Lisa developed a lifelong appreciation for family history at a young age. Her great-great-grandmother, who lived to 104, told Lisa vivid stories about surviving a wildfire in Northern Minnesota, schoolboys causing trouble on the prairies, building her own homes, and making her way across the continent to Yakima, Washington, where she spent the last half of her life. She preserved family memories through dolls, quilts, letters, typewritten stories, genealogical research, and hand-drawn family … [Read more...]
Meet Matthew, Project Manager for Legacy Tree Genealogists
Matthew brings nearly three decades of project management and client relationship experience with both non-profit organizations and Fortune 500 companies. In these positions, he developed a reputation for attention to detail, dependability, and helping clients find solutions with clarity and care. His passion for genealogy is deeply personal. At age 46, encouraged by his wife, Matthew took a DNA test that led to meeting his father and siblings for the first time. Though his father has since … [Read more...]
Meet Chalise, Project Manager for Legacy Tree Genealogists
Chalise’s love of family history began as a 7th grader in junior high school. Her math professor dad assigned her to transfer several binders of extensive family records into the family computer. What started out as more of a consequence for a math grade that could have been better, ended up beginning a lifetime of great joy in genealogical pursuits. Exploring her Norwegian, Spanish, English and Scottish family lines has been incredibly fascinating and fulfilling. The bonds within her extended … [Read more...]
Meet Jennifer, Project Manager for Legacy Tree Genealogists
Jennifer is a Project Manager at Legacy Tree Genealogists, where she combines a lifelong love of storytelling with a passion for helping people uncover their roots. Her journey into genealogy began in 2020 when she started tracing her own family tree—an adventure that led to unexpected discoveries, including traces of Coptic Egyptian and Eastern European ancestry in her predominantly Italian lineage. With a background in customer service and experience as an insurance agent, Jennifer brings … [Read more...]
Meet Whitney, Project Manager for Legacy Tree Genealogists
Whitney’s love of family history began with the stories shared around the dinner table. Growing up in the South, her family was never short on colorful tales – some of which sounded a bit too good to be true. Driven by curiosity, Whitney set out in college to separate myth from fact, embarking on a research project to build a family tree as a Christmas gift for her parents and grandmother. The process not only uncovered fascinating truths but also sparked conversations and connections across … [Read more...]
Meet Lisa, Project Manager for Legacy Tree Genealogists
Lisa Ratzesberger brings a warm and personal touch to her work in genealogy, shaped by years of experience in client-focused roles. She started her career in credit unions, helping members with their accounts and loans. After taking time off to raise her three children, she stayed active by volunteering in her community. Once her kids were in school, Lisa moved into the insurance world, where she got licensed and continued her focus on great customer service. No matter the job, she’s always been … [Read more...]
Meet Annie, Project Manager for Legacy Tree Genealogists
Annie Kenline is a Project Manager at Legacy Tree Genealogists, where she brings a passion for storytelling, organization, and helping others connect with their family's past. With a professional background in construction project management, Annie is no stranger to high-pressure environments and tight timelines—experiences that have sharpened her skills in attention to detail, clear communication, and timely product delivery. She loves working with researchers and clients to bring complex … [Read more...]
Meet Shari, Project Manager for Legacy Tree Genealogists
Shari's journey into genealogy began with childhood curiosity, as she delved into old family photographs and stories. A memorable piece of advice from her father — "Watch out for the first few branches; they might swing back and hit you!" — added humor to her early explorations. As an adoptive parent, her passion for genealogy took on new meaning. She understands deeply how powerful it is to help others bridge the gap to their biological roots and carries that empathy into her work with every … [Read more...]