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• Speaking / Presenting

Hailing from Southwestern Ontario, Kathryn's lineage includes a mixture of Canadian, Loyalist and New England branches and roots connecting her to England and Wales. But her passion doesn't stop at her own genealogy; Kathryn's mission is to help others discover their Canadian ancestral connections.
 
Kathryn's dynamic presentations, ranging from society meetings to genealogical research institutes in Canada and the United States, have earned her a reputation as one of the leading voices in Canadian genealogy. Whether you've attended one of her sessions or tuned into her "Genealogy with a Canadian Twist" webinars, you've likely felt the excitement of Kathryn's dedication.
 
Kathryn's commitment goes beyond her business. She believes in nurturing and growing the genealogy community. Having served in leadership roles for notable organizations such as Ontario Ancestors, the Association of Professional Genealogists, and the United Empire Loyalists Association of Canada, she continues to champion greater accessibility, inclusivity, and diversity in family history.

Lectures
NEW FOR 2025

• Split Apart! Divorce in Canada
  How difficult was it for our ancestors to divorce in Canada? Learn the divorce process from pre-Confederation to modern-day court cases. Discover essential resources, such as court records, the Canada Gazette, and archives, while gaining practical research tips to uncover the details of your ancestors' marital histories and family dynamics.

• Invaded! The Fenian Raids and the Canadian Response
  Between 1866 and 1871, Irish-American veterans invaded Canada, attempting to pressure Britain to withdraw from Ireland. Gain an understanding of the historical context, significant battles, and the lasting impact on Canadian military and national identity. Determine your ancestor’s role in these events and where to find the records.
   
• Was My Ancestor in the Klu Klux Klan in Canada?
  Take a deep dive into the Klu Klux Klan’s presence in Canada. Examine historical events, legal battles, and genealogical challenges. Discover how local communities resisted this hate group and learn practical research tips for tracing Klan-related family histories.
   
• Mastering the Updated Library and Archives Canada Website: Strategies for Success
  Navigating the updated Library and Archives Canada (LAC) website, launched in August 2022, can be daunting for genealogists. This presentation addresses the challenges of using the revised website to access databases and records for Canadian family history research. Discover strategies to successfully access both digitized and non-digitized records.
   
• How to Research Canadian Ancestors in the War of 1812
  Learn how to trace Canadian ancestors who served during the War of 1812. Major battles in Canada will be discussed. Explore muster rolls, claims for losses, pension records, war diaries and letters. Discover why individuals changed sides during the war and what happened when they were caught for treason.
   

POPULAR PRESENTATIONS

• Find Your American Ancestor Using Canadian Records 
  Discover why your American or immigrant ancestors may have been in Canada. Whether they passed through or settled down, they left behind clues. Dive into Canadian records and piece together the missing details of your family’s story.
   
• What's in Your Canadian Genealogy Toolbox?
  Explore the top websites for researching your ancestors in Canada. Learn where to find the best online resources for Canadian and provincial record groups, history, newspapers, maps, photographs and more to help you fill your Canadian genealogy toolbox.
   
• Just Across the Border
  Discover what can be found in Canada-USA border entry records and why every family historian should be researching them.
   
• Ten Things You Need to Know About Canadian Census Records
  Canadian census records hold valuable information for the family history researcher. Each census from 1851 through 1931 was unique in the questions asked and the instructions given to the enumerators. Following three different families (Canadian, French-Canadian and Black-Canadian) through the census records, learn ten things you need to know about Canadian census records. 
   
• The Loyalists: Tracing Ancestors Who Fled to Canada During the American Revolution
  Discover the journey of the Loyalists who fled to Canada during and after the American Revolution. This presentation will guide you through essential records, settlement patterns, and historical context, offering strategies to uncover Loyalist ancestors and their stories in Canadian history.

Repositories

• Archives of Ontario
• Library and Archives Canada
• Leddy Library, University of Windsor
• Local History Branch, Windsor Public Library
• Toronto Reference Library
• Weldon Library, Western University
• Burton Collection, Detroit Public Library

Research Time Periods

• 20th Century
• 19th Century
• 18th Century
• 17th Century

Languages
English
French (Quebec) - can read and translate
some American Sign Language

Certificates
Professional Learning Certificate in Genealogical Studies

Degrees
Bachelor of Arts, University of Windsor