Heidi began her Family History journey before she truly knew what Genealogy was. Writing and reasoning were her "star student" moments. Further, short summer visits to extended family that lived across the US were filled with questions regarding who, when, and where while she began to understand a tapestry of information about her heritage. As she learned, she felt connected and especially grateful to those who came before her. 

In addition to her own family research, years of volunteer work indexing records helped her learn what sort of information can be gleaned from many different record types and handwriting styles.

In mid-2021, when she realized BYU-Idaho offered a genealogical program, there was no looking back. The research process, Genealogical Proof Standard, and organizational context became a foundation for moving forward in the genealogical field. She is on track to receive a Bachelor's degree with a focus on family history and genealogy before the conclusion of 2024.

In 2023, Heidi was a researcher under Amy Thirot for her Sixty-One Eminent Women of St. George project. The research consisted of mid-late 1800s across the United States, regarding women and their contributions within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and society. While volunteering, Heidi had the exciting opportunity to learn at the feet (via Zoom, of course) of Amy Thiriot, Emily Crumpton, Jennifer Mackley, Jonathon Stapely, Ardis Parshall, Jennifer Reeder, and Melinda Bowers. 

Through this experience, weaving historical context into genealogical findings became a passion for Heidi. She believes that understanding the history of a particular location, allows for a better understanding of the choices and opportunities our ancestors experienced. In turn, we gain a deeper respect for them and also begin to understand ourselves more fully. 

Heidi is looking forward to opportunities that will allow her to help others gain awareness of their own genealogical history or who want to learn how to enjoy the genealogical research process.  The Great Lakes region is of particular interest to her, but she has experience researching in several US regions.

Personal Effects: Heidi and her husband, Curtis, have ten children who light up their lives. She enjoys doing all things family - including cooking and dishes, but not laundry. That is her nemesis. She can be found surviving the masses (of laundry) by listening to historical fiction or non-fiction books. Her mom-life and genealogical profession cross-over in data and event sourcing..."Show me the proof!"

  

 

Certificates
BYU-I Family History Research BYU-I Advanced Family History Research BYU-I Marriage, Family, and Human Relations

Degrees
AAS in Family History Research from BYU-Idaho (Dec. 2023) BYU Pathway Worldwide Graduate (July 2021)