Season 3 of DNA Clarity and Support Opens with Interview of Maggy, NPE

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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). 

Maggy realized a secret message on the back of a photograph in an album could have revealed her NPE discovery decades before.

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:

  • The NPE (not parent expected) experience

  • Writing as a means of healing

  • Identity shifts over time

  • Nature and nurture

  • Becoming a DNA search helper for others

  • Finding community

  • Turning a painful experience into support for others

NPE Resources

Related Topics Discussed:

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.

Highlighted Resources:

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!

Like what you heard? Drop a comment to Maggy to show your appreciation and support.

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When the Professional Meets the Personal: a Conversation with Genetic Counselor Jen Jacober

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A New Era in Ancestry Testing as MyHeritage Launches Low-Pass Whole Genome Sequencing