Speaking & Teaching
Practical, heart-led education for genetic genealogy, reconnection, and research
I love equipping people with the clarity, tools and confidence to use DNA and genealogy well. I regularly speak at the Cairns & District Family History Society and teach Australia wide via Zoom. My sessions blend science and heart — translating complex DNA concepts into plain English and showing realworld applications with compassion and care.
“I bring together science and heart — using DNA research to help people find missing family and reclaim their sense of belonging.”
Who I Teach
Adoption and donor conceived support organisations
Private groups (community education, book clubs, special interest)
Popular Formats
Workshops (90 minutes to 3 hours; hands-on with exercises)
1:1 or small group clinics (case reviews; tailored guidance)
All sessions available in person (FNQ/Queensland & by arrangement) or online (Zoom/Teams/FaceTime).
Signature Topics
Science + Heart
- DNA Testing for Family History:
What to test, why it matters, and how to get meaningful results. - Understanding Your Matches:
Centimorgans explained; grouping and triangulation made simple. - Building Trees that Tell a Story:
Evidence, citations and turning data into narrative.
Adoption & Sensitive Searches
- DNA for Adoptees & Birth Families:
Ethics, readiness, support, and practical steps. - Working with Surprises:
Emotional firstaid for unexpected discoveries (for practitioners and groups). - What Are the Odds? (WATO):
Using probabilities to evaluate hypotheses.
Tools & Techniques
- GEDmatch Demystified:
Practical workflows that actually help. - Living People Research (Australia):
Ethical skip tracing for reconnection. - Organisation for DNA Research:
From paper piles to clean, searchable systems.
Tech & Trends
- AI for Family History:
Safe, smart ways to speed up research — without losing rigour. - Google for Genealogy:
Advanced search and sourcing strategies.
Previously Delivered
- Genetic Genealogy for Adoption Support Workers
- Finding Living People for Genetic Genealogy — CDFHS
- Many Marvellous DNA Matches — Society of Australian Genealogists DNA Group
- AI for Family History — CDFHS
- What Are the Odds? (WATO) — CDFHS
- GEDmatch — CDFHS
- DNA Testing for Family History — CDFHS
- Headstones & Symbols — CDFHS
- Contacting DNA Matches — CDFHS
- Finding Living People for Genetic Genealogy — CDFHS
- Talking Headstones — Unlock the Past Cruise (Cairns)
- Using Google for Research — CDFHS
- FamilyTreeDNA — CDFHS
- Using DNA to Assist with Genealogy — Mildura Family History Group
Tailored sessions
Have a specific topic in mind? I can customise a talk or workshop for your group. Popular requests include:
- Help! I Did a DNA Test — Now What?
- DNA for Adoptees / DNA for Birth Parents
- X DNA & How to Use It
- 10 Ways to Renew Your Research
- Interviewing Relatives — Questions that Work
- Graves, Graves & More Graves!
Ready to begin your journey?
- Availability:
Evenings and weekends preferred; weekdays by arrangement. - Delivery:
Inperson (Cairns/FNQ/QLD & travel by request) or online (Zoom/Teams/FaceTime). - Resources included:
Slides (PDF), tip sheets, and followup links. - Enquiries & bookings
Email mel@thednaconnection.com.au or Request a Speaking Slot via my online calendar Please include your preferred dates, audience size, format and topic.