Hello!
I'm Bliss
What all of my past positions have in common is a love for working with people, whether it be solving a member's problem or celebrating a client's success. Operating as a team to accomplish a task is what this service, Family History Coach, is all about. I will be your informed guide and your biggest cheerleader. Together we will formulate your research questions and develop a road map that will lead you to the answers. Throughout this process, you will sharpen your research skills and experience the thrill of making new discoveries about your family.
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While living in Washington, D.C. in the 80ies and 90ies, I ran grassroots networks in the membership departments and lobbying arms of trade associations and nonprofits. Being naturally organized was a benefit as I planned educational seminars and represented the organizations at trade shows all over the country. During this time my volunteer activities centered around the Junior League of Washington where I perfected my abilities as a trainer.
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In the early 2000's, my young family moved to Annapolis, Maryland and I left the workforce to care for them. I played an active role in advancing my childrens' interests by serving on the Board of the PTA, as the manager of a travel soccer team, and as a Girl Scout Cookie Mom. This was when I was bit by the genealogy bug and began documenting my family tree. The first society I joined was the Daughters of the American Revolution in 2007.
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As my family matured, I signed onto be a professional Health Coach with Take Shape for Life/Optavia where I supported individuals on their weight loss journey. My client base was from all over the U.S. and I offered services both in-person and virtually. Believing in top-notch customer service, I built a sizable business before retiring in 2020.
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Qualifications
Experience
Membership
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Board Certified Genealogist
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18 years of genealogical research experience
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Written multiple proof arguments
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Discovered previously unknown lineages utilizing DNA analysis
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Broke through brick walls at generations 6 and 8 utilizing DNA analysis
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Assisted adoptees to identify and locate birth parents using DNA evidence
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Actively utilize these online tools:
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Ancestry.com
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23&Me
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Family Tree DNA
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My Heritage
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Wiki Tree
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Family Search
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DNA GEDCOM
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GedMatch
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DNA Painter
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​Actively utilize this software-based tool:
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Family Tree Maker​
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Member, Augusta Genealogical Society
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Member, North Carolina Genealogical Society
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Member, Genealogical Society of Pennsylvania
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State Organizing Secretary; Past State Chair of the DAR DNA Network; Honorary Regent of the Peggy Stewart Tea Party Chapter, Maryland State Society, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution
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Member, Advanced DNA Group, Anne Arundel County, Maryland
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Member, Genealogy Group, formally of American Association of University Women (AAUW)
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Member, The Plantagenet Society
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Member, The National Society Magna Carta Dames
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Member, The Jamestowne Society
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Member, The National Society of Daughters of Founders and Patriots of America
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Member, Patawomeck Indians of Virginia
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Member, First Families of Maryland
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Member, First Families of Massachusetts
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Member, First Families of Pennsylvania
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Member, First Families of Tennessee
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Member, First Families of Alabama
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Member, First Families of Mississippi
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Contributor, Find A Grave