Currently accepting clients for...

• DNA
• Family History Research
• Writing /Publishing

Renee Viescas Stephens is a Genealogist specializing in Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (F/IGG). She is historical researcher and specializes in forensic, genetic and traditional genealogy. Her work integrates advanced genealogical methods, including genetic kinship analysis and FAN (Friends, Associates, and Neighbors) research with archival investigation and data visualization to uncover complex social histories and amplify marginalized voices, particularly in the American South. Renee has collaborated with organizations such as USGenWeb as well as NOKFinders.

Renee has a Bachelor of Arts in Communications (Public Relations) from Fort Hays State University, holds a Graduate Certificate in Forensic Genetic Genealogy from the University of New Haven, Henry C. Lee College of Criminal Justice and Forensic Sciences and is Masters in Public History student at Southern New Hampshire University (anticipated graduation September 2026). 

Currently accepting clients in legal, law enforcement for forensic and investigative cases as well as historical and public history research.

Publications/Media

• Hyman, D., Neiman, J., Rannie, M., Allen [Stephens], R., Swietlik, M., & Balzer, A. (2017). Innovative use of the electronic health record to support harm reduction efforts. Pediatrics, 139(5), e20153410. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2015-3410
• Tyler, A., Krack, P., Bakel, L. A., Freeman, J., O’Hara, K., Scudamore, D., Moss, A., Allen [Stephens], R., Stowe, A., & Bajaj, L. (2018). Interventions to reduce over-utilized tests and treatments in bronchiolitis. Pediatrics, 141(6), e20170485. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2017-0485

Lectures
Revolutionary Justice, Public Perception, and the Power of Media: A Comparative Study of Oshua Huddy and Thomas Hickey, Society of Early Americanists Conference, June 5-8 2025
Using the EMR to Reduce Hospital-Acquired Conditions (HACs), Pediatric Academic Societies, Annual Meeting, San Diego, CA, April 25, 2015
Integrating IT with HAC Reduction & Sustainability, Presentation to Solutions for Patient Safety, Aurora, CO, July 30, 2014 Children's Hospital Colorado
Data Journey Presentation to Solutions for Patient Safety Nation-wide Work Group #5, Aurora, CO, March 20, 2014
 

Repositories
Colorado Historical Society
Colorado State Archives
Denver Public Library Genealogy and Western History Collections National Archives
Rocky Mountain Region Aurora Genealogical Society

Research Time Periods

• 21st Century
• 20th Century
• 19th Century

Certificates
Forensic Genetic Genealogy Graduate Certificate, University of New Haven, 2023

Affiliations
National Genealogical Society
International Society of Genetic Genealogy 
Association of Professional Genealogists 
Association of Professional Genealogists Colorado Chapter
Society of Early Americanists
Colorado Genealogical Society

Degrees
Bachelor of Arts, Communications Public Relations Emphasis - 2004 (Fort Hays State University)
Masters of Public History (Southern New Hampshire University, Anticipated Graduation May 2026)