Shannon Combs-Bennett

Shannon Combs-Bennett earned her BS in Biology with the aspiration of becoming a genetic counselor. Due to unforeseen events her career was put on hold and she eventually turned her research skills to learning about her family. She began her genealogy business in 2012 and enjoys researching, writing, and lecturing on a variety of topics including, but not limited to, Virginia, social media, DNA, and lineage societies.

You may have recognized her name from her genealogy start as Family Tree University’s Family Tree Firsts blogger. Since then Shannon became a columnist for The In-Depth Genealogist, continued as an FTU contributor, and has published her first book. Her personal blog, Trials and Tribulations of a Self-Taught Family Historian is where Shannon talks about her discoveries in pursing her personal family history as well as anything else that she finds interesting.

Continuing to advance her genealogy education, Shannon completed the Boston University Genealogical Certificate Program in the fall of 2013. Currently she is enrolled at The National Institute for Genealogical Studies where she is also their student blogger.

Volunteer work has always been important to Shannon and as such she participates in several genealogy societies. Currently Shannon serves as the Education Chair for The NextGen Genealogy Network. Shannon is excited to host a monthly hangout for members on topics related to engage and encourage the next generation of genealogists out there.