About
Natasha Terrell is a professional genealogist and critical-care registered nurse in New Orleans. Natasha specializes in both traditional and genetic genealogy. Natasha was immersed in family history as a child, often accompanying her great-grandmother to cemeteries for family tomb upkeep and placing holiday flowers. The Giacomo Cusimano family tomb in Metairie Cemetery is a landmark site on tourist group routes. Giacomo Cusimano to Natasha, was a third-great-grandfather. The legacy of the New Orleans “Little Sicily” Cusimano Macaroni Factory, is made known today by the Luxury Pasta brand. In 2016, Natasha was contacted by author Donna Shrum for an interview about her heritage and the Cusimano Macaroni Factory. The interview took place at the Le Richelieu Hotel in New Orleans, formerly the Cusimano Macaroni Factory. Through Donna’s research, Natasha learned Giacomo’s generosity to the Uddo family was pivotal in the formation of the brand known today as Progresso. Natasha often uses this example to explain the value of traditional genealogy in uncovering pieces of family history.
Natasha’s personal interest in genetic genealogy began upon learning her father was adopted. First, she had to master navigating the unique genealogy difficulties in endogamous populations, as her parents share Cajun-French genetic background.
Second, she had to refine her endogamous populations skillset with the art and science of unknown parentage research. Natasha discovered, and successfully confirmed, the identities of her biological paternal grandparents through genetic genealogy. Grounded by personal experience, Natasha compassionately volunteers as a search angel.
She is an expert in Acadian and Cajun peoples from the 17th century to the 20th century. She helps clients discover their ancestry using DNA evidence, in cases ranging from recent unknown parentage to 18th-century admixture (“ethnicity result”) research. Natasha has compiled multigenerational family histories and located elusive ancestors for private clients, nonprofits, and collaborating genealogists across the United States, Canada and Europe.
Her training as a critical-care nurse offers expanded knowledge on genetics with a special interest in pharmacogenomics. She contributes to forensic genealogy research and aspires to further her career in forensic methodologies with the goal of assisting law enforcement in solving cold cases specifically the unidentified. She is well versed in navigating the local and district clerk of courts for record retrieval and is fluent in many aspects of probate law unique to Louisiana such as forced heirship.
Natasha is an alumna of the renowned Charity School of Nursing in New Orleans and earned a baccalaureate of science in nursing from the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center of New Orleans.
She is a member of numerous genealogy societies, library systems, and the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses. Natasha follows “Genealogical Proof Standard” set forth by the Board for Certification of Genealogists.
