Unlock the potential of your DNA results in this engaging, hands-on workshop series led by professional genealogist Fiona Brooker.
Delivered live via Zoom, this interactive program is designed to help family historians move beyond simple match lists and begin uncovering meaningful genetic connections.
In Part 1, you will explore the foundations of genetic genealogy, learning how autosomal DNA works in a family history context and how to interpret your results with confidence. Through guided exercises, you’ll discover how to group DNA matches, identify shared relationships, and begin building family trees to uncover common ancestors. This session is ideal for beginner to intermediate researchers who want to turn raw DNA data into real genealogical insight.
Part 2 builds on these core skills and introduces powerful DNA analysis tools to take your research further. You will learn how to use platforms such as DNA Painter (including WATO) and BanyanDNA to test hypotheses, evaluate evidence, and refine your conclusions. With a focus on structured analysis, this session will help you move from possible connections to well-supported interpretations, increasing both accuracy and confidence in your findings.
Across both parts, the workshops combine presentation with practical, hands-on activities, ensuring you can immediately apply what you learn.
Participants are encouraged to attend with access to their DNA results, ready to actively engage in exercises and discussions.
By the end of the series, you’ll have a clear workflow for analysing DNA matches and a stronger foundation for integrating genetic evidence into your family history research.
About the Presenter
Fiona Brooker’s family history journey started over 40 years ago with two 19th century marriage certificates taking her research into New Zealand, Australia, North America and the United Kingdom. While living in England, Fiona studied with the Institute of Heraldic and Genealogical Studies and obtained a Higher Certificate in Genealogy.
Memories in Time (www.memoriesintime.co.nz) grew from her desire to help others trace their family history. She is a speaker at international and national conferences and enjoys teaching practical workshops on family history, DNA and AI, in person and virtually. Fiona works with clients to take their research from folders and their computer, into the hands of their family.
