Presenters-2026

Forensic specialization working on Probate and Heir searches originating in Illinois or Eastern Europe.

An archaeologist by training (B.A., and M.A.), Emily H. Garber is a Jewish family history researcher, writer and speaker.

With over 30 years of genealogical research, Bill Tarkulich, BSEE, MBA, began his research unaware of his ethnicity or where his grandparents were from.

Jalyse Ortiz is an Accredited Genealogist® in Eastern Germany. Jalyse works at the FamilySearch library in SLC as a Slavic research consultant.

Patrick received a BA in family history-genealogy, emphasis Eastern Europe, from BYU; an MA in Estonian History from the University of Tartu; and a PhD in Hi

Marissa Jean Gardner is a professional genealogist specializing in Germanic and Slavic research, including work with historical handwriting, parish records,

Kathy Kirkpatrick earned her B.A. in History from Humboldt State University at Arcata, California.