Ready to make more breakthrough discoveries?
Master the game-changing DNA tool
everyone's talking about
And FINALLY identify Your Mystery Matches
using tools to analyze shared matches of matches
Make more DNA discoveries
More confidently
In less time
With less confusion
With this breakthrough tool
And this breakthrough process
Step-by-step methods for using the Shared Matches of Matches tool available at Ancestry, MyHeritage and 23andMe
Progressive instruction that takes you from “right-now” strategies to more advanced ones
A process you can follow repeatedly and in different situations to organize your data and focus on the matches that matter most
How to use our series of carefully-designed research logs to keep track of everything
How to confidently apply the strategies through practice and homework
How observing patterns and trends can help you more quickly and precisely define the branch of interest in your match’s family tree, so your genealogy research will be much more efficient
Time-saving insights into which matches you should focus your efforts on
How this tool can help you break through your brick walls and answer your questions
In a nutshell, you’ll learn an organized process that takes full advantage of the tools for analyzing shared matches of matches. This will help you shortcut the time-consuming “DO GENEALOGY” step to help you identify your missing ancestor faster and more accurately.
Engaging video tutorials and companion exercises offer a guided learning experience
Short, step-by-step, close-captioned modules help you digest one concept at a time
On-demand access lets you set your own pace: start, stop and rewatch whenever you want
Practice case study prepares you to use the tool with your own research
Expert-led discussion boards, so you can ask questions and discuss what you're learning
Professionally-designed workbook (print/fillable PDF) turns your coursework into a handy reference guide
Unlimited, indefinite access to the Course: return and refresh your learning anytime
FREE occasional updates as the tools for analyzing shared matches of matches may develop over time–we want to keep your learning current
Just $97!
"Thank you for this course. It will be a huge help in understanding what matches really mean. A game changer!"
-Jayne Dixon
"I loved this course! I've almost had a breakthrough. It's coming. This is genius!"
-Rochelle Ford
"THANK YOU, ALL!! Can't say enough good about this course. This course has been EXTREMELY beneficial."
-Elaine
"I am in awe about how well you understand DNA to develop a course like this. I have used your process on my two main brick walls....Now I can create a genetic family tree--not yet perfectly but it is amazing."
-Christine B
Your DNA Guide
Our sole purpose is to teach and inspire YOU to use DNA to explore your roots. We believe you can do it, and that there is power in making your own DNA discoveries. We’ve been focused on this mission for 10 years, which experience has made us a leading global genetic genealogy education company.
Diahan Southard, Founder and CEO
and a world-renowned genetic genealogy educator
I teach people how to use DNA testing to learn about their families. I believe that discovering your family story is so empowering! Learning it makes you stronger, more rooted, more connected, more confident. You can do it–and I can help you, just as I’ve helped thousands of people around the world.
What do you mean by "shared matches of matches" tools?
This is a term we are using to collectively describe tools that allow you to see how much DNA your DNA matches are sharing with each other. At AncestryDNA, the tool is called Enhanced shared matches. MyHeritage DNA calls their tool Shared DNA Matches. At FamilyTreeDNA, the tool is called Family Finder-Matrix. At 23andMe, it is called Relatives in Common.
Who is this Course for? How do I know if I’m ready for it?
Anyone at any point in their DNA education can learn something from this course. It helps if you have some experience in using the shared matches tool at your DNA testing company. Those with more advanced DNA experience will appreciate the insights about recognizing patterns and trends.
If you have endogamy in your family lines, this course may be able to help you, as we are primarily working with closer matches who are less affected by intermarriage. This course is not a substitute for Endogamy & DNA, which teaches essential strategies you will need to work with those intermingled branches.
What subscriptions or other special requirements are needed?
You will likely experience the greatest success if you have test results to work with at Ancestry.com, since their testing pool is the largest. On the Ancestry platform, you will need to have a subscription and a monthly membership to Pro Tools. If you don’t already have it, purchase one-month’s access while doing the Course. By the time you complete the Course, you’ll have a good idea whether you want to keep using Pro Tools.
You can also use tests at MyHeritage or 23andMe, which have had tools for viewing shared matches of matches for a long time. At MyHeritage, you’ll need access to the advanced DNA tools. If you tested with MyHeritage, you’ll need a subscription that includes the advanced DNA tools. If you uploaded your results from another site, you can purchase access to the advanced DNA tools for $29 per test.
What technical requirements are there?
This course takes place online. To access it, you’ll need a reliable internet connection for streaming the video learning sessions and for additional learning on your own time.
Why is this an on-demand course rather than a live workshop?
We chose an on-demand course format for a few reasons. This is a foundational DNA skill. You will use these strategies you learn again and again for new research questions. You get to keep access to the Course materials indefinitely, because we want you to be able to come back and review as needed.
Also, some people need more time than others for the concepts to sink in. We want everyone to be able to go at their own pace and stop, start and rewatch the tutorials as often as needed. We don’t want anyone to feel pressure to complete lessons quickly so others can “move on,” which can happen in a live experience.
"For the first time ever, I finally found a place on the tree for all of my matches!"
Lori Napolitano
SMOMs Course Developer
& Genetic Genealogy Coach
Katie Crichton
SMOMs Course Developer
& Academy Assistant
"Our new Shared Matches of Matches (SMOMs) process helps you identify smaller clusters of matches so you can laser-focus your attention on the most helpful ones. This worked for my mystery match, Mary Smith. Using the SMoMs process, I identified Mary’s parents and grandparents within minutes!
Take the Course now–
and soon this game-changing tool will give you
more powerful insights into
how people fit together
on your family tree.
