Our Educators

Family History Academy is privileged to have world leaders in the genealogy field offer courses and workshops on our platform. All are experienced researchers and educators who enjoy sharing tips and strategies to help you build your genealogical skills and knowledge.

If you are interested in offering courses/workshops for Family History Academy, please contact us.

Melissa Barker

THE ARCHIVE LADY

Melissa Barker is a Certified Archives Manager and Public Historian currently working at the Houston County, Tennessee Archives & Museum. Known as The Archive Lady to the genealogy community, she lectures, teaches, and writes about the genealogy research process, researching in archives and records preservation. She conducts virtual presentations across the United States and other countries, and writes a popular blog entitled A Genealogist in the Archives.

Fiona Brooker

MEMORIES IN TIME

Fiona Brooker is a professional genealogist who has been actively researching her family history for over thirty-five years. She has gained a Higher Certificate in Genealogy from the Institute of Heraldic and Genealogical Studies and is a ProGen graduate. Fiona has served as both President and Treasurer of the New Zealand Society of Genealogists (NZSG). She has organised family history conferences and expos in New Zealand.

Melanie Proctor

SPEAKER, LAWYER

Melanie L. Proctor is a professional genealogist and an attorney. Melanie has worked on a variety of family history and forensic genealogy matters. She received her juris doctor degree from University of California, Davis School of Law. For nearly twenty years, Melanie worked in public service, first as an Assistant United States Attorney defending and prosecuting civil cases on behalf of the United States and its agencies, including civil rights violations. She brings her legal experience to each genealogical puzzle she tackles.

Robbie Johnson, CG

SPEAKER, AUTHOR

Robbie Johnson, CG^® enjoys solving the complex puzzles that clients and friends bring to her, and supporting others through education and mentorship. She has presented lectures/workshops for the BCG Education Fund’s “Putting Skills To Work,” the SLIG “Advanced Analysis Practicum” course, and local genealogical societies. Robbie also brings her experience of over 40 years as an editor and writer to her work as a professional genealogist.

Tom Jones, PHD, CG, CGG

SPEAKER, AUTHOR

Tom Jones is an award-winning genealogical researcher, writer, editor, and educator. He co-edited the National Genealogical Society Quarterly in 2003 through 2018, and he is the author of the textbooks Mastering Genealogical Proof and Mastering Genealogical Documentation. He has been certified by the Board for Certification of Genealogists since 1994. Tom speaks at national, regional, and local seminars in the United States and internationally, and he writes frequently on genealogical evidence, proof, and problem solving.

Michelle Leonard

GENES & GENEALOGY

Michelle Leonard is a Scottish professional genealogist, speaker, author and historian. She runs her own genealogy and consultancy business specialising in DNA Detective work. She is particularly focused on solving adoption, unknown parentage and all manner of unknown ancestor mysteries using a combination of DNA expertise and conventional research methods. She is a regular speaker at major genealogy events and is a co-author of Tracing Your Ancestors Using DNA: A Guide For Family Historians.

Annette Lyttle, CG

HERITAGE DETECTIVE

Annette Burke Lyttle owns Heritage Detective, LLC, providing professional genealogical services in research, education, and writing. She speaks on a variety of genealogical topics at the national, state and local levels. She is coordinator of the SLIG Fall Virtual Intermediate Foundations course. Annette is editor of The Florida Genealogist and Past President of the Association of Professional Genealogists.

Sue McNelly, AG

KINDREDPAST

Sue McNelly, AG® is an Accredited Genealogist professional who loves the thrill of the chase when it comes to tackling tough problems. Sue is an adjunct instructor at Brigham Young University-Idaho, and has presented webinars for RootsTech, Southern California Jamboree, The International Society for British Genealogy and Family History, and The Surname Society. Additionally, Sue mentors and leads study groups for those pursuing professional accreditation through the International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists (ICAPGen).

Andrew Redfern

SPEAKER, AUTHOR

Andrew Redfern is an accomplished speaker, having delivered many workshops and presentations over the past 20 years. With a background in education and technology, the integration of AI into his genealogical toolkit was a natural progression and he is excited by the possibilities while remaining aware of the limitations. Andrew's engaging presentation style often includes fun and interactive activities to ensure participants learn the content in fun and interesting ways and the use of practical examples is a key feature of his courses.

Judy Russell, CG, CGL

THE LEGAL GENEALOGIST

The Legal Genealogist Judy G. Russell, CG^®, CGL, is a genealogist with a law degree who provides expert guidance through the murky territory where law and family history intersect. An internationally-known lecturer and award-winning writer, she holds credentials as a Certified Genealogist^® and Certified Genealogical Lecturer℠ from the Board for Certification of Genealogists^®. Her blog is at https://www.legalgenealogist.com.

Cathie Sherwood

FAMILY HISTORY ACADEMY

Passionate about history and addicted to family history, Cathie Sherwood has been researching her Irish, English and Scottish ancestors for over forty years. As the Principal and Founder of Family History Academy, Cathie coordinates innovative and interactive genealogy education opportunities in partnership with experienced and highly-respected lecturers.

D. Joshua Taylor

NEW YORK GENEALOGICAL & BIOGRAPHICAL SOCIETY

D. Joshua Taylor, MA, MLS, FUGA is a nationally known and recognized speaker and author on genealogy and family history. He is the President of the New York Genealogical & Biographical Society (NYG&B), and is the recipient of numerous awards and honors. Josh has been a featured genealogist on Who Do You Think You Are?with Sarah Jessica Parker, Kelly Clarkson, Ashley Judd, Reba McEntire, and Rob Lowe. He can also be seen taking America through their past as a host on the popular PBS series Genealogy Roadshow.