About Marissa J. Gardner, AG®

Founder & Lead Researcher, Treasured Ancestors

Marissa J. Gardner, Accredited Genealogist®, is the founder and lead researcher at Treasured Ancestors, a boutique genealogy firm specializing in complex U.S. and European family history cases. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Family History and Genealogy from Brigham Young University (2005) and earned her AG® credential in 2011 through ICAPGen, with a regional specialty in German research.

With over two decades of professional experience—including roles at Ancestry.com, ProGenealogists, Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation, Venio, and Legacy Tree Genealogists—Marissa brings deep expertise in both traditional and forensic genealogy. She now leads a small, trusted team of contractors to deliver personalized research solutions tailored to each client’s unique goals.

Her specialties include:

• Solving challenging genealogical brick walls

• Identifying heirs for probate, trust, real estate, and mineral rights cases

• Supporting dual citizenship applications through ancestral documentation

• Providing research that meets legal standards for court testimony

Marissa’s work has been presented in probate court and withstands scrutiny from attorneys, judges, and fellow genealogists. She is currently employed as a research consultant at the FamilySearch Library in Salt Lake City, Utah, where she assists visitors with complex genealogical questions and provides expert guidance on international records and methodology. She also mentors emerging genealogists and recently concluded her two-year term as treasurer for the APG Forensic Special Interest Group. Marissa now serves on the board of the FEEFHS organization, continuing her commitment to professional excellence and community involvement.

About Treasured Ancestors

Expert Genealogy Research Since 2009

Treasured Ancestors is a premier historical and forensic genealogy research firm based near Salt Lake City, Utah—home to the world-renowned FamilySearch Library. Since 2009, we’ve helped clients across the globe uncover their family histories through expert access to billions of records and archives.

Our team collaborates with trusted researchers in the U.S., Canada, and Europe to obtain documents from even the most elusive archives and repositories. We specialize in building accurate family trees to:

• Pinpoint ancestral hometowns across Europe

• Reconnect families through advanced DNA analysis

• Identify rightful heirs for probate and estate cases

• Support applications for dual citizenship

Whether you're navigating legal complexities or simply seeking to understand your heritage, we provide personalized research that brings your family’s story to life.

Our mission is to help you discover your roots, strengthen your sense of identity, and build meaningful connections across generations.

Explore your roots, find your connections, and bring your family story to life.

Get started with Treasured Ancestors today!