Maggy was the family genealogist who dedicated her heart and time to developing the family tree branches far and wide. A month after distributing a book of their genealogy to her excited family, she discovered the book no longer included her.

Over the past 12-and-a-half years since her surprise DNA discovery, Maggy has been on a long and winding journey grappling with her identity and navigating changes in her relationships.

Maggy shares encouragement with other NPEs and advice for finding the community that fits your needs. She shares her experience of using a painful discovery to help others (and help yourself in the process). 

Read the two guest posts Maggy wrote about her experiences:

Self Identity Reflections from Maggy

Eight Years of Life as an NPE

This episode covers:

• Identity shifts over time
• Nature and nurture
• Becoming a DNA search helper for others
• Finding community
• Turning a painful experience into support for others

Hang around to the end of this conversation because Maggy and I also delve into the related but distinct DNA topic of forensic genetic genealogy! Also called investigative genetic genealogy (IGG), this is the application of DNA testing, match lists, and online family trees to solve genetic mysteries, missing persons, and crimes. Those interested in more on the IGG topic can also learn more from the interview with  J.C. Kenney in season 2.

Two search angel groups get a special shout-out in this episode. These are places I commonly refer my clients, readers, and listeners. If you reach out to these groups to seek help or to become a search angel, be sure to let them know Watershed DNA sent you!

• DNAngels.org

• DiscoverFamily.net

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