My Journey

While working as a full-time pharmacist, I served a Family History Service Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 2010. Through this experience, I discovered my passion for genealogical research. This was a period of transition in family history research, as FamilySearch was evolving and becoming available to the general public, and digital databases were emerging. Assisting others with these technological advances and helping them navigate these resources provided me with valuable learning experiences. This experience led me to assist family members and friends in tracing their lineage, creating detailed family profiles that included vital documents, photographs, narratives, and interpretations of historical records.

Throughout my career as a pharmacist, I engaged in clinical research that developed my technical writing skills, including data and statistical analysis, and presentation skills for both in-person and virtual settings. These skills have been immensely beneficial in my work on family history. Additionally, I earned two Master’s degrees while practicing as a pharmacist.

After retiring from my pharmacy career in 2020, I dedicated myself to developing additional skills in genealogical research and paleography. Completing academic programs focused on genealogical research, participating in online webinars, attending conferences, and taking specialized classes have significantly enhanced my research abilities and enabled me to master the Genealogical Proof Standard. This knowledge has improved my skills in kinship determination, case studies, research reports, and paleography. I am currently finalizing my portfolio for Board Certification for Genealogists, and my learning and knowledge continue to evolve.

Service Details and Descriptions

Organization and Consultation

If you find yourself overwhelmed by a mountain of boxes filled with documents, cherished photographs, and personal stories, and you're unsure whether to preserve, discard, or donate these items, I can help. Together, we will embark on a thoughtful journey through each box, evaluating the significance of every piece as if we were uncovering hidden treasures. I will assist you in deciding which items deserve a place in your heart and home due to their sentimental value, which can be released to make room for new memories, and which might bring joy to others through donation. As we work together, we will transform chaos into a beautifully curated collection—one that truly embodies your unique memories and values—creating a space that reflects your history and aspirations.

Narratives

A narrative research report is a captivating exploration that structures personal stories and experiences. Through collaborative research, we embark on a journey to weave the rich tapestry of your ancestors' stories. This report will intricately intertwine your unique experiences and cherished memories, creating a chronological timeline of life events that highlights their profound significance. By employing qualitative data, such as engaging interviews, we will delve into the themes, identities, and contexts that shape our understanding of life.

Oral Histories

I will record stories from your relatives using audio and video, and will provide a transcript of the session. Oral family histories are valuable because they capture personal experiences, emotions, and unique perspectives that written records often miss. This method creates a richer family story, strengthens connections across generations, and preserves legacies for future generations. Oral histories offer firsthand accounts that make past events more relatable, affirm family values, and connect generations through shared stories of successes and challenges, creating a living historical resource.

Kinship Determination Projects

A Kinship Determination Project (KDP) combines two genealogical goals: documenting relationship conclusions and crafting family history. This project utilizes documented evidence, such as vital records, census data, and probate files, to construct family trees and establish generational connections. I will conduct thorough research on individuals to reconstruct their family histories. The records provide historical context that enriches the family narrative.

A Kinship Determination Project intertwines life stories with evidence summaries that highlight intergenerational relationships. The KDP is formatted as a narrative lineage focusing on one individual or couple in each of three generations. Each generation's section includes a genealogical summary, a biographical sketch, and a list of children.

Pedigrees and Family Trees

A family tree is a diagram that visually represents relationships within a family across generations. It begins with an individual and branches out to include their ancestors or descendants. The tree illustrates connections among parents, siblings, spouses, and children. These charts often feature names, dates, and photos to trace lineage and document family history. Similar to a genealogical chart, a family tree shows how family members are interconnected, much like the branches of a tree, and helps individuals explore their roots. I can assist you in discovering your ancestors by creating a family history or pedigree that spans four generations and beyond.

My Favorite Charities

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My Favorite Reads

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I’d like to share some of my favorite charities that genuinely touch my heart. Each of these organizations works tirelessly to provide vital resources to underserved populations, making a meaningful difference in their lives.

FCYD Camp UTADA,

“Utah’s Diabetes Camps” FCYD Camp UTADA is the only American Camping Association (ACA) accredited diabetes camp in Utah. It is a non-profit organization (501(c)(3)) that relies entirely on volunteers. The camp offers residential, day, and family camps for children and families affected by diabetes. Additionally, it provides leadership and travel events specifically designed for teens.

www.fcydcamputada.org

Lifting Hands International

Lifting Hands International Utah is a compassionate 501(c)(3) non-profit organization devoted to making a difference in the lives of refugees. Lifting Hands collects, sorts, and ships essential humanitarian aid—such as food, hygiene items, baby supplies, and school materials—to those in need in countries like Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey, and Bangladesh. They also provide support by setting up welcoming apartments for refugees upon their arrival in Utah, helping them find a safe place to call home.

http://www.liftinghandsinternational.org/

The Other Side Academy

The Other Side Academy is a school that helps students learn essential skills for a better life. It offers a chance for people facing lengthy prison sentences or those who want to change their lives. Many students come from backgrounds of crime, drug use, or homelessness. The Academy accepts both men and women, whether they are waiting for a court decision or have already been sentenced, as long as they are ready to learn. Students learn to govern themselves and work full-time at our vocational training schools. These schools allow us to support ourselves financially. As students take control of their lives, they also learn skills in marketing, business, and various trades.

https://www.theothersideacademy.com/

"Polio: An American Story"

David M. Oshinsky

"Tell It Short: A Guide to Writing Your Family History in Brief"

Sharon DeBartolo Carmack

www.scatteredleavespress.com

"In Short: A Collection of Brief Creative Non-Fiction"

Judith Kitchen and Mary Paumier Jones, Editors

"Facing the Mountain: An Inspiring Story of Japanese American Patriots"

Daniel James Brown

"Journey to Topaz"

Yoshiko Uchida, illustrated by Donald Carrick

"The Anatomy of Peace: Resolving the Heart of Conflict"

The Arbinger Institute

"How to Change the World: Social Entrepreneurs and the Power of New Ideas"

David Bornstein

"The Pioneers: The Heroic Story of the Settlers Who Brought the American Ideal West"

David McCullough

Elise Swenson, M.S., M.A.O.M., B.S.

eliseswensonfamilyhistory@gmail.com

(801)718-4366

RootsAndBeyond.org