I was born and raised in Michigan. My family here goes back to the 1830’s. My family research includes New England states, primarily New York and Connecticut, as well as colonial America, Ireland and Scotland. Much of my family migrated from New England to the Midwestern states as the country opened up for expansion.
In my former career, I was a social worker, which has given me unique gifts I did not expect to use in my genealogy career. It has helped me understand generational trauma, which can be quite evident as we delve into our pasts. Most people tend to think of genealogy in terms of birth, marriage and death dates, as well as learning the countries where we came from. However, these are not stagnant, dry dates; these documents are filled with stories of joys and hardships, triumphs and despair. My experience in social work helps me to convey these stories to clients in an empathetic way.
Education
Certificate in Genealogical Research, Boston University
Principles of Genealogical Research and Practicum in Genealogical Research, Boston University
Master’s of Social Work, University of Michigan
Affiliations
- Western Michigan Genealogical Society, Board Member
- Association of Professional Genealogists
- Ionia County Genealogical Society
- Irish Genealogical Society of Michigan
Publications
“The Scattered Children of George Fleming and Mary A. Sparks Fleming,” Michigana (Grand Rapids, Michigan), Volume 70: Issue 3 (No. 282) 2024. This was the winner of the 2024 Western Michigan Genealogical Society’s Writing Contest.