General Meeting

Adoption and DNA

This lecture explores the intersection of adoption and genetic testing, covering how DNA analysis is changing the landscape of adoption and family relationships. Key topics include the rise of direct-to-consumer genetic testing, its impact on adoptees searching for biological relatives, and the ethical considerations surrounding genetic privacy and unexpected discoveries. Also discussed is how DNA testing is influencing adoption practices, including its use in international adoptions and in identifying genetic health risks. Additionally, it examines the psychological and emotional effects on birth parents, adoptees and adoptive families when previously unknown genetic connections are revealed.

Kate Penney Howard

Kate is a Genetic Genealogist. She is a full-time pastor, wife, and mother. She is not an adoptee or NPE, but her generous spirit and talent for interpreting DNA started her down the path of helping others identify their stories. She began by helping a cousin, then a friend, then a friend of a friend, and it snowballed from there.

She volunteers to do Search Angel work out of love for others, and a desire to bring healing and wholeness to them. She loves learning about different places and cultures, and she feels that through this process, she becomes a part of each person’s family who blesses her with the opportunity to become part of their story.

Kate is not only compassionate and caring she has a wonderful sense of humor. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, canning, and DIY projects. She lives with her husband, Preston, her Weimaraner Lucy, and her Roomba, Rosie. 

The General Meeting will start at 12:00 pm Pacific time and will be led by our President, Terri Seat. If you register for this event, you will receive an email reminder containing a link to the meeting three days before the event. If you are not receiving the invitations, please contact Terri Seat at:

presidentofcvgs@gmail.com

Admission is free for up to 100 participants so register early.  A handout will be available and sent to all society members.