Directory of Members

I am a Michigan (and Florida during the winter) based professional genealogist with more than 30 years experience in family history research. Through my research I have come to believe that we can understand ourselves better when we know about our ancestors. Over the years, I have helped patrons from around the country and the world in their research. I make the presentations I give relevant to those in attendance by including a variety of examples showing how the topic being discussed can be tailored to an individual's research.

I have been a contributing researcher for family history books and have written articles for a variety of magazines and newsletters.

A native of Kalamazoo, Michigan, I obtained a Bachelors degree from Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan and a Master's Degree from Wayne State University in Library and Information Science. I recently retired from Brighton District Library in Brighton, Michigan where I enjoyed assisting others in their efforts to learn about their ancestors, giving presentations on genealogy, helping preserve the history of Brighton and Livingston County and making that history easily accessible to others.

• Beginning Genealogy
• Deciphering U.S. Special Census Schedules
• Exploring FamilySearch.org
• Exploring Ancestry Library Edition
• The Family Plot: Cemetery Research
• Finding Fabulous (and FREE) Genealogy Websites
• Finding FREE Digital Images Online
• Finding Your Female Ancestors
• I Can't Read That! Translating Foreign Genealogy Documents
• International Genealogical Research Online
• Military Records and Genealogy
• Organizing Your Genealogy
• Read All About It! Newspapers and Genealogy
• Researching Immigration and Naturalization Records
• Researching United States Land Records
• U.S. Federal Census
• Using County Histories for Genealogy
• Vital Records: Finding & Using Birth, Marriage & Death Records
• Where There's a Will: Probate Records and Genealogy

Requires Projector and Screen for presentations.
Internet access appreciated but not required.
Handouts provided.

For Virtual Presentations: Organization provides a Zoom link.

• Brighton District Library (Brighton, Michigan) 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010
• Capital Area District Library (Lansing, Michigan) (virtual presentation), 2023
• Detroit Society for Genealogical Research (virtual presentation) 2023
• Leland Township Public Library (Leland, Michigan) 2023
• Northville Genealogical Society (Northville, Michigan) 2023
• West Florida Genealogical Society Annual Conference (virtual presentation) 2023
• Eaton County Genealogical Society (Charlotte, Michigan) (virtual presentation) 2022
• Grand Traverse Area Genealogical Society (Traverse City, Michigan) 2022, 2019
• Livingston County Genealogical Society (Howell, Michigan) (virtual presentation) 2022
• St. Clair County Genealogy & History Society (Belleville, Michigan) (virtual presentation) 2022
• Irish Genealogical Society of Michigan (virtual presentation) 2021
• Bay County Genealogical Society of Michigan (Bay City, Michigan) (virtual presentation) 2021
• Lyon Township Public Library (South Lyon, Michigan) 2021, 2016
• Brighton United Methodist Church (Brighton, Michigan) (virtual presentation) 2020
• First (Park) Congregational Church (Grand Rapids, Michigan) 2020
• Benzie Area Genealogical Society (Benzonia, Michigan) 2019
• Georgetown Township Public Library (Jenison, Michigan) 2018
• Ionia County Genealogical Society (Lake Odessa, Michigan) 2016
• Salem-South Lyon Public Library (South Lyon, Michigan) 2013
• Peninsula Township Library (Traverse City, Michigan) 2012
• Cromaine District Library (Hartland, Michigan) 2012