Yvonne Fenster, AG®

I am a professional genealogist accredited through ICAPGen in the Upper South region of the United States (Virginia, West Virginia, Tennessee, Kentucky, and North Carolina). I bring expertise in DNA analysis, particularly in cases involving cousin marriages and Y-DNA research, which helps break through genealogical brick walls. I am a graduate of the Research Like a Pro and Research Like a Pro with DNA study groups and have subsequently served as a mentor for both study groups. I hold an Associate of Science in Nursing from Onondaga Community College, a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Bridgewater State College, a Doctor of Philosophy in Neuroscience and Physiology from SUNY Upstate Medical University at Syracuse, and Postdoctoral training at Cornell University in Ithaca. When not uncovering family histories, I enjoy quilting, cooking, and spending time with my grandchildren and husband. I have a rare medical condition that requires frequent treatment. Therefore, I currently do pro bono work for FamilyLocket. A portion of all client fees is donated to Angels Flight East, supporting their mission of providing medical transportation assistance.

Yvonne's Upcoming Live Webinars (1)

Wed, April 1 2026: 15:30 UTC
Untangling Family Networks: Solving Paternity with DNA and Records
Wed, April 1 2026: 15:30 UTC
This investigation utilizes Y-DNA and autosomal DNA evidence, combined with documentary research, to explore Glen Hugh Hopper's paternal origins in early 20th-century Tennessee. Y-DNA established the Daniel surname for Glen's father, but which of Marcus Daniel's (1846-1926) sons could be Glen's father? What documentary evidence, from census records to Civil War pension files, could provide the geographic and chronological context needed to evaluate each Daniel brother as a potential father candidate? How could BanyanDNA analysis help navigate the complex genetic relationships between the Daniel brothers when their families were so heavily intermarried?
This investigation utilizes Y-DNA and autosomal DNA evidence, combined with documentary research, to explore Glen Hugh Hopper's paternal origins in early 20th-century Tennessee. Y-DNA established the Daniel surname for Glen's father, but which of Marcus Daniel's (1846-1926) sons could be Glen's father? What documentary evidence, from census records to Civil War pension files, could provide the geographic and chronological context needed to evaluate each Daniel brother as a potential father candidate? How could BanyanDNA analysis help navigate the complex genetic relationships between the Daniel brothers when their families were so heavily intermarried?
Wed, April 1 2026: 15:30 UTC