Paula Williams

Paula is a professional genealogist who has been researching for more than two decades in primarily southern US states and has been using DNA to solve problems for more than a decade. She has studied at IGHR, SLIG, GRIP, and the Genealogical Institute on Federal Records (Gen-Fed). In addition, she’s a board member of the Virginia Genealogical Society and of the Genealogical Research Institute of Virginia (GRIVA) and is the facilitator for the latter’s DNA Special Interest Group. She also serves as an administrator for Blaine Bettinger’s “Genetic Genealogy Tips & Techniques” group on Facebook, helping to answer people’s questions about DNA testing and analysis tools. She has taught at the IGHR and GRIP institutes and has lectured for the Southern California Genealogical Society’s Genealogy Jamboree and for the National Genealogical Society conference, among others.

Paula's Upcoming Live Webinars (3)

Tue, January 13 2026: 19:00 UTC
Using MyHeritage in Your Genealogical DNA Testing Plan
Tue, January 13 2026: 19:00 UTC
We often need other family members to take a DNA test for us to help us solve our genealogical problems. We'll discuss ways MyHeritage can help us find, test, and collaborate with our DNA cousins.
We often need other family members to take a DNA test for us to help us solve our genealogical problems. We'll discuss ways MyHeritage can help us find, test, and collaborate with our DNA cousins.
Tue, January 13 2026: 19:00 UTC
Tue, May 12 2026: 18:00 UTC
Cousins, Clusters, and Clues: Using MyHeritage DNA for Your Genealogical Mysteries
Tue, May 12 2026: 18:00 UTC
From DNA tools to record searches to cousin finding and beyond, learn about MyHeritage features you may have overlooked if you're used to other sites.
From DNA tools to record searches to cousin finding and beyond, learn about MyHeritage features you may have overlooked if you're used to other sites.
Tue, May 12 2026: 18:00 UTC
Wed, September 23 2026: 17:00 UTC
Leafless but Not Hopeless: Identifying DNA Matches Without Trees
Wed, September 23 2026: 17:00 UTC
Don't lose hope when your DNA matches don't have trees. We'll discuss several things you can do to help identify matches with or without trees.
Don't lose hope when your DNA matches don't have trees. We'll discuss several things you can do to help identify matches with or without trees.
Wed, September 23 2026: 17:00 UTC

Paula's Webinars (4)