Services Offered

Hi! I’m Kel Amstutz, The Genealogy Investigator. Welcome to my website. It’s great to meet you!

Hi, I’m Kelley Amstutz — a Certified Genealogist, professional speaker, business coach, and course creator with over 22 years of research experience. I hold a degree in Business Administration, English, and History from The University of Toledo in Ohio, and my passion lies in helping others uncover the stories of their ancestors.

My research specialties focus on the U.S. Midwest, particularly Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin. I also have extensive experience with early Society of Friends (Quaker) records, including those from Pennsylvania, North Carolina, New York, and New Jersey.

I love blending my background in education with my love of genealogy. I’m the creator and instructor of THE GENEALOGY ACADEMY, a bestselling program designed to guide you step-by-step through the art and science of family history research. I also teach DNA & GENETIC GENEALOGY ACADEMY, as well as the Finding Your Roots local workshop series and several specialized mini-courses. You can also catch me sharing research tips on The Genealogy Investigator Blog or diving into historical mysteries as the host of THE MURDER RECORD podcast.

As a proud member of the Association of Professional Genealogists (APGen) and founder of The International Genealogy Team (a global network of six professional genealogists), I specialize in U.S. and DNA research, coaching, and client consultation. My mission is simple: help others break through brick walls, solve family mysteries, and tell the stories that deserve to be remembered.

Beyond genealogy, I’m a wife, mom, and homesteader with a wide range of hobbies (too many to list here!). Like many of you, I’m still working on my own tree — full of surprises, secrets, odd surnames, and a few ancestors who seem determined to whisper in my dreams. I’m right there in the trenches with you, and I’ll be digging until I’m old and gray.

Whether you're just getting started or are a fellow professional, welcome! If you’re ready to begin your journey, THE GENEALOGY ACADEMY is a great place to start — and I’ll be with you every step of the way.

Let’s connect. We’re in this together!

Professional Genealogical Research Services

Are you ready to uncover the stories of your ancestors?

Whether you're stuck at a frustrating “brick wall,” unsure how to begin, or simply prefer to have a professional guide the process, I’m here to help. With over two decades of genealogical research experience, I work closely with individuals and families to uncover rich histories, document lineages, and tell compelling ancestral stories.

You don’t have to do this alone.

Getting Started: The Process

Step 1: Initial Contact
Email me at MetaphysiKel@gmail.com with your research question and a brief summary of your current project or family line.

Step 2: Free Consultation
We’ll schedule a complimentary 15–30 minute Zoom consultation to discuss your goals, review your existing research (if any), and determine the scope of the project.

Step 3: Research Plan
Following our consultation, I will create a customized research plan outlining the project timeline, research goals, and estimated hours needed.

Step 4: The Research Begins
Once we agree on the plan, I’ll begin the research and keep you informed along the way. Collaboration is key — I make sure you are comfortable and involved at every step.

What You Receive

A custom Research Report summarizing findings with full source citations, images, and links.
Copies of all relevant documents discovered during the research process.
Recommendations for future research to help you continue your journey.
Access to a Google Drive folder with all materials for your convenience and long-term storage.

Fees

$50 per hour
Minimum project commitment: 5 hours

Custom packages and extended research projects available upon request.

If you're ready to explore your family’s past with clarity, confidence, and expert guidance, I’d be honored to work with you.

Fee Structure

Genealogical research projects are billed by the hour and tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. All projects begin with a free consultation to discuss your goals and determine the best approach for your research.

Below is a breakdown of standard research packages:

Traditional Genealogical Research

5-Hour Research Package – $250
Ideal for answering a specific research question or breaking through a small brick wall.
(This is the minimum project requirement for traditional research.)
10-Hour Research Package – $500
Recommended for more in-depth investigations, multi-generational searches, or compiling a brief family history.

DNA & Genetic Genealogy Research

10-Hour DNA Research Package – $750
Minimum package for DNA analysis, including match evaluation, tree-building, and relationship mapping.
20-Hour DNA Research Package – $1,000
Best for cases involving unknown parentage, deeper genetic relationships, or multiple DNA kits.
30-Hour Comprehensive DNA Project – $2,250
Designed for complex DNA mysteries, end-of-line brick walls, or combining traditional and genetic research strategies.

What’s Included in All Packages

A custom research plan tailored to your goals
A detailed Research Report with findings, citations, and supporting documentation
Copies of all documents and records discovered during the research
Access to a shared Google Drive folder with all project files
Suggestions for next steps and further research opportunities

Need a customized package or long-term project? Extended research and retainer options are available upon request.

Let’s bring your family history to life with clarity, accuracy, and care.