2023 Speaker Biographies

Debra Blacklock-Sloan

Debra Blacklock-Sloan, sixth-generation Texan and native Houstonian, is a historical researcher and genealogist, who works for the R.B.H. Yates Museum, Inc. in Freedmen’s Town. She operates a bus tour business which visits African American sites across the country. Debra is an avid preservationist, responsible for twelve City of Houston Protected Landmark designations and 30+ state and county historical markers in Houston, for which she has received numerous accolades. She is a member of the Harris County Historical Commission, Afro-American Historical & Genealogical Society, Association of Professional Genealogists, Oak Park Historic Cemetery Association, and the Harris County African-American Cultural Heritage Commission. She has authored and edited articles for the African-American Handbook of Texas; created interpretative panels for Bethel Church Park; documented the enslaved population and descendants on Waller County’s Bernardo Plantation; and documented Blacks in Houston’s Frost Town Settlement, among other projects. Current efforts include documenting African-American historic resources in Texas counties, researching early Freedmen’s Town residents, and initiating the Equal Justice Initiative’s Community Remembrance Lynching Project. Debra has presented workshops on African American genealogy research and been featured in various media. Debra loves assisting her clients discover their lineage, believing that “finding one’s ancestors leads to finding yourself.” She has two sons and five grandchildren.

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Jim Brewster

Jim Brewster was born at a very early age and gradually became older. A genetic genealogist since 2014, he has delivered over forty lectures at regional, national, and international genealogy conferences. Jim has helped with collaborations between FamilyTreeDNA and numerous non-profit organizations. With a proven track record of both doing things and accomplishing stuff, Jim enjoys “presentating” (which is totally a real word) about genetic genealogy methods and the science of DNA testing.

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Henrietta Martinez Christmas

Henrietta is a 15th generation New Mexican and well-known genealogical and historical researcher. In 2021, she was honored by His Majesty King Felipe VI with the Order of Isabel la Católica, intended to “reward those extraordinary behaviors of civil individuals, made by Spanish and foreign people, which benefit the Nation or that contribute in relevant ways to favor relations of friendship and cooperation of the Spanish Nation with the rest of the international community.” Henrietta volunteers with the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), Specialty Research in Spain to help women who wish to honor their ancestors who aided the American Revolution; six of her own patriot soldiers rendered aid by donating two pesos in 1781. She also provides historical records research to document these men who lived in the villa of Santa Fe during King Carlos III’s reign. She authored Family Tree Magazine’s “State Research Guide for New Mexico” (May/June 2023) and was a 2023 TIGR instructor for the course on Hispanic research.

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Barbara Coakley

Barbara’s interest in family history began over 30 years ago when she was given an envelope of family papers. She has traveled throughout the U.S. and Europe visiting and researching in ancestral homelands. Barbara taught genealogy continuing education classes at Collin College for 22 years. She is a graduate of ProGen and numerous institutes. Barbara is the president of Genealogy Friends of Plano Libraries and volunteers for the Dallas Genealogical Society and Texas State Genealogical Society.

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Debra Dudek

Debra M. Dudek is head of Adult and Teen Services at the Fountaindale Public Library District in Bolingbrook, Illinois. She holds a post-graduate certificate in genealogical, paleographic, and heraldic studies from the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, Scotland. Ms. Dudek is the book review editor of the Illinois State Genealogical Society, a board member of the Illinois State Historical Society, and the author of the World War I Research Guide: Tracing American Military and Non-Combatant Ancestors.

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Jason Felihkatubbe

Jason Felihkatubbe (Choctaw) has been a genealogical researcher for over 25 years. He specializes in Native American research with an emphasis on the Five Tribes (Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Muscogee, and Seminole). He currently serves as the chair of the education committee for the Wichita Genealogical Society and the editor of the Ark Valley Crossroads.

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Alec Ferretti

Alec Ferretti is a New York City-based professional genealogist who has worked for the Wells Fargo Family and 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. A past president of the New York Genealogy & Technology Group, Alec 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.

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Colleen Robledo Greene, MLIS

Colleen Robledo Greene, MLIS, is an academic librarian, college educator, historian, and tech nerd. She is the digital literacy librarian at California State University, Fullerton, where her work primarily focuses on helping students and other faculty integrate more digital tools and strategies into their research and curriculum. Since 2016, Colleen has taught an online, graduate-level, genealogical research methods and librarianship course for San Jose State University’s School of Information. She has been researching her family history since her grandfather died in 1997, and most of her personal research focuses on Mexico, California, and Texas. Colleen is a nationally-recognized genealogy educator and speaker specializing in methodology, Mexican and Hispanic research, libraries and archives, and technology. She has coordinated and/or taught courses for the Texas Institute of Genealogical Research, the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy, and the Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research, as well as coordinated a Mexico research series for Legacy Family Tree Webinars.

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Diane Henriks

Diane Henriks, also known as the Descendant Detective and founder of Know Who Wears the Genes in Your Family, is a passionate and seasoned Los Angeles County-based professional genealogist, investigator, speaker, and author. She specializes in descendancy and brick wall research, living people search, and unknown parentage work. Diane has worked closely with private investigators to find living people while also assisting in background investigations in both civil and criminal cases. She is a proud member of the Association of Professional Genealogists, the Genealogical Speakers Guild, and the Southern California Genealogical Society. What started out as a small hobby well over a decade ago, when her father gave her a hand-drawn family tree chart, has since become a great obsession. She now helps others discover and preserve who they are and where they came from.

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Jean Wilcox Hibben, PhD

Retired Southern California college speech professor, national speaker and author, Jean Wilcox Hibben has performed background research for two genealogy television programs and hosted podcasts on social history. She holds an MA in speech communication, a PhD in folklore, and is a former Board-Certified genealogist (2006-2016). Jean has conducted genealogy research for over 45 years as well as served on various society boards.

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Michael D. Lacopo, CG®

Dr. Michael D. Lacopo is a retired small-animal veterinarian and professional genealogist born and raised in northern Indiana. Researching since 1980, he has lectured internationally and written for numerous periodicals and journals. He is a self-described “all-American mutt” whose research skills cover a broad range, with specialties in German research, Mid-Atlantic American research, genetic genealogy, social history, and advanced problem solving.

 

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J. Mark Lowe, FUGA

Mark Lowe describes himself as a lifelong genealogist. A professional genealogist, author, and lecturer, he specializes in original records and manuscripts of the South. Mark enjoys sharing what he has learned over the years through YouTube, webinars, and institutes. He serves as the course coordinator for “Research in the South” at IGHR (Georgia) and TIGR, presents webinars for Legacy Family Tree Webinars, and has worked on several genealogical television series including Follow Your Past, African American Lives 2, Who Do You Think You Are?, and UnXplained Events, as well as the podcasts Twice Removed and Blast From My Past. Mark is a past president of the Association of Professional Genealogists and the Southern Kentucky Genealogical Society. He is a Fellow of the Utah Genealogical Society and was awarded the Graham T. Smallwood Award and Lifetime Membership award by the Association of Professional Genealogists.

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Annette Burke Lyttle

Annette Burke Lyttle owns Heritage Detective, LLC, providing professional genealogical services in research, education, and writing. She speaks on a variety of genealogical topics at the international, national, state, and local levels and loves helping people uncover and share their family stories. She is coordinator of the Intermediate Foundations course and the Writing the Stories of Our Ancestors course for the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy. Annette leads best practices study groups for a number of organizations, providing in-depth education on the genealogical research process in an interactive setting. She is president of the Association of Professional Genealogists and editor of The Florida Genealogist.

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Bernard Meisner, PhD

Bernard is a genealogist and lecturer based in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. He began researching his family over 30 years ago and enjoys sharing lessons learned, including his mistakes. Although he knew only his maternal grandfather, he has successfully identified all his great-great grandparents, many triple-and quadruple-great grandparents, and his Meisner eighth-great-grandparents. He is a past president of the Mid-Cities Genealogical Society, a co-leader of the Dallas Genealogical Society’s German Genealogy Group, and a member of the Texas State and National Genealogical Societies. He has completed coursework of the National Institute for Genealogical Studies, the Texas Institute of Genealogical Research, and attended the Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh the past eight years, completing courses in Irish, German, and Pennsylvania research, digital research skills, and practical genetic genealogy.

Bernard retired from the National Weather Service Southern Region Headquarters where he was the Chief of the Science & Training Branch. He is certified as a consulting meteorologist by the American Meteorological Society and has taught at the Universities of Texas, Oklahoma and St. Thomas (Houston).

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Kelvin L. Meyers

A fifth generation Texan and professional forensic genealogist since 1996, Kelvin is a frequent speaker to U.S. genealogical societies and family associations. After ten years in Dallas Public Library’s genealogy department, Kelvin now has a solo practice as a forensic genealogist serving clients including probate attorneys, bank trust departments, the U.S. Immigration Service, and energy companies. He also specializes in southern brick wall problems for clients.

Kelvin is an alumnus of the Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research where he has also lectured. In 2016 he co-coordinated with J. Mark Lowe “A Swing Through the South” at SLIG (Salt Lake Institute of Genealogical Research). He is a past Association of Professional Genealogists board member, a past president of the Lone Star Chapter of APG, and a founding member for the Council for the Advancement of Forensic Genealogy (CAFG). He recently published Research in Texas for the National Genealogical Society’s Research in the States series. Kelvin is currently chair of the history and archives committee of Dallas’s First United Methodist Church.

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Jill Morelli, CG®, CGL

Jill Morelli, Certified Genealogist^® and Certified Genealogy Lecturer, presents on intermediate and advanced methodologies, unique record sets, Swedish research, and writing family histories. Jill’s writing has appeared in the National Genealogical Society Quarterly, Illinois State Genealogy Society Quarterly, North Carolina State Genealogical Society Quarterly, and The Swedish American Genealogist. She is presently working on a book about 46 unnamed orphan train riders who arrived in the fall of 1890 to Hamilton County, Iowa. In 2014, she launched a blog, Genealogy Certification: A Personal Journey, to coincide with her preparation to submit a portfolio to the Board for Certification of Genealogists.

A firm believer in access to education for all, she started an online class to demystify the BCG portfolio submission process, provide an online portfolio library, and a mentorship/accountability program. She received the 2018 Federation of Genealogical Societies award of merit for the creation of this course. She recently cofounded the Applied Genealogy Institute, focused on practicum-based learning in a small class atmosphere. In 2023, she received the National Genealogical Society award of merit for her “Exceptional Contributions to the field of genealogy.” Jill is the past president of the Seattle Genealogical Society, co-chair of the Society’s Centennial, and program director for her local PS-APG Chapter, among other memberships.

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Joy Oria

Houston native Joy Oria has spoken nationally on Hispanic genealogical research. She has helped patrons of the Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research discover their family for over seven years. Jill is currently studying for a master’s degree in library science with the University of North Texas.

 

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Diane L. Richard, MEng, MBA

Diane L Richard, owner of Mosaic Research and Project Management, has been researching genealogy since 1987. Since 2004 she has worked professionally, focused on the records of North Carolina and southern states. Diane has authored over 500 articles on genealogy topics and also regularly contributes to Internet Genealogy. In 2019, she published Tracing Your Ancestors – African American Research: A Practical Guide. Diane has been the editor of the North Carolina Genealogical Society (NCGS) journal since 2016. She has delivered webinars and talks about the availability and richness of records documenting Southerners, pursuing formerly enslaved ancestors and their descendants, genealogical tips, techniques , under-used resources, and more. Diane has also appeared on Who Do You Think You Are?

Diane is co-leader of Tar Heel Discoveries, offering guided North Carolina genealogical research programs as well as targeted research assistance. She is also a partner in Genecia, newly developed to deliver direct-to-consumer genealogy webinars. She is the first vice president for North Carolina Historical Records Online, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing public access to high-quality images of original records and information useful to North Carolina history and genealogy research. She considers herself an honorary Texan as both her children were born in Texas.

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Emily Coffman Richardson

Emily is a professional genealogist and lecturer who lives in Denton, Texas. She began her genealogy research working with her mother in courthouses and cemeteries, finding records for her ancestors in Ohio and Pennsylvania. In 2019, Emily retired from higher education, moved to Texas, and opened Kinsearchers, named for her mother’s professional genealogy business.

The secretary of the Texas State Genealogical Society, Emily also oversees production of the TxSGS podcast, Lone Star Family Trails. She is the programming chair for Robson Ranch Genealogy Club advisory council, teaches genealogy courses for University of North Texas’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, and speaks to genealogy societies throughout Texas on a variety of topics. As registrar for her local DAR chapter, and later with the local SAR, Emily has helped more than 30 individuals gain admission to the DAR and SAR societies. She has participated in multiple courses at the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy, the Institute of Genealogical Studies, the Texas Institute of Genealogical Research, and ProGen 34.

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Mary Risseeuw

Mary Risseeuw has researched 19th- and 20th-century Dutch immigration for over 30 years and has lectured throughout the U.S. and the Netherlands on the subject. She is author, editor, or contributor for: A Phoenix Sesquicentennial Tribute: 1847-1997 (1997); I End With My Pen, But Not With My Heart: Dutch Immigrant Letters, Memoirs and Travel Journals, (2008); Diverse Destinies: Dutch Kolonies in Wisconsin and the East, (2012); and Dutch Reformed Education: Immigrant Legacies in North America, (2020). Mary serves on the board of directors of the Association for the Advancement of Dutch American Studies and hosted their 2011 conference. She organized and hosted the 2008 Dutch in Wisconsin Conference, the first conference to focus solely on Dutch immigration to Wisconsin. Mary holds a BS from UW-Madison and MA and MFA degrees from Northern Illinois University.

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Jennifer Roodzant

Jennifer Roodzant is a professional genealogist and educator specializing in DNA analysis and research focused on the southern United States. Her passion for genealogy was ignited by the stories shared by her grandmothers about their ancestors. Jennifer’s qualifications include certificates in genealogical research from Boston University and ProGen Study Groups. She applies genealogy standards to resolve complex research objectives.

 

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Katy Rowe-Schurwanz

Katy Rowe-Schurwanz has always been interested in genealogy, inspired by her maternal grandparents, who told her stories about their family and family history when she was little. After studying anthropology and history in college, she joined FamilyTreeDNA in 2015 and became the trainer for customer support. Katy created and improved training processes and was fundamental in the creation of the Big Y specialist team. In September 2021, she became a product owner and has focused closely on improving FTDNA’s genetic genealogy products.

 

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Renate Yarborough Sanders

Renate Yarborough Sanders is the descendant of formerly enslaved ancestors, enslavers, and free people of color. She authors two blogs, Into the LIGHT and Genea-Related and produces the “(Mostly) African American Funeral Programs” online database. Her memberships include: National Genealogical Society, North Carolina Genealogical Society (Publicity Director), Afro-American Genealogical and Historical Society (member of National Editorial Board and vice-president and newsletter editor for the Hampton Roads Chapter), The Wake County Genealogical Society, and the Tyrrell County Genealogical and Historical Society. She is a member of the Sons and Daughters of the United States Middle Passage lineage society. Renate co-hosts “Let’s Talk North Carolina Genealogy,” an online platform and YouTube show geared to North Carolina researchers. Renate has taught for George Washington’s Mount Vernon, Norfolk State University, The College of William and Mary, and NASA. Her research has been featured on PBS Radio as well as a National Geographic cover story and podcasts. She currently researches descendants of persons owned by Wake Forest College (now University). Renate provides genealogical coaching and consultation services and continues to engage in project work for various organizations. Renate specializes in teaching beginning to intermediate research methodology and sharing techniques for researching ancestors of color.

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Craig R. Scott, CG®

Craig Roberts Scott, MA, CG®, FUGA, is the president and CEO of Heritage Books, Inc., a genealogical publishing firm with over 9,500 titles in print. A professional genealogical and historical researcher for more than 35 years, he specializes in records of the National Archives, especially those that relate to the military. He has coordinated the military tracks at IGHR, SLIG, and GRIP in years past. He is currently the coordinator of the SLIG Consultation Track, helping students solve their brick wall problems.

 

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Tara Shymanski

Tara Shymanski is a professional genealogy researcher and educator. An enthusiastic speaker, she has lectured at conferences in Canada, United States, and England. She holds a BA and a certificate from National Institute for Genealogical Studies in Canadian records.

 

 

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Gay Solomon

Former corporate trainer and college lecturer, Gay Solomon, CG, brings her economics, history, and education backgrounds into genealogical writing and speaking. Descended from a Texan and a Georgian, she specializes in 19th century southern records.

 

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Lori Thornton

Lori Thornton, MLS, professional genealogist and academic librarian, resides in Morristown, Tennessee. A Mississippi native, she specializes in Southern States research and religious records. Lori speaks to librarians and genealogists locally, regionally, and nationally. Her own ancestry includes early New England settlers who migrated to the Midwest, Amish who immigrated to Pennsylvania and beyond, and Southern ancestors. Lori holds master’s degrees from Cincinnati Bible Seminary and University of Kentucky and has studied at the Institute for Genealogical Research, Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh, and Texas Institute of Genealogical Research. Lori serves as a director and awards committee chair for the North Carolina Genealogical Society. She is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists, the National Genealogical Society, and several state and local societies. Lori authored Research in Mississippi for the National Genealogical Society’s Research in the States series in 2017. Her articles have appeared in several genealogical publications.

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Roslyn Torella

An accomplished genealogist and lecturer, Roslyn Torella is known for her expertise in Italian and immigrant genealogy. Through her business, Mahoning Valley Roots, she has provided invaluable genealogical services to numerous clients, helping them connect with their Italian roots and discover their heritage. Roslyn’s passion for genealogy extends beyond her client work. For many years, she authored a monthly Italian genealogy column for La Gazzetta Italiana. As the treasurer and newsletter editor for the Mahoning County Chapter of the Ohio Genealogical Society, Roslyn actively contributes to the local genealogy community, fostering connections, and promoting research. A member of the Association of Professional Genealogists, she is recognized for her expertise, regularly conducting workshops and delivering engaging lectures on genealogy. Her presentations provide guidance and tips to individuals seeking to embark on their own genealogical journeys.

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Pam Vestal

Pam Vestal is a professional genealogist and speaker who turned her focus to her longtime love of genealogy after a 20-year writing career. Her articles have appeared in the National Genealogical Society Magazine, The Association of Professional Genealogists Quarterly, and FGS’s Forum magazine, and her lectures take her from coast to coast. Pam specializes in conducting genealogical research and then transforming that information into illustrated stories that even non-genealogists can enjoy.

 

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