Discovering Ohio Pioneers: Autosomal DNA Limitations and Mitochondrial DNA Saves the Day

Do you have pioneers or early ancestors in the Miami Valley Region? The Miami river system was a key component for migration, survival, farming and opportunity. Come learn how to organize your story around a timeline, to find some gems in the archives in the area, and how a little bit of mitochondrial DNA helped me push back to an ancestral couple near Troy who settled here before Ohio was a state. 

Kelli Jo Bergheimer is a writer, teacher, editor, and international genealogical speaker. Kelli holds a Bachelor’s Degree in biology, a Master’s in Education Curriculum and Instruction, and a Master’s in Business Management. Kelli is the Director of Curriculum and Assessments for Blue Kayak, a K-12 textbook company. She also works as the Director of Education for Your DNA Guide. Kelli runs a small business—Mess on the Desk, a genealogical organization company with a YouTube channel. Kelli is the facilitator for Genetics, Genealogy, and You, an online DNA Interest Group. Kelli is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists and the Genealogical Speaker’s Guild member.

Kelli presents one-hour programs, workshops, half-day and full-day events, and webinars. Her specialties are DNA analysis and genealogical organization.