Currently accepting clients for...

• DNA
• Family History Research

DNA / Unknown parentage:  I've worked with a number people with unknown parentage to successfully identify their biological parents and grandparents, using both DNA and paper records.  I am sensitive to the difficult issues that can come up and enjoy using a collaborative approach to this work.  

Family History: I conduct genealogical research with a special interest in the 19th and 20th century, drawing on a wide range of sources to tell the stories of your family.   I am a fluent German speaker and can read and translate printed and handwritten material. If sharing your research is a goal, I can act as a coach & editor to help you write and publish your work. 

Reverse Genealogy:  I've worked with museums and history projects to successfully connect Black and African-American citizens from the past to present-day descendants.  

I would be happy to discuss how I might help you in your search. 

Testimonials
It is difficult to convey the extent that I would recommend Kristen to anyone with a genetic or ancestral mystery to explore or solve.  Kristen is a Sherlock Holmes of the genealogical world - a super sleuth, highly credentialed detective who can take a few clues and use them to unearth information with true expertise.  When I first approached Kristen for help finding my biological father, I had no idea how lucky I was to find her.  I did not have strong DNA matches with relatives on this side and I had truly felt  that with the available information the search was a lost cause. 

Kristen took the scarce information I had, and quickly found avenues to explore that I could never have thought of myself.  She was methodical and patient in her research, with excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.  She was also creative and persistent with finding alternative pathways at apparent dead-ends, and her own curiosity and genuine interest in my situation and family history was always so evident.  
 
Kristen consistently went above and beyond, for example, consulting with other professionals and travellng to libraries to look at records.  Throughout, Kristen worked collaboratively with me and was always professional, empathic and reassuring at difficult moments in the search. Not only was Kristen's research approach impressive, it was also entirely effective.  Within a short time, the mystery of my paternal heritage was a mystery no longer - Kristen was able to identify my biological father and had also gathered a lot of meaningful information about my ancestors.  As a final touch Kristen presented these results in a thorough, beautifully presented and simple to follow report.   
 
I really cannot express how grateful I am to Kristen.  Everything  about the way she carried out this search on my behalf was incredible and has resulted in a gift so fundamental to my identity.  
 
- RD
 

Lectures
Using DNA for Genealogy (two-part class), Museum of Old Newbury, April 2024

Research Time Periods

• 20th Century
• 19th Century

Languages
English, German 

Certificates
​Boston University, Certificate in Genealogical Research

Affiliations
Massachusetts Society of Genealogists
Association of Professional Genealogists

Degrees
Stanford University, B.S. Geology
Harvard University, Certificate in Non-Profit Management