilySearch in 2008. Her past roles include German research consultant, patron services manager, manager of the Family History Library, product manager for Help Products in the Engineering Department, and North America area manager for Utah, the Northeast, and Southeast. She is an emeritus Accredited Genealogist AG® of ICAPgen® in German Research. She resides in Salt Lake City with her husband Jon, surrounded by children and grandchildren.

Todd is the senior product owner at FamilySearch.org; he is responsible for developing tree apps, improving new user experiences, and keeping the tree database running. He and his wife live in Utah and have 5 children. He has over 30 years of technology and management experience.

Tricia Seguine is a research consultant in the Chief Genealogical Office at FamilySearch, where she has worked since 2022. Prior to joining FamilySearch, she volunteered in a variety of roles at nonprofit organizations, including as a genealogical researcher for the Wilford Woodruff Papers and Olive Branch Connections.

Tricia currently serves as the Treasurer of the Association of Professional Genealogists. She received bachelor's and master's degrees in accounting from Brigham Young University, a master's in library and information science from Rutgers University, and an associate of applied science degree in family history research from Brigham Young University–Idaho.

Yetunde Abiola has been researching her family history for ten years. A Black British woman of Nigerian and Jamaican descent, she is well-versed in the interplay of histories and politics in today’s multicultural world.

Her areas of special interest include:

Church Missionary Society recordsMaximizing the use of Freemason recordsThe impact of ancestor stories on the lives of future generationsThe complexities and intricacies of Diaspora and Colonial genealogiesShe has served as an Ambassador for RootsTech since 2019 and is a regular speaker at events worldwide.

Yetunde is currently a member of the Executive Committee of the Family History Federation in the UK https://www.familyhistoryfederation.com/ in the UK.