Publications
Editor - Mayflower Families Silver Books Index Part 1, 2, 3
Professional info
In 2016, I was able to fulfill a dream and align my career with my passion. I launched Hello Genealogy, a professional research services company. Prior to that, I worked in and around the construction industry well over 13 years. My educational background and previous career were in construction management and mechanical engineering. All that time, my hobby was genealogy and family history. I have never been happier.
Experience & Volunteer Opportunities
General Society of Mayflower Descendants
Editor, Silver Books Project
2021 - present
The Silver Books, originally called the Five Generation Project, document the first five generations of descendants of the original 102 Mayflower passengers. My duties include refining the project-wide style guide to bring clarity and cohesion to the Silver Books project. I am responsible for reviewing and editing existing volumes as they are updated and new volumes documenting descendant generations six through nine. I focus on errors, omissions, and ensuring compliance with the style guide.
ProGen Study Group Coordinator
Group 45 Course Coordinator
September 2019 - November 2020
Each ProGen study group is assigned a coordinator. As an alumnus of the study program, I was able to serve a subsequent session in that role. As coordinator, I managed three discussion groups or about 24 participants. I monitored participation, reviewed assignments, and participated in monthly online discussions.
Indiana Chapter, Association of Professional Genealogists
Chapter Treasurer
2017 - 2019
I served my local Indiana Chapter in the role of chapter treasurer. Responsibilities included account management, bill pay, reconciliation, yearly budgeting and forecasting, and membership renewal.
Hello Genealogy
Founder & Lead Genealogist
2016 - present
Hello Genealogy was born out of a love for family history. My passion for discovering my own ancestors was matched by a desire to help others. Today, I provide a full range of genealogical services to all levels of family history researchers from beginner to professional.
Memberships
Conferences & Institues
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Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy (SLIG Virtual) 2020
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Midwestern Roots 2019
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Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research (IGHR) 2019
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National Genealogical Society (NGS) Family History Conference 2018
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Genealogical Insitute of Pittsburgh (GRIP) 2018
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Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research (IGHR) 2017
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Indiana Genealogical Society Annual Conference 2017
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Indiana Genealogy and Local History Fair 2016
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Association of Professional Genealogists (APG) Professional Management Conference 2016
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Midwestern Roots 2016
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Midwestern Roots 2014
Degrees & Certificates
ProGen Study Group
Group 34
June 2017 - December 2018
ProGen is an 18-month study program that goes chapter-by-chapter through the textbook Professional Genealogy (edited by Elizabeth Shown Mills). Each month participants complete an intensive assignment based on the reading and peer-review each other's work.
Certificate in Genealogical Research (OGEN200)
Boston University
May 2016 - Aug 2016
The Genealogical Research program is a 16-week, 20-30 hours a week, intensive course covering foundations in genealogical research, problem-solving techniques and technology, evidence evaluation and documentation, forensic genealogy research, and professional genealogy.
B.S. Architectural Engineering / Environmental Systems
Milwaukee School of Engineering
1996 - 2002
The Architectural Engineering program focuses on mathematics, science, engineering sciences, team projects, oral and written communication, professionalism and ethics in a demanding and fast-paced environment. Emphasis was in building mechanical systems including HVAC, plumbing, and fire protection with exposure to building electrical systems and building structural systems. The program culminates in a yearlong, real-life, group senior design project consisting of engineering and construction management students.
B.S. Construction Management
Milwaukee School of Engineering
1996 - 2002
The Construction Management program focuses on oral and written communication, working in a team environment, business management, mathematics, science, construction sciences, and other areas of construction such as project management, scheduling, estimating, accounting, law, and construction safety. The program culminates in a yearlong, real-life, group senior design project consisting of construction management and engineering students.
Institutes, Courses & Lectures
In-Depth Swedish and Finnish Research
Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy (SLIG Virtual)
September 2020 - November 2020
This course went beyond the most common records like the church and census, and included in-depth instruction into probate and court, taxation, land and property, military, minorities, and DNA resources. Other topics covered included geography, migration patterns, and social nuances.
Write as You Go!: A Methodology for Efficient Report Writing
Jill Morelli, CG
July 2020 - August 2020
Write as You Go! is an intermediate to advanced course aimed at technical writing. Skills taught help researchers to stay focused and become more efficient by not duplicating work. Writing as you go highlights the concept of fully analyzing and documenting each source before continuing research.
Genealogical Writing & Publishing
Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research (IGHR)
July 2019
This course is for experienced genealogists who want to develop the skills of report-writing, article or book writing, or compiling a genealogy. Skills covered included writing, organizing, documentation, and self-editing.
Fundamentals of Forensic Genealogy for the 21st Century
Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh (GRIP)
July 2018
This course is for advanced genealogists who wish to pursue a career in forensic genealogy. Topics covered include missing and unknown heirs, natural resources and mineral rights, real estate, military repatriation, and adoption cases.
Advanced Methodology & Evidence Analysis
Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research (IGHR)
July 2017
This advanced course promotes an understanding of advanced methodologies, sources used in advanced genealogical research, and techniques to solved complex and unique genealogical problems.
The Basics of Autosomal DNA
DNA Adoption
September 2016
The Basics of Autosomal DNA class covers working with the big three DNA kit sellers: FTDNA Family Finder, 23andme, and AncestryDNA. It also covers concepts such as triangulation, tree building, and using third-party sites like GedMatch and GWorks.
American Genealogical Studies: Guide to Documentation and Source Citation
National Genealogical Society
February 2016
The course covers basic concepts of documentation and source citation.
American Genealogical Studies: The Basics
National Genealogical Society
February 2016
The Basics covers topics such as creating a research plan, finding sources at home, family traditions, and making connections with others.
Genealogy Essentials (OGEN100)
Boston University
January 2016 - February 2016
Genealogy Essentials is a four-week course covering topics of best practices, genealogical concepts, terminology, locating and searching record groups, and optimizing search times.