January 13, 2025 – February 25, 2025 Course
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Barbara Coakley
Barbara Coakley’s passion for family history began over 30 years ago when she received an envelope of family papers. Her quest to uncover the stories of her ancestors has led her to homelands across the U.S. and Europe. Barbara serves as President of Genealogy Friends of Plano Libraries and volunteers with the Texas State Genealogical Society (TxSGS) and the Dallas Genealogical Society. She is an alumna of ProGen, IGHR, TIGR, GRIP, SLIG, and GenFed. Barbara taught genealogy continuing education classes at Collin College from 2008 to 2021 and regularly presents for libraries and genealogical societies across the U.S. and U.K.
Laura Douglas
Laura Douglas, a lifelong Texan, has lived in Denton County for most of her life, with a brief stint in Germany. A graduate of Texas Woman’s University with a BA in History and the University of North Texas with an MLS, Laura has worked in libraries since 1990. She transitioned to the Special Collections department at Denton Public Library in 2009, where she discovered her passion for genealogy and local history research. Laura has spearheaded partnerships, including those with the Portal to Texas History, through successful grant-writing efforts. An active member of the Benjamin Lyon Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, she also contributes to the Denton County Genealogical Society and TxSGS. At home, Laura enjoys life with her husband, teenage son, elderly dog, and two cats.
Patti Gillespie
Patti Todd Gillespie brings energy and humor to every presentation. A lifelong learner and inclusive speaker, Patti turned her 30-year genealogy hobby into a career by founding Family Lines & Stories nine years ago. She now researches for clients and speaks to audiences of all sizes across Texas and beyond. Patti recently completed five-and-a-half terms as president of the Wise County Genealogical Society in Decatur, Texas. A former French and English teacher, she enjoys presenting and keeps current by watching genealogy webinars—and the occasional South Korean and Chinese TV drama. When not working, Patti spends time with her husband, children, grandchildren, rescue dog, and her garden. She hopes to return to blogging for her cherished audience of 25 readers.
Paula Perkins
A sixth-generation Texan, Paula Perkins developed an early interest in family history while visiting elderly cousins and hearing stories shared by her grandmother. Paula is a genealogical consultant, lecturer, and genetic genealogist. She serves as president and eNewsletter editor for the Collin County Genealogical Society and holds leadership roles with TxSGS, including Early Texans DNA chair, project administrator, and District I representative. Additionally, she coordinates TXGenWeb and GAGenWeb projects and volunteers as a FamilyTreeDNA project administrator for several surname and geographical studies. Paula has authored articles for genealogical journals and been featured on radio and television. She is a frequent speaker at TxSGS conferences and across Texas and the southern U.S.
Emily Coffman Richardson, Ed.D.
Emily Coffman Richardson is a professional genealogist and lecturer based in Denton, Texas. She began researching her family history alongside her mother, exploring courthouses and cemeteries in Ohio and Pennsylvania. After retiring in 2019 from a career in higher education, Emily founded Kinsearchers, reviving her mother’s genealogy business name. Emily specializes in lineage applications, brick-wall challenges, and complex family name conflicts. She is the incoming President of the Texas State Genealogical Society (TxSGS) for the 2025-2026 term and currently oversees the TxSGS podcast Lone Star Family Trails. Emily also serves as program chair for the Robson Ranch Genealogy Club and teaches genealogy courses for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of North Texas. Her current project is a four-volume work on the descendants of her 5th great-grandfather, Melchior Yoder, scheduled for completion in early 2025. Emily’s passion lies in storytelling—a promise she made to her mother to bring their ancestors’ stories to life.
Deta Rogillio
Deta Rogillio serves as District N representative for TxSGS and president of the Walker County Genealogical Society. She is a trustee for the Trinity County Historical Commission and an active contributor to the Trinity County GenWeb. Outside of genealogy, Deta serves her community as vice-president of her Property Owners’ Association and liaison for its Architectural Control Committee. Deta holds a master’s degree in management from Sam Houston State University. In retirement, she enjoys golfing, playing pickleball, and spending time with her husband, Michael, of over 50 years. Together, they have two children living in Waco and Indianapolis and two grandchildren.
Jim Thornhill
Jim Thornhill began researching genealogy as a hobby in 2002 and transitioned to a professional career in 2015. He is an award-winning author and experienced speaker, presenting at conferences, seminars, and local genealogical associations throughout Texas. Jim has conducted research for clients and personal projects in repositories across Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Georgia. As the chief researcher for Heroes of the Past, Jim delights clients by introducing them to the inspiring ancestors who shaped their family’s history.
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