What motivated you to pursue accreditation?

I have been fascinated by family history and genealogy since I was a very young child. Some of my happiest memories were formed as I learned about my heritage from my parents and grandparents. I studied History at BYU and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and University Honors in 1993. About half of my coursework was in Family History, which had recently been reintroduced as a major field of study. My senior research paper on Mary Jane Dilworth Hammond, a Mormon missionary wife in Hawaii in the mid-1800s, received an award from the History Department for the best paper in Family History for my graduating class. It was then that I began to consider genealogy as a possible career.

Post-graduation, I thought about becoming an accredited genealogist, but the timing just wasn’t right for me. About fourteen years later, I prepared to return to graduate school, but my intended fields of study—History and Library Science—had both been dropped from BYU, which was the closest university to where I lived. Shortly after this, ICAPGen began holding classes to prepare people to become accredited genealogists. I was drawn to the high standards of excellence and preparation involved in achieving the AG® credential, and I liked the focus of specific geographic areas of study. I also rejoiced in the fact that I didn’t need to pay large sums of money for classes or study in a classroom for a set time over a period of years. I could make a plan for success that fit perfectly with my lifestyle as a very busy mother of eight children. After working for nearly a decade (until I felt I was ready), I finished the ICAPGen testing process in December 2016 and received my credential in the United States Gulf South region.

What are some challenging or unique aspects to researching in your area of accreditation?

Southern research has its own unique challenges, from widely changing jurisdictions to extensive record loss in some locations, to slavery, to displaced Native Americans, and others. Many people trace their roots to the south, but then get lost trying to navigate the records. It is very rewarding to help clients break down their brick walls and connect them to their past.

What advice do you have for those pursuing accreditation?

For those pursuing accreditation, my advice is to never give up. The more you study and prepare, the better genealogist you will be—whether you work for clients or just pursue your own family lines. Some of my future goals include adding additional areas of expertise, specifically the United States Mid-South region and England. I was recently elected to the board of directors of the Utah Genealogical Association and look forward to working with such a great team. I also aim to help as many people as possible catch the spirit of family history so they can find as much joy in it as I do.

What motivated you to pursue accreditation?

I had been researching my family and my spouse’s family for close to 40 years when I found ICAPGen. After reading about what was required, I knew it would bring my research to a professional level and that I would learn so much from the process. I spoke to my children about pursuing accreditation and they were all so happy and really encouraged me to do so. More than anything, having achieved the accreditation in Mexico has been such a fulfilling, personal accomplishment.

What are some challenging or unique aspects to researching in your area of accreditation?

In recent years, indexing projects has made searching easier. However, one must be aware of the abbreviations used, understanding of ecclesiastic language and most of all carefully read the entire document. The influence of the Inquisition in Mexico is fascinating and offers some unique opportunities in researching through those eras and records. Some documents, such as Marriage Dispensation records may even have a family tree. It may take work to find the record and read it, however the payoff can be huge!

What advice do you have for those pursuing accreditation?

Read, read, read!  First carefully read the requirements for the area selected. Make a checklist so that you are assured of fulfilling those requirements. I would also recommend taking in as many classes as you can. I go to as many as I can, even beginning classes, because there is always something to be learned—even after 40 years I am still learning.

What are some of your goals as a genealogist?

I am very interested in accrediting in a Native American specialty for the Pacific Coast. As a Native American myself, I understand the need to find our roots.  I have long worked with many of the natives in California, and I would love to serve them in this capacity.

Currently I am working on a project that involves African American and Choctaw descendants. I am also working on a long-term project that has gone from New Mexico through Mexico and into Spain.

Do you have a website you would like to have mentioned?

I do not have a website.  YET!

When did you receive your accreditation?

I received my accreditation for Mexico in November of 2016

Is there anything else you want to let us know about your genealogy experience or activities?

I recently spoke at the Spanish language track of RootsTech, in Spanish to a worldwide audience, regarding Marriage Dispensation records found throughout the world. This is a little-known track that is held at the FHL during the larger RootsTech sessions.

I was involved in the research for “Who Do You Think You Are?”, working on the Tom Bergeron project in French Canadian records. That was such a thrill!

I started doing genealogy long before the advent of computers. My former husband (who is a relative of Joseph Smith) stated that his genealogy was all done. I took that as a challenge, so at 21 a lifelong passion was underway. My first years researching were heavily involved in LDS church records, Rocky Mountain, Colonial and Mayflower records. In the ensuing years, as records became more available for my own family lines, I delved into those.

Recently while driving with my daughter through the Parowan Cemetery, I kept seeing the headstones of those people I had researched and it was such an incredible feeling. I told her that I knew more dead people in this town than ones that were alive. Genealogy is truly wonderful.

I have also found that Genealogy is an exercise in forgiveness, especially when we find that our ancestors have done things we are not in agreement.