What people are saying:

Thank you so much for your presentation on DNA!  It was a wonderful talk and I enjoyed all of the practical examples you shared.  Genealogy speakers are a mixed bag when it comes to presentation quality, but I was so impressed with you!  You are an excellent public speaker and teacher, as well as researcher AND knowledge-syntheszer.  A truly winning combo!

It is always great to work with folks who are passionate about a particular subject.  It’s even better to work with folks willing to share that passion and inspire others to learn more.  Your dedication to teaching others and using your research as an example is fantastic.  It kept the talk grounded and made DNA seem less intimidating which was so appreciated!

 I contracted with Kate to research my biological grandparents after three other search angels failed.  Not only was she able to identify them, but when I was too nervous to contact them, she reached out to both sides and gathered their health history for me. She is compassionate and tenacious, and has become part of the family.  My grandfather never knew that he had a child, and Kate was very supportive of him as he went through the shock, grief, and anger, and helped him connect with me.  My grandfather gives me updates about his monthly calls to Kate.  When I remind him that he's not related to her, he says, "Oh, I know, but she's just so interesting to talk to!"

 Kate's expertise as a genetic genealogist is unparalleled, particularly in cases that require specialized knowledge of endogamy and incest. She approaches each case with a unique combination of skill, patience, and empathy, ensuring that even the most challenging situations are handled with the utmost care. Her ability to unravel complex genealogical puzzles has proven invaluable in helping individuals understand their family histories, often in the face of sensitive and emotionally charged discoveries. In addition to her work as a genealogist, Kate's background as a pastor further enhances her capacity for compassion and empathy. It is evident that she applies her pastoral skills in her daily interactions. Whether delivering difficult news or providing emotional support to those she assists, Kate demonstrates unwavering kindness and thoughtfulness.

 I hired Kate for my challenging case - when I was 45 years old, I heard a rumor that my father wasn't my grandfather's child.  Despite the DNA being complicated due to a lot of intermarriage in Kentucky, Kate was able to tell me who my biological grandfather was, what he was like, and that my father was named after my biological grandfather (as was his son by marriage who was born 3 weeks apart from my father).  Kate's work was able to give me a complete medical history and an answer to what had happened, so long ago, in my family.

Connecting with Kate was literally my life changer. Initially the case was unlikely to solved, yet with her perseverance, passion and even her sense of humor she solved my 53 year old DNA mystery.  With her help I now know my biological brother who has become my best friend. Kate is such a blessing to the genealogical community!  

My family has been beguiled by my 4th great-grandmother, who was born around 1800 in Connecticut.  After hearing Kate's presentation on "Filling out our pesky blanks" at Rootstech, I hired her.  She was quickly able not only to find my 5th great-grandparents, but to fill out their trees to a Mayflower ancestor!  I highly recommend her!  She saved me so much money over some of the big companies out there.

A decision by me to stay to the last minute of Rootstech pays off.

One of the most important things I got from all of Rootstech came from you during the question and answers on the Last Day, Last Hour, and Last minutes of your presentation. 

"15 cM on 1 segment is a "family match to be followed." For months I've been wondering how legitimate are my low cM matches - what is the low threshold,- finally I know.

Thank you for adding something important to my research.

 At the age of 63, I found out that my beloved father was not, in fact, my biological father.  My mother was not sure of my birth father’s name — she could only tell me the name of the city where I was conceived — a resort town where she had taken a seasonal job.  I submitted a sample to Ancestry and the closest relationship I could find was a female first cousin.  She had 6 uncles and had some theories on who might have been my father.  

This is where Kate came to the rescue.  Unfortunately, I didn’t treat Kate very well.  Up til that point, I had been remarkably calm and relatively unemotional about my discovery.  But for some reason, when I started handing over all of my highly personal information, I suddenly felt extremely vulnerable and I panicked.  I am ashamed to say I took it out on her.  Kate could not have been kinder, more patient and understanding.  She talked me off the ledge and reassured me that everything I told her was confidential and she did not have any ulterior motives other than helping me.  I calmed down and Kate used her mad genealogical skills to help me identify my birth father.  

Sadly, he had passed decades before, but with Kate’s further help, I was able to find a new half sister!  Kate talked me through what to say when I contacted her and she also took an Ancestry test and we verified our relationship! 

Later, when I apologized again to Kate for “freaking out” in our early conversation, she said the best thing ever:  “It’s okay, now you have a new friend!”  And it could not have been more true.  Even though Kate and I live thousands of miles apart, we have shared stories of our grandchildren and even shared some health issues at the same time.  I truly treasure my friend, Kate! 

My maternal grandfather was born and adopted in 1898.  He found out as an adult and i hear it devastated him. I went on a journey years ago to find his birth parents.  I was unsure of where to go after getting my DNA results.  I could see relatives but unsure of how they fit in.  With Kate's help, she guided me to the likely culprits on each side of his bio family.  After her guidance, I was able to research and actually obtain a copy of his birth certificate in Chicago 1898.  I have now been able to connect to my cousins.  It has been awesome and life changing.  Thanks Kate! 

You were like an old friend--it was such fun to visit with you. You have a very clear way of speaking--no doubt also an asset in your ministry. 

That was a great presentation and I'm sure our attendees enjoyed it! 

Thank you very much for speaking to our group Monday evening. We enjoyed meeting you and learning new techniques from your presentation. I plan to listen to the recording again and focus on your Tarzan technique. Kate, I thought you did a nice job of combining content for beginners and more advanced DNA researchers.