In this episode, we welcome Brianne Kirkpatrick, a genetic counselor and DNA consultant and Co-author of The DNA Guide for Adoptees: How to use genealogy and genetics to uncover your roots, connect with your biological family and better understand your medical history” and author of the e-book Could the DNA Test Be Wrong?
Sparked by curiosity surrounding the gaps in her own family history from her grandmother being a kinship adoptee, Brianne’s interest in genealogy grew. And when consumer DNA testing became more popular, Brianne recognized her unique skillset combined as a genetic counselor and experience in genealogy and formed Watershed DNA to help others in their journey.
Episode Highlights
• Why do people use DNA kits?
• Situations with unknown birth fathers who didn’t know they parented a child
• No Parent Expected Discover (NPE)
• How Watershed DNA can help
• Adoptees using DNA kits are encouraged to enlist a therapist or counselor to help prepared for a variety of outcomes
• Organizing DNA results
• 4 DNA Kit Companies – “fish in all the ponds” to find a close match
• Steps for reaching out to connections once matches made
• Nervous about having DNA out there in a system
• Can DNA tell men and women different things?
• Success stories of locating birth family
• DNA Testing Minors
• Country-specific support groups for international adoptees
