Welcome to Past Perfect Genealogy Research!

I’m a person who wants to find out who, what, where, when, why, and how.

Studying psychobiology in college kept this goal intact.  I developed my critical thinking skills and my research skills simultaneously.

After college, I earned my masters degree in English (linguistics). I taught TESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages, also commonly known as “ESL”) for 10 years, in Spain and in the United States. I loved working with people from diverse backgrounds.  I was fascinated with each student’s story – his or her “history.”

This is what brings me to my dream profession as a genealogist and family historian.

In 2004, I was given a dusty, forgotten, old portrait of some then-unknown ancestor of mine. I was compelled to figure out who she was and why her image was tucked away in my grand-aunt’s attic. I started researching her history, and, well, I haven’t stopped wanting to know more about everyone’s ancestors since that defining moment.

Today, I feel compelled to give these unknown ancestors three dimensions.  I feel compelled to honor them.

The art and science of genealogy is complex, layered, and beautiful. Some people, however, are afraid to uncover “black sheep” in their familial histories.  What do I say to them?

Truly, no matter what one finds in one’s past, it’s perfect in its imperfection. Everyone who existed before you matters.

Without them, who would you be?