My interest in genealogy was piqued by watching my grandmother, mother and aunts research our Massachusetts and New Brunswick ancestors. They approached the task with joy and persistence, creating a solid family tree. Though they did not always cite sources, they used sound reasoning usually based on reliable evidence—resulting in few “former ancestor” moments. They also left behind a number of challenging brick walls. My father’s Irish ancestry presents its own complexities, shaped by restrictive laws, limited record-keeping, and significant record loss.
After several years of independent study I opened my professional practice in 1998. In 2009 I earned the Certified Genealogist® credential from the Board for Certification of Genealogists, and have renewed it every five years since.
Through continued study and evidence-based analysis, I have resolved several of my own brick-wall challenges. My current focus is on publishing case studies and articles documenting that research. Because of the rapid pace of advancement in the field, I continue to study developments in genetic genealogy to ensure that my analytical and scientific knowledge remains current.
I earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in French from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, and learned Italian while living in Rome, Italy, for four years. My husband and I live in Central Massachusetts, with our cat who begrudgingly allows us to share her house. Our three grown sons are thriving in their own pursuits.
1 Kemble Drive, Shrewsbury, MA 01545-1690
familyhistorian@mac.com
