You feel the pull to understand where you come from.
But you're not sure where to begin.
You don't want to waste time going in the wrong direction. And you don't want to feel overwhelmed by everything that's possible.
You don't need more information.
You need a clear entry point into your lineage.
Most genealogy focuses on names and dates.
Most spiritual work ignores documented history.
I bring both together.
This is rigorous lineage work grounded in historical record — used to help you understand where to begin and what matters most.
This is not about going deeper yet.
It's about knowing where depth will matter.
Most genealogy focuses on names and dates.
Most spiritual work ignores documented history.
I integrate both.
This is professional genealogical research grounded in historical record—combined with reflective integration to help you understand what your lineage carries.
- You've felt a quiet curiosity about where you come from
- You wonder about the lives of the people who shaped you, even if you don't know their stories yet
- You feel the pull to explore your lineage, but don't know where to begin
- You sense there are patterns or experiences in your family that still influence you today
- You don't just want a family tree — you want to approach it with intention
Most genealogy focuses on names and dates.
Most spiritual work ignores documented history.
I integrate both.
This is professional genealogical research grounded in historical record—combined with reflective integration to help you understand what your lineage carries.
During this session, we:
- Review what you already know
- Identify areas of curiosity or uncertainty
- Clarify where your attention should be focused
- Establish realistic scope and priorities
- Set up your family tree on FamilySearch if you're starting from scratch
HOW IT WORKS:
The 3 Phases
PHASE 1
Lineage Strategy Session
This may include:
- Reviewing your current family tree and known information
- Identifying available records, gaps, and limitations
- Assessing which lines or questions appear most promising
- Clarifying realistic next steps for deeper research
PHASE 2
Record Review + Assessment
Together, we:
- Review key findings and discoveries
- Clarify what's most important moving forward
- Identify the strongest next direction
- Outline a clear, personalized research path
PHASE 3
Findings, Roadmap + Next Steps
- Know exactly where your lineage invites deeper exploration.
- Understand key historical context, and forces that shaped your family
- Have documented progress — not just conversation — reflected in your family tree.
- Leave with a clear, personalized roadmap for what to explore next.
- See your place in your lineage more clearly
Origin Initiation is the starting point.
From here, you'll know exactly how to move forward:
Your Origin Story
Deep multi-generation research uncovering the full arc of your lineage.
Custom Research + Integration
Archival research into your lineage — paired with an integration session to make meaning of what surfaces.
Or continue independently with confidence.
Origin Initiation ensures whatever you choose next is informed, intentional, and aligned.
Ancestral Journey Map
A custom travel guide built from your lineage research — mapping the places your ancestors actually lived.
Hi, I'm Megan Hillyer
I hold a degree in Family History Research and specialize in navigating historical records, migration patterns, and generational context with precision and care.
But my work doesn't stop at documentation.
I believe lineage carries power.
Names and dates matter. Records matter. Accuracy matters.
But so does meaning.
Again and again, I've seen how understanding the lived experiences of those who came before us can illuminate resilience, reveal patterns, and restore a grounded sense of belonging.
My work integrates rigorous research with thoughtful reflection — so you don't just gather information, you understand what it means.
You are not random.
You are the continuation of a story.
Let's uncover it.
Professional Genealogist | Founder of Know Your Ancestors
Clients describe this work as clarifying, grounding, and deeply meaningful.
I never thought genealogy was for me, but Megan changed that entirely. Her research revealed deep ancestral patterns and connections that felt both grounding and transformative. What once sounded “out there” now feels completely natural. This work opened a connection I didn’t know I was missing.
ERICA BRADLEY
GRAYCE ANDERSEN
BRITTANY JEPSEN
I feel like there's so much depth to everybody that when you unravel it or when you begin to find out, it just makes you a deeper person. I feel very moved, so thank you.
TORIE FELDMAN
I already felt connected to my ancestors, but seeing the places they lived made that connection real in a new way. Your research allowed their stories to come through powerfully—it feels like the ancestors are speaking through this work. Sharing it with my family has been deeply impactful and even inspired an ancestral pilgrimage. Life-changing.
It’s really cool to hear the things that they had and went through and realize the connections in my life and that I am here right now because all these people did all these hard things to get here.
I feel like there's so much depth to everybody that when you unravel it or when you begin to find out, it just makes you a deeper person. I feel very moved, so thank you.
I already felt connected to my ancestors, but seeing the places they lived made that connection real in a new way. Your research allowed their stories to come through powerfully—it feels like the ancestors are speaking through this work. Sharing it with my family has been deeply impactful and even inspired an ancestral pilgrimage. Life-changing.
It’s really cool to hear the things that they had and went through and realize the connections in my life and that I am here right now because all these people did all these hard things to get here.
Origin Initiation
- A focused lineage strategy session to clarify your starting point
- Focused record review and lineage assessment
- Family tree setup on FamilySearch if you're starting from scratch
- Documented findings added to your family tree in FamilySearch
- All sourced records and discoveries
- A personalized roadmap for what to explore next
- A guided reflection to help you connect to what's emerged
- Session recordings for reference
Investment: $297 USD
or 3 payments of $100 USD
It is designed to assess what already exists — and give you clear direction for what to do next.
Every lineage is different.
The information you currently have — whether minimal or extensive — holds clues about what is possible and where to focus.
You can expect:
- A clear understanding of what you currently have
- Insight into what is realistic within your lineage
- Identification of the most meaningful next steps
- A grounded, strategic direction forward