A Hands-on Workshop
Sort Your DNA Matches with More Confidence and Purpose
Tuesday August 18, 2026
2-3:30pm ET
Stop wasting time on random clicking and start making real progress on your family mysteries!
Group Your DNA Matches: A Hands-On Workshop Case Study: "Who is the father of Jose Luis Rivera?"
Get Organized
Know how to systematically organize matches so you’ll stop wasting hours on matches that won’t help your research
Step-By-Step Process
Have a proven, step-by-step process you can immediately (and repeatedly!) apply to your DNA test results so you can start making progress on your brick walls this week
Confidence Building
Understand the WHYs of the process so you can proceed with confidence now and in the future
Why this hands-on approach works
Unlike passive webinars where you just watch, this workshop puts you in the driver's seat. You'll practice the exact same skills you need for your own DNA research using our simulated match list. It's like having training wheels for your DNA analysis—safe practice that builds real confidence.
If you are staring at hundreds of DNA matches and feeling overwhelmed, or unsure which ones actually matter for your family research, you’re not alone–and there’s a simple solution. Join expert instructor Diahan Southard for this 90-minute interactive workshop! She’ll guide you through a hands-on simulation designed to transform your understanding of how (and why) to group your matches.
This interactive, engaging approach is so much more powerful than a passive webinar–and the affordable price makes it an amazing bargain.
As Diahan leads you through the steps of sorting DNA matches, you’ll learn not only HOW but WHY to do it in a specific way. Experience that transformative “a-ha” moment if you’ve never mastered this skill–or enjoy a fun refresher alongside others who love genetic genealogy.
What students are saying
About the learning experience:
Michelle Panton
“Great class. Really liked the methodology of the hands-on. I do better learning something if I use a tactile (hands-on) and visual presentation followed by the auditory back-up."
Lisa H. Taylor
“This is like a genealogy board game!"
Triva
“Excellent visuals and the clearest explanations to date. Thanks!"
Jim Bartlett
"Great, logical, paced, specific steps - Thanks Diahan."
About the results:
Judy Engelhart
"I have gotten bogged down during the 'Splitting the Networks' in other webinars. Using the cards and colors was very helpful. I have always been a hands-on learning."
Tanna
"This was amazing! Always learning no matter how much I think I already understand. I had a hard time not leaving the video and starting this immediately!"
Wait! Did I take this already? Should I attend again?
This workshop features the case study, “Who is the father of Jose Luis Rivera?” If you've attended our previous Group Your Matches workshops with this or a different case study, you're absolutely welcome back! Many students find that practicing with multiple case studies deepens their understanding and builds lasting confidence. Here’s what some have said about that:
.png?width=100&height=100&name=Linda%20Trudeau%20(1).png "Linda Trudeau (1)")
Linda Trudeau
"Repetition Repetition Repetition is the BEST way to learn these ideas on all the DNA. I watch them over and over and wait for the little epiphany!"
Maria Starliper
"Excellent workshop! It takes practice...practice...practice...and genealogy! :)"
What comes with the Workshop?
90 Minutes
90 minutes of live, interactive online instruction and dedicated Q&A time to help you gain confidence and clarity with what you’re learning–and your next steps
Simulated Match List
Immersion in a unique, simulated DNA match list experience so you can practice
Step-By-Step Instruction
Step-by-step guidance from one of the world’s leading DNA educators so you walk away with stronger skills and excitement
Recording Access
Access to a recording of the event for a week after the event so you can rewatch, play-and-pause at your own pace, and deepen your learning even more
Engaging Visuals
Worksheets, exercises and colorful visuals to enhance your learning and fun
DNA Confidence
Because you are actually doing the work, you will gain confidence in DNA techniques
Who should take this Workshop?
Anyone who wants to strengthen their ability and confidence in sorting their DNA match lists at AncestryDNA, MyHeritage DNA, 23andMe or FamilyTreeDNA.
Anyone who learns better while DOING! Because it’s just $19, it’s easy to say “yes” to this powerful (and fun) experience.
Ready to transform your DNA match chaos into organized progress?
Join us for just $19 and discover the systematic approach
that's helped so many other finally make sense of their DNA results.
How to get ready (it's easy!)
- Mark your calendar: Tuesday August 18, 2026, 2:00 - 3:30pm ET.
- Gather simple supplies: pen, scissors, colored pencils or markers.
- Print the worksheets we’ll email you (or create DIY copies if you can’t print)
- Make sure you have a good internet connection and updated Zoom
About your instructor
As the founder of Your DNA Guide, Diahan Southard has helped thousands of people worldwide turn DNA confusion into family discoveries. Her hands-on teaching approach makes complex concepts understandable and fun. She knows that discovering your own family stories makes you stronger, more rooted, more connected and more confident. You can DO the DNA–and she can help, just as she’s helped so many others.
Frequently asked questions
How is this different from watching a regular webinar?
This is a hands-on experience, where you’ll learn as you go. Your “handout” isn’t just a file-away-for-never thing, but a learning tool you’ll use DURING the workshop. A recent poll of our community showed most people want to learn by DOING. This is a “learn by doing” experience.
Who is this Workshop for? Is it for beginners?
Anyone who has spent some time exploring DNA test results–but feels stuck or unsure on what to do next
Anyone who is super curious and motivated to learn more
Anyone who wants to strengthen their ability and confidence in placing their DNA matches on their family tree.
Anyone who learns better while DOING! Because it’s just $19, it’s easy to say “yes” to this powerful (and fun) experience.
Do I need to have my own DNA test results to work with?
No. We will provide you with a made-up match list you can practice with (before you bring your fresh skills and insights back to your own).
What if I don't have a printer?
That's ok, you can still participate in the Workshop! If you're not able to print the worksheets, please look at them and create your own DIY copies of them ahead of time. Have paper handy to DIY them.
What if something comes up and I can't attend the live event?
Go ahead and register. You will still receive the worksheets and a recording of the event with all the instructions, so you can follow along and learn during the week following. This is such a fun and instructive event that's worth catching on the replay, if you can't attend live. (But do come live if you can.)
What is the refund policy for this event?
Due to the low cost of this event and the provision of recordings for those who can’t attend, there are no refunds.