Meet Laura, Project Manager for Legacy Tree Genealogists

Laura’s journey into genealogy didn’t come from family tradition—it came from a longing for connection. Born in New Jersey but mostly raised in New Mexico, she grew up largely detached from extended relatives, with no one in her immediate family showing much interest in tracing their roots. But Laura was different. She wanted to understand where she came from, who her ancestors were, and how their stories shaped the life she knew.

That curiosity became a lifelong pursuit. Her greatest genealogical triumph (and greatest challenge) is her second great-grandfather, a Kentucky Derby-winning horse trainer. His remarkable achievements as a horse owner and trainer were nearly lost to time. Yet despite decades of research, Laura has yet to uncover who his parents were, proving that every genealogist—no matter how experienced—still has brick walls of their own.

Laura has pursued extensive genealogical education to enhance her expertise. She has completed the Genealogical Principles course at Boston University, participated in ProGen Study Groups, and attended advanced courses at the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy and the Institute for Genealogy and Historical Research. Her dedication to continuous learning ensures she stays abreast of the latest methodologies and resources in the field.

Professionally, Laura turned her passion into a career, founding her own genealogy research company before joining Legacy Tree. She also brings over 20 years of experience in office management, human resources, and bookkeeping, most recently managing a law office. Her ability to organize complex information, track down elusive records, and problem-solve makes her a natural fit for guiding clients through their own ancestral journeys.

Laura lives in New Mexico, where her adult daughter, Taylor, also resides. She is also a widow and understands firsthand the importance of preserving family legacies. When she’s not immersed in historical records, she enjoys reading, Pilates, bingeing a good television show, walking her dogs, and spending time with family and friends who have become family.

We’d love to help you with your family history, whether we’re breaking down brick wall mysteries, finding your biological parents, or just starting from scratch finding the stories about your ancestors. Contact us today for a free consultation.