Irene Rossman
ProGen Member Overview
My love for family history developed at a young age out of the pursuit of the answer to the universal question, "Who am I?" This shifted into a desire to help others in their search as well. Turning my hobby into a profession, I completed Boston University’s Certificate in Genealogical Research in 2018 and graduated from the ProGen Study Group 38.
My passion within the varied field of genealogy is finding birth families, and I volunteer for the non-profit 325Kamra, Inc., which assists Korean Adoptees in getting DNA testing and finding their birth families. I am also an investigative genetic genealogist for the Firebird Forensics Group. My memberships include the Utah Genealogical Association of which I am Co-Chair of the DNA special interest group, the Virtual Genealogical Association, the National Genealogical Society, the California Genealogical Society, and the Sacramento German Genealogy Society.
Although genetic genealogy is my focus, other research interests include the following areas: Ashkenazi Jewish, County Kerry, Ireland, Scotland, San Francisco, and Yuba County, California.
My love of all things genealogy takes up most of my time, however I also enjoy taking road trips with my husband, three children, three adopted Belgian Sheepdogs, and adopted bunny.
Education
GENEALOGICAL EDUCATION
Certificate in Genealogical Research, Boston University, (OL26)
ProGen 38 Study Group, Chat Day Co-Leader
Mentor: Judith A. Herbert, CG®
RELATED EDUCATION
Master of Criminal Justice, Boston University, Boston, MA, January 2018
Master of Science, Clinical Psychology, Notre Dame de Namur University, Belmont, CA, May 2016
Certificate in Gerontology, Notre Dame de Namur University, Belmont, CA, May 2016
Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, Notre Dame de Namur University, Belmont, CA, May 2005
Certificate in Inner City Studies, Notre Dame de Namur University, Belmont, CA, May 2005
GENEALOGICAL INSTITUTES AND CONFERENCES
SLIG & SLIG Academy, Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy, Salt Lake City, UT, January 2020
Course and Coordinator: Meeting Standards Using DNA Evidence — Research Strategies – Karen Stanbary, MA, LCSW, CG®
Course and Coordinator: The Art of Writing Client Reports – Angela Packer McGhie, CG®
SLIG Virtual, Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy, slig.ugagenealogy.org, Fall 2019
Course and Coordinator: All-DNA Advanced Evidence Analysis Practicum with Angela Packer McGhie, CG®
IGGC 2019, International German Genealogy Partnership, iggpartner.org, Sacramento, CA, June 2019
Speakers: Ben Hollister, Kim Ashford, Nancy E. Loe, MA, MLS, Daniel Lilienkamp, JD, Teresa McMillin, CG®, Andrea Bentschneider, Ute Brandenburg, Diahan Southard, Stephen P. Morse, PhD, Mary Kircher Roddy, CG®, Bill Cole, MA, Michael D. Lacopo, D.V.M.
SLIG Academy, Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy, slig.ugagenealogy.org, Salt Lake City, UT, January 2019
Course and Coordinator: DNA and the 21st Century Professional with Angie Bush, MS
i4GG 2018, Institute for Genetic Genealogy, isogg.org, San Diego, CA, December 2018
Speakers: CeCe Moore, Barbara Rae-Venter, Kitty Munson Cooper, Tim Janzen, Schelly Talalay Dardashti, Dana Leeds, Diahan Southard, Kathleen Fernandes, Shannon Christmas
Experience
Investigative Genetic Genealogist, Firebird Forensics Group, January 2020 – Present
Fellow team members and I work together to solve cold cases. I have helped identify unknown victims, killers, and birth families for those with unknown parentage.
Technical Coordinator, Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy, March 2019 – June 2020
The Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy offers in-person and virtual quality instruction from the field’s top educators. As the Technical Coordinator, I wore many hats. I created promotional videos for the courses from interviews with each coordinator. I also provided technical support for two virtual courses as a liaison between the coordinators and the students. During SLIG and SLIG Academy weeks, I handled on-site photography and videography of the courses and interviewed current students and future coordinators.
Co-Chair, Utah Genealogical Association, DNA Special Interest Group, August 2018 – Present
The Utah Genealogical Association (UGA) DNA Special Interest Group provides genealogical information, sources, and education to those interested in DNA and genetic genealogy. As Co-Chair, I assist in requesting, reviewing, and scheduling presentations, contributing to the monthly newsletter, manage the UGA DNA Facebook Group, moderate monthly meetings on GoToWebinar, send updates to the UGA Board, develop projects that promote UGA DNA’s mission, and perform other administrative tasks. I also volunteer with the Conference Committee, which organizes the annual UGA Virtual Conference.
Volunteer, 325Kamra, Inc., May 2018 – Present
325Kamra, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit whose mission is to DNA test Korean family who lost or relinquished children to international adoption. As a volunteer, I assist the search team in utilizing genetic genealogy and traditional genealogy methods to help Korean Adoptees find their birth families. I also assist with DNA testing at local events.