About Us

Jessica Stern: Black Sheep Genealogist

Jessica’s genealogy journey began nearly 15 years ago, when she started to research her paternal family history, which was mostly lost when her grandfather’s family perished in the Holocaust. Using a combination of archival research and DNA testing, she reconstructed and memorialized the lives of those who perished. Jessica then turned her attention to helping others discover their own family histories.

Jessica’s genealogy training never stops, and currently includes courses at Boston University, the Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh, and the Texas Institute of Genealogical Research, as well as the Daughters of the American Revolution’s Genealogical Education Program. In 2016, the DAR recognized Jessica as Outstanding Volunteer Genealogist in the Pacific Northwest.

Jessica is part of the team of investigative genetic genealogists at Firebird Forensics, founded by Barbara Rae-Venter, the genetic genealogist who identified the notorious Golden State Killer. In her previous career, Jessica was a Vice President and Supervisory Analyst for several global investment banks.

Jessica earned a B.A. from Fordham University, with additional coursework at New York University and John Jay College of Criminal Justice. Her genealogy training includes courses at Boston University, the Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh, and the Texas Institute of Genealogical Research. She lives in the greater Seattle area with her husband and pets. She has one descendant.

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