ABOUT 

Genealogy isn’t just my passion—it’s a lifelong journey that began in the mid-1990s, long before the internet made research accessible. Back then, I spent hours in bookstores, libraries and archives, carefully scanning microfilm and flipping through index cards to trace my family's origins. Every name I uncovered felt like a step closer to understanding where I came from.

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The deeper I dug, the more astonishing stories I found. I learned that parts of my family had perished in the Holocaust. I discovered that both of my paternal grandparents lived in the same village—many there were ravaged by Russian Cossacks in the pogroms of the early 1900s. My ancestors had to hide in the forests, flee persecution, and ultimately, start over.

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One of my most incredible discoveries was learning how my great-grandmother arrived at Ellis Island and once settled, had changed their surname from "Saposznik"—which meant "shoemaker" in their homeland—to Levine. This was not due to Ellis Island as many believe. For the record, name changes were never made at Ellis Island. This is a well-known myth. Through letters, old recordings, and unexpected connections, I’ve pieced together a rich family history that I never knew existed. I tracked down a long-lost relative who had an audio recording of my father’s first cousin interviewing his mother, who also came from the same village as well. Recounting in a thick Jewish accent, the harrowing events their family endured. She described scenes of survival, during that period—A few other family members shared, how my great-grandmother poisoned Russian Cossacks who threatened their village and how the family whispered their stories in secret.

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Over the years, my research has expanded beyond my own family. I’ve helped many people reconnect with their roots, uncover hidden stories, and locate lost relatives.

 

With the advantage of DNA testing and online archives, I’ve been able to find more distant cousins, forgotten gravestones, and build family trees that span continents.

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Recently, I tracked down a photo of a friend's GGG-grandfather’s gravestone in Ireland—something that would have been nearly impossible decades ago. The ability to uncover these histories and share them with others is one of my greatest joys.

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Genealogy is more than just names and dates; it’s about bringing history to life and forging connections that transcend generations. Whether you're looking to rediscover your roots or find long-lost relatives, I’m here to help you piece together the story of your past—because every family’s history deserves to be told.