Meet the Coaches | Your DNA Guide

 

Meet the coaches of Your DNA Guide who offer Classic and Premium coaching.

 

While it is possible to choose your coach, please note that availability of each coach may vary depending on their schedules, and we cannot guarantee a coach’s availability during a specific timeframe.

Kelli Bergheimer

With a degree in biology and a Master’s in Education, Kelli knows a thing or two about teaching DNA! She also does DNA research and report editing for Legacy Tree Genealogists; is Director of Curriculum and Assessments for a textbook company; and runs an online DNA interest group. A popular speaker internationally, she was the most-watched presenter for the global RootsTech 2023 event. She’s also a contributing writer for Your DNA Guide.

Connie Davis, Genetic Genealogy Coach

Connie participated in all three pilot courses for the Your DNA Guide Academy and now supports others as they learn how to “Do the DNA.” In addition to her work as a coach at Your DNA Guide, Connie provides professional genealogy services for individual clients and genealogy education. Connie’s interest in family history started with her grandmother, and continued through her 40-year career as a nurse and educator. With a Master’s in Nursing, it was natural for Connie to focus on DNA and supporting people who have discovered surprises in their DNA. Connie’s personal research includes the colonial United States, southern United States, the Midwest, Canada and her California pioneer ancestors. She has experience in African American research and a commitment to reparative genealogy.

Michelle Leonard, Genetic Genealogy Coach

Michelle is a Scottish professional genealogist, DNA detective, speaker, author and historian with a wealth of international experience in both the traditional and genetic genealogy fields. Her first involvement with DNA came in 2009 when she worked on the ground-breaking ‘Fromelles Genealogy Project’ tracking down appropriate DNA donors to identify WWI soldiers buried in a mass grave in France and she has been immersed in using DNA for family history ever since! She runs her own genealogy and DNA consultancy business, Genes & Genealogy, specializing in solving all manner of unknown parentage and unknown ancestor mysteries using a combination of DNA expertise and traditional research methodologies. She also undertakes conventional family history research, media consultation, lecturing, coaching, podcasts, webinars, the creation and teaching of DNA courses and article, blog and book writing commissions. Michelle is also a co-author of Tracing Your Ancestors Using DNA: A Guide For Family Historians and is a consultant genetic genealogy coach and instructor for the Your DNA Guide Academy.

Lori Napolitano, Genetic Genealogy Coach

After Lori graduated from Northwestern University with a master’s degree in Chemistry, she taught high school science, and then she stumbled into the world of Forensic Science, even before CSI! She changed direction and spent 31 years with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, splitting her time between forensics and investigations. When she retired, she was Chief of Forensic Services in Orlando and had created a very successful statewide Investigative Genetic Genealogy program.  Bringing her ‘hobby’ to work and solving over a dozen violent crime cold cases was amazing!

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