Currently accepting clients for...

• Family History Research

Following a long career as a firefighter and fire chief, people often ask me why I chose to become a genealogist.  My answer is not that I immediately chose genealogy, but rather, that as my genealogical interests grew and I became more educated in it, I realized that my passions had shifted toward helping people in a far different way.

I began my genealogical journey about 10 years ago, and like many people who want to discover more about their family roots and ancestors, I was willing but had no idea how to proceed effectively.   Quickly, I realized that I needed some training in research and best genealogical practices. 

I hold a Master's Degree, among other academic degrees, completed the Genealogical Research certificate program from Boston University, and am pursuing a credential as a Certified Genealogist (CG).  Additionally, I have undertaken specialty training courses in Irish research via programs hosted by the Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh (GRIP).  I value the importance of life-long learning and continue to pursue additional training. 

My specific area of interest is Irish-American (or American-Irish) family research, as most of my distant grandparents immigrated to the United States from Ireland in and around the 1840s, with many settling in and around upstate and western New York.  I am a native of the Rochester area of New York and have years of experience researching records throughout New York State.   Additionally, I have some experience working in the Fort Myers area of Florida, where I lived for a few years, and now visit regularly.  

I am a member of several genealogical organizations including the National Genealogical Society, the New York Genealogical and Biographical Society, the Irish Genealogical Society International, the Irish Genealogical Research Society, and the Rochester (NY) Genealogical Society.  I am the docent of a local Family Finders program, and volunteer at a Rochester-area Family Search Center.  Finally, I am a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, where I am working to establish a genealogy program

I recognize that sometimes a physical record requires an in-person visit to a records repository, I am willing to research and retrieve records from repositories in upstate and western New York.

Thank you for reading my profile and I look forward to helping you work through your family research challenges.

Geographic Specialities

• New York State, particularly upstate and western New York
• Lee County, Florida (Fort Myers area)
• Ireland

Research Time Periods

• 21st Century
• 20th Century
• 19th Century

Honorifics/Credentials
Certificate in Genealogical Research (Boston University)

Certificates

• Genealogical Research (Boston University)

Affiliations

• National Genealogical Society
• New York Genealogical and Biographical Society 
• Irish Genealogical Society International
• Irish Genealogical Research Society
• Rochester (NY) Genealogical Society
• Ancient Order of Hibernians

Degrees

• Master's Degree (Public Administration)
• Bachelors Degree (Organizational Management)
• Bachelors Degree (Fire Science)